The Reason Why Vol. 3 Goran Kajfeš

November 16, 2017

The Alternative 9

https://www.thealternative9.com/the-alternative-9-review

This year we have witnessed the aural joy of brilliant horn section playing captivating, mellifluous lines and enhancing the songs they have found themselves in. Canadians, The Souljazz Orchestra stand out as do Swedes, Goran Kajfeš Subtropic Arkestra. As Goran's outfit embark on their third and final instalment of this incarnation's musical travels, here are seven au revoirs. It is the stamp on others' compositions, including those originally composed by Panda Bear, Bernard Fevre and Dan Snaith, that makes this a particularly well-balanced collection. The expedition begins with Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia's 'Ibakish Tarekigne', setting the standard with one of many uplifting, intense melodies. 'Trance Dance' has echoes to the freedom of Miles Davis' 'Bitches Brew'/'Big Fun' era as Goran's trumpet waxes and wains over the frantic, complex Johan Holmegard drums and the Johnassons/Kullahammar horns, build to a euphoric climax. Perhaps the pick of this (rather) magnificent seven are the wonderfully sentient 'Le Monde Avait 5 Ans' and that with which it segues: a Bill Laswell-effects-like, 9'45 outing called 'I'm on My Way/Patch of Blue'. Both placing memorable melody at the core, the latter interrupting the equilibrium with a break of chaotic freedom. The mood comes down through Panda Bear's 'You Can Count on Me'. A doleful, emotional piece, emotively expressed by Kajfeš Subtropic Arkestra before Caribou's 'Sandy' gets the release it deserves via an emancipated group at the end of thes travels. Highly recommended, 'The Reason Why' Volume 3' is out on Headspin Recordings this week.