Descendre by Terje Rypdal, released 9 October 2020, includes the following tracks: "Descendre", "Men Of Mystery" and more.
This version of Descendre comes as a 1xCD. -
"Descendre" is an atmospheric jazz album by Norwegian guitarist and composer Terje Rypdal, released on CD by the renowned label ECM Records. The music unfolds in long, spacious arcs, combining lyrical electric guitar, impressionistic harmonies and a strong sense of Nordic melancholy. Rather than focusing on virtuosity, the album emphasizes mood, texture and space: slow-building themes, floating trumpet and keyboards, and subtle rhythmic undercurrents create a cinematic, almost ambient jazz landscape. "Descendre" is a contemplative listening experience that rewards attention with its delicate interplay and quiet intensity, making it ideal for late-night listening and focused, immersive sessions.
Terje Rypdal, born in Norway, is one of the defining voices of European jazz guitar. Emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he became closely associated with ECM and helped shape the label's distinctive "Nordic sound." Over the decades he has released numerous albums as a leader and collaborated with a wide range of jazz and contemporary classical musicians. Rypdal is celebrated for his singing sustain, use of effects, and his ability to merge jazz, rock, classical and ambient influences into a very personal idiom. His recordings for ECM have gained international recognition and influenced generations of guitarists and composers looking beyond traditional jazz boundaries.
ECM Records, founded in Germany in 1969, is internationally respected for its audiophile production standards, clear sound and carefully curated catalog. The label has been a key platform for innovative jazz, contemporary classical music and genre-defying projects, often emphasizing space, clarity and artistic freedom. Its releases are known for distinctive cover art, meticulous recording techniques and long-term collaborations with visionary artists like Terje Rypdal. With "Descendre," ECM once again documents music that is subtle, exploratory and timeless, underscoring its reputation as one of the most influential labels in modern improvised music.
This release seems to polarize reviewers, the harsher reviews coming from guitarists at odds with Rypdal's effects. For me, this is amazing album... Terje forever
Andrei Z. - 01/Jan/2021
Two Norwegians and a Dane. Miles Davis himself danced to the tune of this Dane. An amazing album. Even my wife loves it very much and sometimes she will cry from feelings ... Perhaps Rypdal's most sensual album. It is even unbelievable that this is the music of a harsh "viking". An absolutely amazing musician, Jon Christiansen is a phenomenal drummer who never pushed himself to front. Such a humble star. Well, Palle ... this is Palle. I'm delightd!
Modern
32.362
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 983- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 340- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 998- Other Modern Jazz 27.382- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 447
