Jazz Detectives Frode Kjekstad

• 1 The Royster 05:50
• 2 Dirt 05:37
• 3 A Night at Zita 05:49
• 4 Song for M 05:19
• 5 Baba Ganoush 06:01
• 6 Jazz Detectives 05:57
• 7 The Lizzard 06:45
• 8 Blues for Runi 06:38
• 9 Hong Kong Steamer 05:02
• 10 Red Velvet 05:24
• 11 I Got the Blues 04:46
• Total Runtime 01:03:08

Info for Jazz Detectives

Crisp, clean, CLASSIC! Three master musicians at the top of their game deliver an album that captures the essence of jazz’s most elusive qualities: spontaneity, mystery, and thrill. With guitar, organ, and drums, this trio of sonic sleuths swings through shifting scenes and changing moods building a world of sound that is rich, intricate and full of surprises.

We’re treated to a collection of tracks that range from fireball improvisation to smoky, late-night jazz moods, all while maintaining a sense of playful intrigue and subtle tension.

Dirt epitomises the essence of the album and indeed of gritty jazz. The groove is raw, the melody is infectious, the trio dives deep into the pocket. The guitar, with its crystal clear tone, cuts through like a sharp knife, while the Hammond swells with soulful flourishes. The drums drive the piece forward with a relentless, almost mechanically precise rhythm, yet there’s a sense of freedom in the air – a perfect combination of structure and swing.

A Night At Zita treats us to well-furnished, laid back funk with radiant releases as Frode’s octaves soar over Roy’s chords delivered through his whirling Leslie cabinet.

Song For M is a beautiful, heartfelt ballad, a moment of intimacy.

The title track Jazz Detectives kicks off with a unison theme leading to virtuoso soloing from Frode and Roy underlaid by crisp fills and constant, driving rhythmic patterns courtesy of Raciel. And – it simply doesn’t get blues-ier than Blues For Runi and I Got The Blues!

Just as jazz musicians improvise while staying within a framework, a “jazz detective” might approach a problem with flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to explore different angles, while also applying critical thinking and observation to make sense of clues or data. This band highlights a balance of creativity and logic.

Our jazz detectives, Frode, Roy and Raciel present a work that’s as unpredictable as it is captivating. They unravel a dynamic and resourceful approach to discovery through a fertile and creative partnership and hey, they SWING!

Frode Kjekstad is a Norwegian jazz guitarist who has collaborated with the likes of Lonnie Smith, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Johnny Griffin, James Morrison… the list is long! English organist/pianist Roy Powell studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and eventually moved to Norway at the end of the 90s. His massive body of work includes collaborations with (among others) Eddie Daniels, John Marshall, Roy Hargrove, and Mike Walker. Percussionist Raciel Torres was born in Cuba and now lives in Norway. A multi award-winning musician, Raciel has performed/recorded with artists such as Gary Husband, Roberto Fonseca, César López, and Yassek Mazano. (David Fishel)

Frode Kjekstad, guitar
Roy Powell, organ
Raciel Torres, drums

Recorded January 20, 2024 by Håvard Caspersen at Rud vgs
Mixed February 2024 by Håvard Caspersen
Mastered April 2024 by Frode Berg at Your Sound Mastering, Spikkestad, Norway
Produced by Frode Kjekstad, Roy Powell and Raciel Torres
Executive producer Odd Gjelsnes

Frode Kjekstad
was born in Lier, Norway in 1974. He was already captured by the music of Charlie Parker and Joe Pass when he picked up the guitar at the age of 14, and the year after he started studying jazzguitar.

He moved to Oslo in 1994. Studying music at the University, teacher and trumpeter Torgrim Sollid introduced him to New York-guitarist Randy Johnston. This meeting was a great inspiration, leading to lessons as well as a great friendship.

Playing regularly for 4 years with Sandvika Bigband, considered Norway's best band in it's genre, Frode had the opportunity to play with international jazz stars as Diane Shuur, Frank Foster, Johnny Griffin, Don Menza, Rob McConnel, Jim Morrison, Mark Nightingale, Claire Martin, Deborah Brown, Uffe Johanson and many others.

Frode has played with a number of american players in Norway in different settings, among these Gerald Willson, Wendell Brunious, Grant Stewart, Randy Johnston, and others!

In 1999 he joined a trio led by Scandinavian jazz-organ king Paul Wagnberg's trio.

Working as a freelance jazzguitarist at cafés, in bigbands, trad-bands, and be-bop combos from 1990, Frode also started teaching jazzguitar in 1992, and has been teaching guitar in many different institutions since then. He is now teaching guitar at the college Rud vgs near Oslo.

This album contains no booklet.