Old New Borrowed Blue

The three young Scandinavian musicians comprising the Magnus Hjorth Trio have a healthy respect for the past while seeking to establish their own identity in modern jazz. Pianist Magnus Hjorth has chops to burn and a sense of humor in his playing, especially in standards like "Let's Face the Music and Dance," tackled at a brisk tempo with its share of brief nostalgic detours into waltz time. While "Stompin' at the Savoy" is played at a bit more conventional pace, they keep it refreshing by focusing primarily on Petter Eldh's bass solo, though Hjorth stretches far away from its theme in his post-bop solo. The pianist's originals also stand out, including the hip upbeat blues "Qloose" and the quirky "Madhouse," the latter featuring drummer Snorrie Kirk's crisp brushwork. Eldh contributed the lush ballad "Sunday Service," a meditative work that has the spirit of Duke Ellington. This is an excellent sophomore release by this promising trio.