Jan Garbarek - Til Vigdis

Jan Garbarek trio & quartet - Til Vigdis
Norsk Jazzforbund NJFLP-1 1967

This is a key record in what were the formative years of Norwegian free jazz. We have documented in the past similar key records and events in German, Dutch and French jazz and in British jazz as well, in particular the innovations of Joe Harriott and the scene around the Spontaneous Music Ensemble and the South African expats in London centred on the Blue Notes. And a bit of Scandinavian jazz, too, both in Denmark and Sweden. Not so much in Norway, though, so about time, then.

Garbarek was twenty when he made this and at the time very much inspired by the new thing over in the US; Coltrane, Shepp, Ayler and Sanders are all strong sources of inspiration, even naming the opening track after Mr. J.C. himself, an adaptation of Coltrane's "Mr. P.C" for Paul Chambers. This piece exists in several versions, usually from recorded live dates in Europe or at Birdland in NYC. "Freedom jazz dance" also exists in many versions, one of which can be found on the "Miles Smiles" album with the classic quartet and of course on Eddie Harris' "The In Sound" from 1965. It shows that Garbarek was quite au courant with what was going on the wider jazz world at the time. This album is quite different from what Garbarek does these days; here he is much more intense, less preoccupied with silence and space in the music (what was to be known as the Nordic Sound on ECM releases), instead cramming in as much as can be played within the time given. Not so all the way through, the title track is a more languid piece, possibly inspired by jazz excursions into eastern sounds and vibes. Jon Christensen is on fire, particularly on the swinging "Freedom Jazz Dance".

I don't know anything about Frank Phipps, briefly described as a Californian, who is on the second side and in the picture below. Personal and kind liner notes by Karin Krog, the grand lady of Norwegian jazz, not averse to experimenting and innovating herself, as we have documented in the past (and will do in the future).

I realise that this is a record that many have heard of, but few  have actually seen or heard, including myself until very recently. So what else to say but dig in and enjoy!

The quartet in full flight at Sogn Jazz Club in 1967
Note the original Edvard Munch painting on the wall!

Side 1

Mr. J.C. (J. Coltrane)

Jan Garbarek - tenor sax
Per Løberg - bass
Jon Christensen - drums

Recorded live at "Abeidsbrakka" Asker, 1. April 1967

Side 2

Freedom Jazz Dance (Eddie Harris)
Til Vigdis (Jan Garbarek)

Jan Garbarek - tenor sax
Frank Phipps _ valve trombone
Arild Andersen - bass
Jon Christensen - drums

Recorded live at Studentbyens Jazz Klubb, Oslo, 24. September 1967

Pic courtesy of Arthur Sand/Norwegian Jazz Archive.