Ambiance

by Scott YanowAlthough the Danish Radio Big Band appears on this CD, the main soloist is bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. NHOP, who was the regular bassist with the group during 1964-82, appears as the lead soloist on every selection while Thomas Ovesen plays bass with the ensembles. This unusual situation (bass with orchestra) has the potential for boredom but Pedersen's creative and virtuosic playing, a fair amount of variety in the generally straightahead repertoire and the high musicianship of the big band holds one's interest. Tenor saxophonist Bob Rockwell gets featured in a few spots while the traditional folk song "O, Tysta Ensambet" is a duet by NHOP and pianist Ole Koch Hansen, the orchestra's conductor. This CD is worth exploring.