Scandinavian Wood

by Ken DrydenBy the time this recording was issued in 1995, Niels Pedersen had long since been acknowledged as one of the premiere jazz bassists in the world. This CD is a bit different from his earlier dates as a leader, as it starts off with a suite for solo bass and string orchestra (scored by Ole Kock Hansen) of various Norwegian, Islandic, and Swedish folk songs, along with one piece by Carl Nielsen. Pedersen's solo interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sonata No. 1 in G, Presto" is breathtaking even though it is over in under a minute. No less amazing are his solo compositions, which include the intricate "Samba Petit" and the melodious "En Yndig Og Frydeful Sommertid" which has a second overdubbed bassline. There are two tracks featuring the bassist with Hansen on piano: "Kenny" is a bittersweet tune which was likely written as a memorial tribute to Kenny Drew (who Pedersen had worked with on numerous occasions), while "Befael Du Dine Veje" is a lovely traditional tune jointly arranged by the two men. The only shortcoming is minor; no translations of the titles are given. Although this release is off the beaten path of edersen's small group recordings, anyone who enjoys this virtuoso bassist will greatly enjoy this CD.