Alawari - 2024 - Leviathan

(44:08; April Records)

Track list:
1. Evangelisten 5:45
2. I Push Too 2:58
3. Degrowth 3:21
4. Procession 6:25
5. Ako Pôjdem 2:38
6. Himmelhænder 3:42
7. The Mind 3:02
8. Jamal 2:57
9. The Mourners 5:43
10. Spinner 2:27
11. Peace Train 5:10

Line-up:
Sune Sunesen Rendtorff - piano, synthesizer
Carlo Janusz Becker Adrian - trumpet, flugelhorn
Frederik Engell - saxophone
Michela Turcerová - saxophone
Rafał Różalski - bass
Simon Forchhammer - drums


Danish band Alawari has been around in one form or another at least since 2017, and appeared as recording artists with their self-titled album back in 2022. Two years and a few line-up alterations later they are now back with their second album "Leviathan", which was released through Danish label April Records.

It is a more contemporary sounding variety of jazz we get in this case, and an all instrumental variety of the form at that. The use of reeds and brass are mainstay dominant elements throughout, with ample and effective support by keyboards, piano and a versatile rhythm section.

The greater majority of the songs here are more careful ventures, at least initially. Dreamladen and slow moving tapestries are woven by the brass and the reeds, often with a more minimalist arrangement initially, with the compositions gradually evolving into more majestic displays as layers are added and instrument details intensify. Circulating instrument patterns are in use just as much as floating and surging movements, with all three modes of delivery also combined in places, and the piano as well as keyboards and effects having their place and role as more prominent elements on set occasions.

Besides the gradually developing compositions we also get instances where a more set arrangement is explored in more detail, and also some cases of creations that move through different phases rather than gradually developing. In the majority of the cases with more distinct melodies and harmonies being the order of the day, with occasional use of what I'd describe as subtly broken harmonies on occasion. We do get one instance where the band decides to display a much more expressive side of themselves too, with the more chaotic and perhaps borderline free form tune 'The Mind' being the track in question.

Gentle melancholic landscapes is the dominating expression here as far as mood and atmosphere goes, with many songs concluding on a more dramatic note of majestic magnitude. We do get the occasional switch into uplifting and playful territories in part or on full, and also a fair few left turns into a more careful and dreamladen landscape. With a song like 'Jamal' also taking on a bit of what I'd describe as an otherworldly feel. Otherwise we get plenty of elegant and ethereal moments throughout this album.

Those with a general fascination for a more contemporary sounding variety of instrumental jazz with brass and reeds as key instruments should find this album to be generally appealing I suspect. And those fond of compositions that develop from a more careful and dreamladen subtle opening phase through to a more majestic and dramatic conclusion in this specific category of instrumental jazz should find a lot to please their sensitivities on this production.

Olav M. Björnsen, November 2024

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ALAWARIMUSIC
https://aprilrecords.com/