REVIEW: Arve Henriksen - Cartography

8.75 out of 10

Find it here.

It's hard to pick a "favorite" Jazz composer. If I had to guess, most would probably mention Miles Davis or John Coltrane, which are great in their own right. However, with my "ear-taste buds", it's experimental and unique that catch me off guard and grab my full attention. Something that no other artist has or is impossible to imitate. Arve Henriksen would be somewhere in my top 3 for those exact reasons. Although, Arve Henriksen isn't "Jazz" per say, Mr. Henriksen dabbles in Jazz, Neo Classical, World, and avante garde rhythmic/tribal sounds. Arve Henriksen was a classically trained musician who later became influenced by Japanese-trumpet playing. He was born in Stranda, Norway, and studied at the Trondheim Conservatory. During his time a friend gave him a tape recording of the Shakuhachi flute. Henriksen was hooked. "I let the music 'ring' and develop in my head," he said. "I was astonished by the sound of this flute." Listening to his releases you will hear that instrument dominantly over lush landscapes and modern decay that would be perfect for the darkest spot in that always empty Jazz club. I first came across Mr. Henriksen's work in 2004 with the release of his second album "Chiaroscuro" which, for all of those people who aren't "art-nerds", means "the study of light and dark", a perfect description for a near perfect album. Five years later Mr. Henriksen is back at again, this time with his 4th release, "Cartography", which by all means is one of the best albums I have heard this year/in general.

When Arve Henriksen breathes into his flute he doesn't just make "pretty" sounds he captivates your ears completely. He doesn't "just play" the instrument, he becomes it. The music takes on the mind, heart, body, and soul of Arve Henriksen. That being said, underneath Mr. Henriksen's soul, lays a body of minimalist worldsy trances, white noise samples, serene/poetic vocals/choirs/spoken words, and a bit of Neo Classical fusion. Every track on "Cartography" is completely spellbinding and emotionally complex. "Cartography" not only left a mark on Arve Henriksen's soul, but also, may be one of his "life defining" moments amongst the greats in Avant-Jazz history. "Cartography" is sure to leave a mark on anyone who gives it a listen. With some Jazz music it can take a little more "focus" than you may want to give, with Arve Henriksen it won't, these sounds are impossible to ignore

Listen to "Cartography" when you want to settle down at the end of long stressful day. Or any day for that matter, just be prepared to become relaxed and slightly more focused. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. DO NOT OVERLOOK ARVE HENRIKSEN ANYMORE, you shouldn't have done so in the beginning. Album's like "Cartography" remind me of why my favorite appendage(s) are my ears. BRA-VO Mr. Henriksen, Bravo.

Standout Tracks: ALL OF THEM. But especially: Poverty And It's Opposite, Before And Afterlife, Migration (great time structure), Recording Angel (so gorgeous), Famine's Ghost, Thermal, Sorrow And It's Opposite (a PERFECT ender -- gives me goose bumps)