Ibrahim Electric - Ibrahim Electric Meets Ray Anderson (2004)

Ibrahim Electric is an unusual trio that blends many stylistic influences including rock, blues, funk, and jazz. For this live performance at Copenhagen Jazzhouse, organist Jeppe Tuxen, guitarist Niclas Knudsen, and drummer Stefan Pasborg invited trombonist Ray Anderson to be their special guest. Without any rehearsals, they got together on-stage and wailed. The trio's "Fela" is a fast and funky number, with Anderson stealing the spotlight from the young Danes. The opening organ vamp to "Pet Pettostan" sounds very similar to the introduction to rocker John Fogerty's "Fortunate Son," though the piece quickly changes direction, with Anderson adding a mute for his blistering solo. "Formula" is a sassy vehicle inspired by good old-fashioned soul-jazz, though there is nothing formulaic about it, as Knudsen's guitar tells a story that will keep anyone's attention. "Lux" is an incredible ballad reminiscent of John Coltrane's more subtle compositions of the early '60s, not overly complex but slowly savored. This boundary-stretching Danish group is impossible to classify, so the best label to apply is "creative improvised music." -- Ken Dryden