Per Mathisen, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Gary Novak – Gladiator (Losen Records, 2021)
Three outstanding jazz fusion instrumentalists join forces on Gladiator. Bassist and composer Per Mathisen and keyboardist and composer Jan Gunnar Hoff are two of the finest musicians in the northern European jazz scene. Meanwhile, Gary Novak is a talented American session drummer.
Gladiator presents a set of masterfully-constructed electric jazz fusion compositions. Virtuoso player Jan Gunnar Hoff plays piano beautifully and adds mesmerizing electronic keyboard harmonic layers as well as memorable synthesizer solos. In addition, bass master Per Mathisen delivers stellar performances on a rich palette of fretless and fretted bass sounds, interweaving his creative bass lines with the piano and keyboards. Lastly, Gary Novak provides inventive rhythm support.
The title of the album, Gladiator, is an analogy that compares the rise and fall of the Roman empire with today’s global events, ranging from musical illustrations of hostility and fearmongering to freedom of speech and freedom of movement.
Lineup: Per Mathisen on Dilian Obretenov fretless and fretted electric basses, Yamaha electric upright bass and effect pedals; Jan Gunnar Hoff on Steinway grand piano, Rhodes electric piano, Minimoog Voyager, Prophet-6 and Oberheim Xpander; Gary Novak on drums.
Buy Gladiator