Ulf Wakenius - Momento Magico (CD)

Release Date: 03/28/14

The solo debut of Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius: acoustic, virtuoso and with a world-music flavour - simply magical!

The constant search and addiction for the magical moments in music is what drives jazz musicians: 'I have been blessed to experience such moments in my work with wonderful artists such as Oscar Peterson (in whose quartet he played for 10 years), Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and of course the wonderful Youn Sun Nah (with whom he has been successful as a duo around the globe),' says guitarist Ulf Wakenius. That's what his new album 'Momento Magico' is about, the extraordinary moments beyond time and space that follow you throughout your musical life. Here, the Swede concentrates entirely on the acoustic guitar, on the exploration of its natural sound, which in its diversity is made to revive the most diverse magical moments. Wakenius has dedicated each song on the album to a companion, friend or formative influence. For a Swedish jazz musician of the middle generation, this inevitably starts with Esbjörn Svensson. In addition, there is a 'Preludio' for Keith Jarrett as well as pieces dedicated to Wes Montgomery and, of course, Oscar Peterson. Wakenius' playing has always been inspired and steeped in world music as well as American jazz. Raga-like lines, a reminiscence of the cradle of the blues in West Africa as well as influences from Asia, Greece, Russia and the Middle East characterise the pieces on the solo album, which is unparalleled in musical diversity. What Wakenius has created here from the memory of many magical moments is in any case suitable to provide the listener with one or two such moments now.