With SLOW FLOW, Dinesen not only pays homage to his jazz heroes but also crafts a captivating soundscape that invites listeners into his vision of a harmonious, global future.
April Records
Jakob Dinesen – Tenor Saxophone; Anders Filipsen – Keyboards; Anders Christensen – Electric Bass; Nils Bo Davidsen – Cello; Salieu Dibba – Djembe, Percussion; Jakob Høyer – Drums (Tracks 3 & 8)
Since the late ’90s, Jakob ‘Dino ’Dinesen has been a cornerstone of the Danish jazz scene, collaborating with nearly every major figure in the country and internationally renowned artists like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jeff ‘Tain ’Watts, Jakob Bro, Tony Allen, Nasheet Waits, and Paul Motian, to name a few. His saxophone has taken him across the globe, with performances in Europe, Africa, Cuba, Thailand, the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Along the way, he has earned nearly every prestigious accolade available to Danish musicians, including Grammys and soloist awards.
Dinesen’s long and dynamic career has showcased his versatility, thriving both as a solo artist and as a key member of countless ensembles and projects. His ability to move easily between swing, bebop, and beyond demonstrate his remarkable range and artistry.
SLOW FLOW embraces a global perspective, incorporating elements of world music while remaining deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Dinesen is joined by an ensemble including Anders Filipsen on keyboards, cellist Nils Bo Davidsen, percussionist Salieu Dibba, drummer Jakob Høyer and bassist Anders Christensen.
Dinesen envisioned SLOW FLOW as a reflection of his dream for a peaceful future. “I imagine a world where people from every corner of the globe come together, dancing, sharing meals, and finding joy through my music.”
With its unique quintet featuring cello and djembe, SLOW FLOW occupies a distinct space between earthy simplicity and acoustic warmth, while also embracing contemporary, electronic, and even the unexpected. The djembe, a drum originating from West Africa, brings a rich organic rhythm to the music.
Each of Dinesen’s nine original compositions creates a musical portrait of what holds personal significance to him, while also paying tribute to four of his heroes: Yusef Lateef, Wayne Shorter, Coleman Hawkins, and Eddie ‘Lockjaw ’Davis.
The opening track, ‘Downside Up,’ sets the tone for SLOW FLOW. It begins with the swirling sound of a keyboard, followed by the rhythmic pulse of the djembe, and finally, Dinesen’s lyrical tenor saxophone takes center stage.
The Yusef Lateef tribute, ‘Yusef,’ kicks off with a bass and percussion intro that’s irresistibly cool. Filipsen’s keyboard locks into a funky groove, while Dinesen weaves the hypnotic theme in repeating phrases. Lateef and Dinesen share a similar spirit, blending jazz traditions with global influences. Lateef, in particular, was known for his use of non-Western scales and modes, reflecting his profound connection to world music.
‘Waynism’ opens with a bass and keyboard intro, as Dinesen’s lyrical tenor blends beautifully with Nils Bo Davidsen’s bowed cello. I like the way the bass and keyboard toss ideas back and forth, adding depth and texture.
‘Night Hawk’ opens with a powerful percussion intro, setting the stage for Dinesen to bring a tougher edge to his playing. It’s a fitting tribute to Coleman Hawkins’ NIGHT HAWK, the classic 1960 album featuring Hawkins and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis.
With SLOW FLOW, Dinesen not only pays homage to his jazz heroes but also crafts a captivating soundscape that invites listeners into his vision of a harmonious, global future.
