Marius Neset's seventh release as leader on the ACT Music label, 'A New Dawn', is a profoundly personal and optimistic album that marks a new chapter in the Norwegian saxophonist's career. As the world emerged from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, Neset found solace in his music, creating a solo tenor saxophone set that is both a reflection on the current state of the world and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Recorded in January 2021, 'A New Dawn' is a testament to Neset's virtuosic technique, creative improvisation, and deep personal expression. The album's nine tracks, including 'A New Creation', 'Theme from Manmade', and 'The Real Ysj', showcase Neset's mastery of his instrument, as he weaves a rich tapestry of sound that is both deeply introspective and universally relatable.
With 'A New Dawn', Neset has achieved a long-held ambition of recording a solo album, one that is unadulterated and pure, with no overdubs or effects. The result is an intimate and deeply moving listening experience that highlights the full range of Neset's emotional expression. From the breathy, bluesy tones of 'A New Creation' to the rapid, bop-infused lines of 'The Real Ysj', Neset's playing is invariably remarkable, making 'A New Dawn' a must-listen for fans of contemporary jazz.
As Neset himself explains, 'A New Dawn' is an album that looks forward to better times, one that is imbued with a sense of optimism and hope. With its release on 30 April 2021, 'A New Dawn' marked a new beginning for Neset, one that is characterized by a renewed sense of purpose and creative vision. Produced by Neset and mastered by Klaus Scheuermann, with artwork by Rune Mortensen, 'A New Dawn' is a landmark album in the discography of one of Europe's most talented and innovative saxophonists.
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