DESCENDRE

Another classic from Terje and we get a trio here with Rypdal adding guitar, flute and keys while Jon Christensen adds drums and Palle Mikkelborg plays trumpet, flugelhorn and keys. Many rate this one quite high with the organ-like atmosphere that creates warmth while Terje's guitar tone is as mournful as ever. The trumpet is a really nice touch as well. This was released in 1980.

"Avskjed" opens with that organ-like sound as we get plenty of atmosphere until the trumpet and drums kick in. Guitar around 4 minutes as the trumpet continues. "Circles" is the longest song at over 11 minutes. The horn comes and goes before the guitar comes to the fore around 2 1/2 minutes as the drums beat randomly and we get organ-like pulses. The guitar is crying out after 6 1/2 minutes. This track seems improvised and it's quite abstract as well.

"Descendre" features that crying guitar with piano, a sparse beat and bells. "Innseiling" has this dark atmosphere as guitar and a horn join in. Lots of atmosphere then we get this change before 4 minutes as it brightens and picks up. Not really into this part though. It calms back down before 6 1/2 minutes as relaxed horns join in along with atmosphere and guitar.

"Man Of Mystery" has these mournful guitar sounds along with busy drum work. Some crazy horns after 5 minutes as drums and atmosphere help out. "Spell" is the closer and my favourite. Beautiful atmospheric pulsing keyboards as the guitar solos over top. Gorgeous stuff as a beat arrives. Trumpet before 2 1/2 minutes. I really like this chilled sound as sharp trumpet blasts come and go.

I would rate several of his studio albums over this one but this is another winner for sure.