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Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet – MAINTAIN!
Dusty Groove:
A deeply soulful set from saxophonist Fredrik Kronkvist — who steps out here with a bold strong session as a leader! You may have heard Fredrik’s work with A Bossa Eletrica , but here he’s in a straight jazz mode — blowing alto sax in quartet formation, and working with a depth and fluid sense of imagination that takes us back to some of Wayne Shorter’s best early work, even though Shorter worked on tenor and Fred’s here on alto! Almost all the tracks are originals, and flow wonderfully throughout the set — almost hitting a club jazz mode in their energy and sense of rhythm, but opening up more strongly in a creative soulbop way. The rest of the group includes Daniel Tilling on piano, Martin Sjostedt on bass, and Daniel Frederiksson on drums — and a few tracks feature some additional percussion as well. Includes the tunes “Improvised Action”, “Supreme Resolution”, “Triplet Soul Mob”, “Rootsy Vibration”, “Kickin Jazz”, and “Two Step Takedown” — plus a great version of “Love Theme From Spartacus”.
Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet – ALTITUDE
Jazzreview – Randy McElligot:
Fredrik Kronkvist is without a doubt one of the hottest alto sax players on the Swedish Jazz scene or any Jazz scene for that matter. With his smoking attack and drive, Kronkvist has raised the bar a few notches…
Kronkvist being one of many excellent musicians who continue to improve and push the envelope. From beginning to end Kronkvist and the band swing hard…”
(scroll down to read the whole review)
All About Jazz – Jack Bowers:
“Kronkvist himself comes from a line that began with Bird, continued through the Sonnys Criss and Stitt, Jackie McLean, Phil Woods, Lou Donaldson, Cannonball Adderley, Charles McPherson, Herb Geller and Frank Morgan to such younger contemporaries as Gary Bartz, Bobby Watson, Kenny Garrett, Vincent Herring, Jesse Davis and others. He produces a handsome sound, closest perhaps to Criss, Morgan or Garrett, and has a formidable technique to match.”
Jazz Special – Ole Nimand
(in Danish)
Det seneste årti er en række saxofonister, med tenorsaxofon som hovedinstrument, dukket op på den svenske jazzscene. Fredrik Kronkvist har altsaxen som foretrukket instrument. Det er hans anden cd. Denne gang med et hold af helt unge medspillere. Musikken er overvejende skrevet af Kronkvist selv. Det er ganske gode melodier, der danner glimrende afsæt for improvisationerne. Kronkvist er en eklektisk musiker, i tone og udtryk i slægt med så forskellige instrumentkolleger som Steve Coleman og Jackie McLean. Hans spil er brændende, intenst og meget udtryksfuldt – her er en spillemand (positivt) med god kontrol over ideer og instrument. Rytmegruppen spiller energisk og idérigt op til kapelmesteren, som med overskud og humor også tager den svenske klassiker Litet Grann Från Ovan fra filmen Landevejskroen op til behandling i en jazzmæssig sammenhæng. Det er en dejlig plade Kronkvist & Co. har begået.
Jazzreview – Randy McElligot:
Fredrik Kronkvist is without a doubt one of the hottest alto sax players on the Swedish Jazz scene or any Jazz scene for that matter. With his smoking attack and drive, Kronkvist has raised the bar a few notches. Playing in a style reminiscent of Phil Woods Bobby Watson and Azar Lawrence, Kronkvist has learned over the years how to draw heat from a melody and make it his own. A very much in demand musician, Altitude is the latest release from this gifted musician.
Harlem Nocturne has long been a favorite with many jazz musicians. Desert Night is a variation on this classic. With the sultry rhythms of the drum and sax melding into one gorgeous orgy of sonic delight and mystery. Tilling’s scintillating piano only adds fuel to the proverbial fire. Fredriksson’s mallet work is subtle yet effective. Evoking late night moods, the soft yet direct sounds of mallet hitting skin invite a low key response from Kronkvist.
With the intensity of a McCoy Tyner session circa mid seventies, Yemaya leaps and soars. The pulsating drive from Kronkvist, pushes the band higher and higher. The intensity meter is about to burst. There is no doubt that the studio was hot that day. Incredible rhythmic drive. After a few bars, it’s quite clear that everyone is in a different space. Captivated by the moment, it is unbelievable how everyone is sharing this moment with fervor and gusto.
Isis is a funky number with Kronkvist playing the head, and taking a few bars before the rest of the band joins in for a satisfying session. Kronkvist continues to impress with his choice of notes and general feel for the piece.
Another hard driving vehicle, Close Race has some tricky changes. The band has no problem keeping up with this demanding chart. One of the qualities of note regarding Kronkvist is that he is a leader in every way. The way he leads the band with his effervescent style, harkens back to Dexter Gordon’s approach to conveying a melody. Shades of Stitt and Wood’s harmonic execution prevail in this piece.
Time to relax with Family Business. Another example of the control Kronkvist displays in his playing. He is always in the moment. Never straying.
Sjostedt’s bass introduces us to a swinging number entitled Instinct. The band sails throughout. Pulsating sounds from Kronkvist. Swinging harder with every bar.
Kronkvist’s snappy arrangements and excellent writing make this session one to remember. At the recent Stockholm Jazz Festival, Kronkvist had a chance to play with Roy Hargrove and his band. I am sure that Roy went back to America with a big smile on his face. Proof that Sweden has much to offer the Jazz world. Kronkvist being one of many excellent musicians who continue to improve and push the envelope. From beginning to end Kronkvist and the band swing hard. There are many rewarding moments. Altitude is a perfect name for this recording because after one listen, you will be soaring to a musical altitude most people rarely visit.
