Sunday, May 31, 2026

Terje Rypdal ~ Norway


Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette - To Be Continued (1981)

Strange one here as I completely forgot I owned it. It was a recent pickup just as the below was, but I didn't have it registered in all my databases. Once I added it to the Collection Rankings sheet, it fell right to the bottom. Oh dear.

No major surprises here, as the album is largely a continuation (no way) of the debut album from these three veteran jazzers. Essentially an atmospheric chamber styled outing. Very mature and sophisticated. Of which I'm neither. But I can pretend at least. Another one of those albums that I'm sure if I had a spiritual "moment" with it sometime in my past, then I would hold it in the highest reverence. Those moments just don't happen as much as they once did. Title track offers up a more fiery fusion, a welcome diversion.

Former ownership: 1981 ECM USA (LP). Acquired in 2023. Downsized in 2026.

6/13/23; 5/31/26 (review)


Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette (1979)

Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette is an all-star international trio made up of contemporary jazzers doing what they do best: Modern atmospheric instrumental jazz. The cover is indicative of the chilly isolated tones. Scattered and abstract. David Torn was later to explore the style found here on his fantastic Cloud About Mercury album. It's best to go into a listening session with music like this in the same manner as you would with electronik. Sit back, chill out, and the let the music take you to places you haven't been in awhile. Or ever.

Former ownership: 1979 ECM USA (LP). Acquired in 2023. Downsized in 2025.

3/24/23 (review)


Odyssey (1975)

I first found this album while still in college in the middle 80s. It just wasn't for me at the time. In reacquiring the album and hearing it for the first time in over 25 years, I can understand why. I was expecting a more active jazz rock / fusion, fields of music I was just getting into in my early 20s. That's not what Odyssey is about. It's a sprawling double album made up of primarily late night noirish jazz. The kind that is usually the sole reserve of the saxophone. But Rypdal substitutes his electric guitar and it's thick, rich, and wonderful to hear. As mellow as it comes but with an acidic tone that gives it a back-end bite. Also worth pointing out are the longer tracks that feature hypnotic bass and drums. This aspect recalls Joe Henderson or Miles Davis. Or even fellow Norwegians Tangle Edge, who would apply this same technique many years later but for the psychedelic jam audience. Odyssey is an investment of time, and is best taken in on a quiet peaceful evening.

Ownership: 1975 ECM USA (2xLP). Reacquired in 2022. First purchased in 1986.

1986; 12/21/22 (review)


What Comes After (1974)

Like with John Abercrombie's Timeless, I thought I'd already heard Rypdal's 3rd solo album What Comes After. But this listen confirmed that I had not. One of his more abstract works, the album is very spacious and a bit on the noirish side. Great for late night solo listening. There's a bass heavy focus, while Rypdal adds plenty of atmospheric electric guitar. Fine album if in the right mood - which apparently I was.

Former ownership: 1974 ECM USA (LP). Acquired in 2021. Downsized in 2026.

12/18/21 (review)

Once owned: Whenever I Seem To Be Far Away; Chaser

Both of the above are fine albums, and I'd like to hear them again.

12/18/21 (new entry)

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Terje Rypdal ~ Norway

Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette - To Be Continued (1981) Strange one here as I completely forgot I owned it. It was a recen...