Now that’s consistent: Instead of coming up with a name for an album that oscillates between promising and thought-provoking, Jakob Bro takes the pragmatic approach: Just count them all up—done! Accordingly, the Danish jazz guitarist’s latest album is simply titled 8—exactly the number of musicians featured on it.

The list of these musicians is a veritable “Who’s Who” of today’s most sought-after jazz performers: there’s, for example, the exceptional drummer Marcus Gilmore, along with a second drummer, Brian Blade. Two double bassists are also on board: Larry Grenadier and Anders Christensen. Chraig Taborn plays piano, Jester Zeuthen plays alto saxophone, and Chris Sheek plays tenor saxophone. This seems like a very rhythm-oriented lineup, but it’s not quite that simple.

In fact, Jakob Bro layers voices, integrating melody into the rhythm and vice versa—and sometimes, as in “a Mambo Jambo” or “Drum Music,” it’s as if the drummers are lively soloists within the theme played by the other musicians. “Mild” is a quiet piece, told calmly and very melodically. “It Should’ve Happened A Long Time Ago” sums things up in a melancholic, unhurried way, whereas “Split Decision” is permeated by an underlying tension that subconsciously heightens one’s sensitivity to the soundscapes.

Incidentally, *8* was recorded in one take at the Power Station in New York. David Elberling, also Danish and possessing a congenial feel for the music’s message, handled the mastering. The instruments spread out across the vastness of a large space, yet never lose focus—even during the most frenetic passages. This is particularly striking to observe in the very dense drum passages.

The 36-minute recording is also rich in detail. The listener’s ear is right up close to the strings, drumheads, and reeds; to the cymbals and valves; to the keys, sticks, and picks. In terms of recording technique, this is top-notch, and the album deserves every second of it.

8 is a varied and dynamic album that, sonically, oscillates transparently between explicit musicality and integrative musical dynamics. An exciting recording. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Jakob Bro, electric guitar
Chris Cheek, tenor saxophone
Jesper Zeuthen, alto saxophone
Craig Taborn, piano
Larry Grenadier, double bass
Anders Christensen, double bass
Marcus Gilmore, drums
Brian Blade, drums