Carsten Meinert - CM Musictrain (2020) Hi Res

Five years ago, Carsten Meinert's record To You was re-released by Frederiksberg Records. The record was a very fine and rare Danish take on the Coltrane tradition in 1969. Already the following year Carsten Meinert was back with the album CM Music Train. It became like the To You record over time - and unfortunately more and more expensive to get to, since not many records were made in 1970.

Now, Stunt Records has chosen to re-release the album, supplemented by a string of previously unreleased recordings on the CD version. The LP version is a copy of the original. Musictrain is a completely different album than To You. The crew is large and Carsten Meinert has absorbed the sound of the time in 1970. It is a captivating and flattering album. He has assembled a number of musicians around him, who for many have left deep tracks in Danish jazz; Erling Kroner, Jesper Nehammer, Pierre Dørge, Henrik Hove, Michael Hove, Ole Streenberg and Bent Clausen. In addition, the later known DR people, Ole Matthiessen (here in an important role as organizer) and Jens Jørn Gjedsted. It was recorded on a single August-Sunday in 1969 and released the following year.

The opening number San Sebastian contains inspiration from Spain, the subsequent Before Sunrise moves into some free passages. Common to the songs is Carsten Meinert's fierce saxophone game, which springs and splashes out through a Varitone amplifier that puts its distinct mark on the sound - something that Carsten Meinert regrets today. I think it helps to give the music the ultimate wildness. The title track is hippie jazz in full bloom. Dorges guitar sound and Thor Backhausen's wild organ solo help to send the song all the way to the galaxy. The CD has been added some extra takes by San Sebastian, Before Sunrise and C.M. Music Train.

It’s a year of releases! Danish jazz in a special class - wild and enriching to hear with 50 years distance. Ole Matthiessen, with Julian van Kranendonk and Jørgen Vad, with gentle hand has brought the sound up to the present standard. It is an exemplary job they have done.