STraTa

Kúli Sverrisson & Bill Frisell (Newvelle NVO16LP)

On Strata, Icelandic bass impresario Skúli Sverrisson and American guitar master Bill Frisell, play ten compositions composed by Sverrisson. For lovers of guitar/bass improvisation, it will be a memorable auditory pleasure. As with all Newvelle releases, the sound is impeccable. The blend of the strings and the crystal-clear sound stage provide an opportunity to savour the blend of folk, chamber, and classical genres with jazz overtones created by this masterful duo. Skúli’s electric bass often times blends as if it is another guitar, as his lines provide a bottom end that allows Frisell to go off in different directions. Sweet Earth and Instants are folk-oriented and set the stage for what is to come. Vanishing Point like most of the more brief tracks, makes you wish the experience could last longer. With this marvellous release, Newvelle Records has succeeded again in providing a home for creativity and joy to reign. Jeff Krow