Atomic - The Bikini Tapes (2005)

This collection of live performances establishes the quintet Atomic as one of the best Scandinavian bands around -- and probably best working bands, period. The three-disc set might be construed as an overly ambitious and self-indulgent project, but it actually gives a perfect picture of the band's influences and versatility as well as provides endless listening pleasure. Despite the amazing breadth of their inspiration, the musicians maintain a unity that makes their "everything but the kitchen sink" approach never seem forced. They effortlessly move from minimalist abstraction to a lovely ballad, and Dave Douglas could have written the main theme of "Kerosene," one of the recording's best compositions. Other pieces are reminiscent of '60s-era Blue Note ("Alla Dansar Samba Till Tyst Musik") or Albert Ayler's melodies ("Bop About"), and are usually muscular as well as built around unorthodox song structures. The band is not afraid to acknowledge its influences, either. They pay a tender homage to Steve Lacy with "Leave Stacy" and an irreverently heated tribute to Lee Konitz and the Lennie Tristano school with "Re-Lee." On the latter, the three main soloists (reed player Fredrik Ljungkvist, trumpeter Magnus Broo, and pianist Håvard Wiik) engage in a dazzling three-way conversation, which attests to their impressive chops whether they negotiate fearless passages or craft beautiful lines. As for drummer Paal Nilssen-Love and bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, they have been working on so many projects together over the years that they have developed a telepathic rapport. The drummer's relentless and hyperactive playing gives the band an irresistible drive and unfailing support. The Bikini Tapes is an Atomic landmark and comes strongly recommended.