Pymlico – Supermassive (Apollon Records Prog, 2022)
“Supermassive” is the seventh studio album by Norwegian jazz-rock fusion band Pymlico. I have mixed feelings about this band. I really like their engaging, energetic progressive fusion pieces, but the band also has a smooth jazz side led by the saxophone that tends to dominate many of the compositions. Furthermore, I’ve never been a fan of smooth jazz saxophone, so I naturally prefer the fully electric pieces.
Highlights include “Are We There Yet”, where the electric guitar leads the way, joined by masterfully-constructed electronic keyboards; and the funk jazz and scorching fusion infused “Little Nellie”, featuring skillful guitar work.
The lineup includes Øyvind Brøter on keyboards; Stephan Hvinden on guitars; Andreas Sjo Engen on guitars; Are Nerland on bass; Robin Havem Løvøy on saxophones; Arild Brøter on drums and keyboards; and Oda Rydning on percussion.