Some Swedish
post-bop
can be quite cerebral. In the Scandinavian countries,
Stefan Isaksson
has no problem reaching intellectuals, but the Swedish tenor saxophonist also has something warm and emotional to offer -- in other words,
Three Cushions
appeals to the heart as well as the brain. This 1997 date (which is more
than
hard bop
) demonstrates that
Isaksson
's influences have taught him well. The Swede's playing and writing underscores his appreciation of
Wayne Shorter
,
John Coltrane
, and
George Coleman
, and like those musicians,
knows how to be intellectual and soulful at the same time. When lyrical, introspective offerings like
"Mourning Dawn,"
"Sharp Island,"
and
"Camilla"
are playing, you know that
isn't just showing off his chops or trying to impress you with his technique -- he's communicating with the listener and sharing his inner thoughts and emotions. And this is the sort of thing that separates the men from the boys in
jazz
. Any run-of-the-mill
student who spends enough time in the shed can learn to play
"Giant Steps"
really fast, but
has something deeper to offer. To his credit,
does most of the writing on this album. The only piece that he didn't write by himself is the brief
"Let Go,"
which he co-wrote with pianist
Goesta Rundqvist
. Gratefully,
surrounds himself with sympathetic improvisers; pianist
Ake Johansson
and fellow tenor man
Bernt Rosengren
are among the respected Scandinavians who are featured on this captivating Swedish release. ~ Alex Henderson