Shakai’s new album Fragments, which was released on June 7th, on Is It Jazz? Records, is a wonderful introduction to this new band for me. Fragments is actually the band’s sophomore release. The band asks, “Is it jazz”? Yeah, maybe; but it has enough eclectic flavor to it, to fit anyone’s palate. I thoroughly enjoyed the album, and here is my take on this sophomore album, from the Norwegian jazz quintet Shakai.
Shakai consists of bassist and band leader Eline Rafteseth, (NH3, Soft Noise Ensemble, Heavy Astro); Elisabeth Lid Trøen on saxophones, (Bergen Big Band, Trøen/Arnesen Quartet); Gabriela Garrubo on vocals (Metteson, Garrubo, Amalie Holt Kleive); guitarist Simen Walle (Nelly, Malum, Atari); and Kenneth Kapstad on drums (Spidergawd, Møster!, Monolithic, Stein Torleif Bjella, ex-Motorpsycho).
(From the band’s press release), “The band’s name, Shakai, comes from the Japanese word for society, which is reflected in the band’s approach to music. A bit like a society consisting of individuals with different perspectives and life stories, the band members’ diverse backgrounds create a unique and varied sound. The music and lyrics touch on everything from life’s big questions, small stories, reckoning with the past, and hope for the future. The music is both beautiful and raw, playful and strange. Shakai constantly offers new surprises and unexpected elements. They blend different references, ignore genre definitions, and invite listeners to join them on a journey into their own little strange universe”.
Every track on this album is worth it’s weight in gold. Soft, relaxing jazz – rock, that, like Steely Dan, will become part of your evening, dinner listening music; if you let it. This album is so good, I want to go back and hear the debut album. Definitely would like to interview the band as well.
“Kanskje”, which means ‘maybe’ in Norwegian, opens slowly, with drums and soft percussion, along with soft sax, and cool relaxing electric guitar. Gabriela Garrubo’s vocals almost make Norwegian sound as good as French. All of the lyrics are in Norwegian, but sometimes you don’t need to understand what they are singing. Just sit back and enjoy. What a wonderful way to open Fragments. The pace picks up as the dance, saunters on. The sax solo is out of this world. Bringing back memories of some of Pink Floyd’s best sax solos.
“Not Yours”, was one of my early favorites. Gabriela Garrubo is no longer yours, liar! So, she is gonna tell you the full story! What a wonderful and spirited break-up song. You cannot get mad at the way she handles it so smoothly, with flutes filling the soundscape. Great attitude with some snarky lyrics to boot. The electric guitar solo sounds like something you might hear in Spain or Portugal. Simply brilliant. The drumming is consistent and full of perfect rhythm.
“Oh Well”, is not at all, the Fleetwood Mac classic, you remember. It is absolutely different. This is a showcase for Gabriela Garrubo’s voice. The sax, otherworldly keyboard background soundscape that permeates everything on this album, and the electric and acoustic guitar playing, give you plenty to search out with each listening. An amazing eclectic mix of rock and jazz.
“Dandelion Child”, opens slow with electric guitar, soft plucked strings, and Gabriela Garrubo’s voice, “Open your eyes. It’s time to see. How her heart is trembling. Oh, we have tried to make you recognize, how your lies affect our lives”. A soft, slow facing your fears and fighting back, kind of song. Then it’s time to move on. “Like a Dandelion Child”. Another of the best songs on the album. Just finding Gabriela Garrubo, was worth the opportunity to review this album. Her voice is just amazing and soothing, throughout Fragments. Elisabeth Lid Trøen is easily my saxophonist of the year, after her many performances on this album! Absolutely out of this world. Give us more, please!
“Ville bare”, which translates to: “Just wanted to”; is another Norwegian lyrics song, full of wonderful music and background wizardry throughout the soundscape. Gabriela Garrubo’s voice returns singing Norwegian, with Elisabeth Lid Trøen’s sax filling the air. The Beatles-like electric guitar buzz soloing just completes this picture so well. Kenneth Kapstad’s drum playing is so perfect throughout this album. It is highlighted here as a background rhythm cadence leader. The water sounding background music is simply rhythmic and soothing.
Deep sitting bass opens this “Lullaby”. Gabriela Garrubo sings, “The night’s about to find its peace and silence. One day you will see. Gentle and bright. I’ll kiss you goodnight. Tonight I will hold you”. So, wonderful and relaxing with flute, soft, slow electric slide guitar and rhythm from the sitting bass and soft percussion. Just amazing. An awesome change of pace. Garrugo sings, “It’s easy, oh, so easy, too easy, just let go. Let me guard you, one day at a time”.
“Changes”, absolutely dazzles you as the final track on Fragments. It picks your mood up and lifts you towards the future of what this band may produce next. This danceable, Portuguese – like sound throughout the album is absolutely relaxing and entrancing as well. Gabriela Garrubo sings, “I am moving my things to your place. I’ll put all my makeup by your sink!” (The one thing many men dread). But this is Gabriela Garrubo! The brass, drums and guitar take off on a fast run, for fun, and it is an absolutely joyful experience to hear and witness. The pace speeds up, more and more, until it concludes. A fantastic way to end this album of Fragments.
This album and music is great for fans of Radka Toneff, Mall Girl, Moskus and contemporary jazz in general. Fragments, was produced by Shakai, Iver Sandøy and Jørgen Træen.
I absolutely salute and recommend Shakai’s Fragments, to anyone! Yes, this is jazzy, but it is jazzy rock with some wonderful beats, and some of the best saxophone you have probably heard in a long while. There is a soft, breezy, “The Girl from Ipanema”, feel to this entire album. Every track is a hit and there is no room for errors. Go out and buy this album of Fragments, and enjoy this masterpiece of jazz-rock nightly, while you are having dinner. So happy I gave this album a chance. Now it is your turn.
Track List:
1. Kanskje
2. Not Yours
3. Oh Well
4. Dandelion Child
5. Ville bare
6. Lullaby
7. Changes
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Shakaimusic
https://shakai.bandcamp.com/album/fragments
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mARdoVk8S3T_L8nQwGkWbQy8KZxPN8X