HEDVIG MOLLESTAD & TRONDHEIM JAZZ ORCHESTRA: MATERNITY BEAT

I am so surprised to see that there is no written review for this excellent record. Hedvig Mollestad has been creating music since 2009 and many of her previous records has been favorably reviewed on this site.

In this record she steps away from her usual trio and collaborates with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. As this collaboration might hint, this record is far jazzier then her previous output with her Trio. If I am not mistaken, she composed all the songs in this record including the orchestrations. She still plays her killer guitar, but more space is allocated to other instruments as well.

Overall I would describe the feel of this record as avant rock/jazz with fantastic guitar solos mixed in. There is a definite Latin jazz tinge in some of the songs. I clearly feel the spirit of Flora Purim infused all over the compositions.

The album is very balanced; it not only has typical fast paced Hedvig style songs but also includes contemplative quieter compositions. I hear another female singer supporting her in some of the songs, who has a wonderful voice, but I am not sure who she is.

Hedvig certainly evolved her musical style and further developed both compositional and orchestration skills. I am already looking forward to her next output.