Mark Solborg

..
This page is a listening station only - for more info and contact, please go to www.solborg.dk
New Releases out ! .. Duo w. Herb Robertson "NOD"
+
moLd - Voodoo Down Jump www.myspace.com/molded
In recent years Mark Solborg has been playing a number of prestigeous European Jazzvenues and festivals in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Oslo, Grenoble, Strassbourg, Berlin, Leipzig, Vilnius a.o leading or co- leading the groups Revolver, Ventilator, moLd and of course Mark Solborg 4. His work as a composer and guitarist has been grammy- nominated, awarded by the Danish Arts Agency and received wide international acknowlegdement. Mark Solborg has been elected to “Danish International Jazz Launch”, a 3-year music export project by the Danish Jazz Federation.
The band just returned from a very rewarding series of concerts in Beijing, China - powered by YGTwo and The Danish Cultural Institute. Great. See pics at www.solborg.dk
Summer 08 the band performed with the amazing Herb Robertson as a guest - check out the new tracks in the player..
“1+1+1+1” - the 3rd album of Ms4 - contains 7 new pieces by guitarist and composer Mark Solborg in the playfull hands of Anders Banke, Jeppe Skovbakke, Bjørn Heebøll and the leader himself. This band and its music is about mutual intuitive understanding, musical equilibrium and a certain collective approach to joining complex and intricate writing and a free organic flow. A personal, unpolished and unconventional approach, whether dealing with odd-meter grooves, contrapuntal lines, complex harmony or just a couple of simple chords, is a cherished ambition and trademark of the group. Praised for its interplay, enthusiastic energy, precise execution of strong themes and taste, the quartet now presents a slightly less muscular and more melodic approach. ...We let some of the rubble stay, though...
Album Info
Catalogue no.: ILK129CD
Format: CD
Label: ILK
Barcode: 5707785000649
Release Date: June 4th 2007
Tracks:
1. Mind The Gap
2. Ear
3. Naturally Stoned
4. Rollercoaster
5. Flatbush av. Over Easy
6. Winter Wig
7. Unforget
All songs by Mark Solborg
Total Time: 57:14
Quotes on "1+1+1+1"
This is obviously a group that has grown to know each other’s playing well. Solborg is able to construct a piece like “Flatbush Av. Over Easy” with its opening passages scored for guitar and bass, eventually adding drums over an almost funereal 3/4. Solborg and Banke play the wobbly theme before separating for simultaneous solos. This is all masterfully done without stepping on each other toes. Bass and drums keep up the 3/4 beat without it becoming monotonous, a feat unto itself. “Winter Wig,” a feature for Skovbakke’s acoustic bass, has a sly one bar nod to Coltrane’s Meditations by Banke at the end of one of the theme state- ments that brought a smile to my face. This disc has a lot of moments like that. Guitarists will want to check this one out. Solborg and his band have some worthwhile things to say, not only instrumentally but composition ally as well.
- Cadence Magazine US
"...all music is written by Solborg and you often dwell on the beautiful melodies.. Plenty of room for soloing and Anders Banke and Solborg excells in varied play, full of ideas. Absolutely one of the better records I've heard this year ". Jan Strand - Orkesterjournalen, Sverige
"Mark Solborg belongs to the elite of Danish Jazzguitarists. New & Clearly defined music ..that both thrills and challenges. A very satisfying experience." - Jazzspecial, DK
"..What a quartet! From the first second it is clear that this is something special. ..Skovbakkes nonchalante bass carries the musicians forward with a drive that is perfectly matched by Heebøll's technical and intriguing drumming . Tight arrangements are dissolved into zoneswhere the music live it's own life in a way that only a band with something to say can carry through.... it is a pleasure to listen to. The raw sound adds autencity and honesty to the music. ...you are tempted to call the group "the Danish Dave Holland Group"... yes! a couple of tracks has that caliber... some of the best Jazz right now." - Nicolai Krag Nielsen.-Jazznet
Mark Solborg 4
.. Played with mutual intuitive understanding.. Anders Banke Is an important co-player in the Solborg universe - together they display a direct and straight ahead communication on a more subtle record..but fear not, the new member , Bjørn Heebøll, is gifted with an ability to play understated and yet rocking. .. a favorite is "Flatbush av. Over Easy" where Solborg plays a sovereign guitar.
Niels Overgaard - jazznyt.blogspot.com
Quotes on “smash the tomatoes”
“Happy every time the cd plays and almost sad when it stops. I would be happy if all cd’s were made like this. Great themes, precisely executed, great players, determined energy, great variation in the pieces’ psychological and musical expression and use - but not excessive use - of studio facilities. The CD serves food to the Heavy Rockers AND shy country-students. The real greatness about it is that both menus seems equally natural and authentic.This record should be owned by anyone who takes interest in the Danish jazzscene of today, the ones who think rock’n roll is dead, the ones who think strong simple themes died with pop-music and those who miss the energy from young Tony Williams and Mclaughlins “Lifetime...”
-Anders Kirkegaard, Jazzspecial DK
“On “Smash the Tomatoes” surf music bleeds into droning dirges, slide guitar spills into noise antics, an electric bass anchors the drum’s manic chugging, baritone sax melts into a massive low-end, and a clarinet reaches upper-register trills. The quartet lends the mix an ease with technical facility that never devolves into overwrought displays. Democracy rules, an atmosphere supported by the four quartet members’ participation in the Danish independent jazz label collective ILK. ..a highly-charged blend of ingredients. ”
-Matthew Wuethrich, All About Jazz
“ ..What an original ! ... a new generation is on its way in Copen- hagen.. These are four instrumentalists of formidable caliber.. it swings and grooves like h... this is a band that challenges themselves and the listener: Can’t find a better Qualitybrand than that.”
-Tor Hammerø, puls.no
“ Blazing guitar playing of Solborg as he interacts with saxophonist/ clarinetist Banke.... plenty of gusto “
-Frank Rubolino, Cadence Magazine
“ ***** Amazing play by bandleader Mark Solborg and saxplayer Anders Banke “
-Kjeld Frandsen, Berlingske Tidende
“ ***** One of the best releases this year.. a smashing CD with energy, raw power and musicians who can really play.. hot and funky without - in any way - being indifferent or slick..It’s a blend you get high on with a passion that burns on every track.. high tempo, odd meter- playing, solid and sovereign interplay with a no nonsense attitude.. get it ! ..and look for the next concerts with these people... it’s gonna be great !...”
-Celine Haastrup, Danish National Radio
Other selected works by Mark Solborg:
moLd - "Voodoo Down Jump" (ILK158CD)
Herb Robertson & Mark Solborg - "NOD" (ILK152CD)
Mark Solborg 4 - "1+1+1+1" (ILK129CD)
Ventilator - “Ventilator” (ILK126CD)
moLd - “Rotten in Rødby” (ILK109CD)
Ms4 - “Smash the Tomatoes” (ILK-q041)
Revolver - “ Revolver “ (ILK-q031).