Moose Loose ~ Norway

Live at Kongsberg Jazzfestival (1973 / 2023)

Here are some snippets of my reviews from Moose Loose's two studio albums (see below): "Moose Loose's debut Elgen Er Løs is a powerful fusion album, that mixes in funky clavinet lines with some ferocious electric guitar leads, playing in an almost psychedelic style... Here they sound like a cross between No Mystery era Return to Forever and mid 70s Jean-Luc Ponty. And despite the song title, Moose Loose have definitely downplayed the funky aspects of their sound. In fact this first track does begin to tell the story of Transition, as the title of the album is also descriptive."

This live outing predates their debut - and combines both of the above albums. There's very little of the funk element, while the band performs in a more traditional jazz rock setting. The guitar, however, remains ferocious. This is guitar, electric piano, bass, and drums playing both high energy fusion and spatial jazz rock tunes. Organ is credited, but it's not a focus area. If all that sounds good, you'll want to get this. Bread and butter early jazz rock / fusion is what this is.

Ownership: 2023 Norske Arkivklassikere (CD) 

12/14/23 (acquired / review)

Transition (1976)

Transition is the second and last album from Norway's Moose Loose. The album's opener 'Funky Hi-Way' had me thinking that I really need to stop buying albums like this. Don't get me wrong, I think it's very good, but this kind of fusion has been played many times over. Here they sound like a cross between No Mystery era Return to Forever and mid 70s Jean-Luc Ponty. And despite the song title, Moose Loose have definitely downplayed the funky aspects of their sound. In fact this first track does begin to tell the story of Transition, as the title of the album is also descriptive. Gone is heavy-on-the-Clavinet Brynjulf Blix (what a name!) and in his place is fusion keyboardist Håkon Graf, who we know best from the Blow Out album that shares his name. But more importantly, though, is the addition of violinist Trond Villa (another great name!). He adds a whole new dimension to Moose Loose. Things improve on the 10.5 minute 'Trees' where the solo instruments begin to shine (especially Jon Eberson's guitar), and the rhythms become more interesting. After two excellent interludes close side 1 and open side 2, the album really finds its groove on 'White' and 'Graf'. I first heard this album - like so many others - via a cd-r blitz a decade ago. They all started to blend together. Like with Ozric Tentacles, one must separate the listens over time to truly appreciate the contents on their own merit. So while I do miss the rawer psychedelic qualities of Elgen Er Løs, I find Transition just as compelling, even though its more restrained and, dare I say, professional.

Ownership: 2021 Norske Albumklassikere (CD). Digi-file sleeve with liner notes in Norwegian. 

8/18/10; 7/11/21 (acquired / review)

Elgen Er Løs (1974)

---8/17/10

Moose Loose's debut Elgen Er Løs is a powerful fusion album, that mixes in funky clavinet lines with some ferocious electric guitar leads, playing in an almost psychedelic style. Latter half of the album drifts towards more standard jazz / jazz-rock before closing with an acoustic guitar, piano piece.

---3/24/21

Probably sold it a bit short there. Though it does describe quite well the first track 'Ebers Funk', with its wicked fuzz and clavinet runs. The next song 'E.M.' features some killer Hammond organ in addition to the guitar. The album does move from its funky beginning to a more typical early 70s jazz rock, but not really traditional jazz. These four lengthy tracks will satisfy most fans of raw jazz rock. The final fifth track is consistent with the American jazz albums from this era, and provides a relaxing way to close out.

Ownership: 2021 Norske Albumklassikere (CD). Digi-file sleeve with liner notes in Norwegian. 

8/17/10 (review); 3/24/21 (acquired / update)

3/24/21 (new entry)