Shine [Vinyl LP]

Unmistakably now one of the best pianists in Europe, Jacob Karlzon s music and personality are possessed of a radiance and vitality that has won audiences over worldwide. But Karlzon wants more in terms of sound, composition and concept and doesn t really care much for categories and genre-labelling. Instead, Karlzon chooses to draw tastefully and fervently from the best of two worlds - the openness, curiosity and energy of jazz, and the power, catchiness and the production techniques of pop. It all culminates in nine songs that run the gamut from groovy and gripping, to delicate, fragile and touching, and that together form a perfectly rounded album. The title track Shine epitomises the album, from the very first note it snake-charms its way into the ears and down to the legs. Synth-particles shimmer and gleam over the driving groove and irrepressible melody, and the intensity knows no way but up. From his first solo, Karlzon lets us know what real piano-playing is all about.