Jan Garbarek - Remember Me, My Dear (LP)

Jan Garbarek, the renowned Norwegian saxophonist and composer, presents "Remember Me, My Dear," a captivating live album recorded in Bellinzona in 2014. This exquisite collection, released on ECM New Series in 2019, blends the boundaries of jazz and jazz fusion, showcasing Garbarek's unique ability to create a mesmerizing fusion of improvisation and structured composition.

The album features a mix of original pieces and collaborations with the esteemed Hilliard Ensemble, a vocal quartet known for their exquisite interpretations of early music. Garbarek's hauntingly beautiful saxophone work intertwines with the Ensemble's ethereal harmonies, creating a sound that is both ancient and contemporary. Tracks like "Ov zarmanali" and "Procurans odium" highlight this fusion, while "Allting finns" offers a more introspective, solo exploration.

"Remember Me, My Dear" spans a diverse range of moods and styles, from the meditative "Most Holy Mother of God" to the lively "We Are the Stars." The album's centerpiece, the title track "Remember Me, My Dear," is a poignant duet between Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, encapsulating the album's blend of intimacy and grandeur.

With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Garbarek's enduring influence in the world of jazz. "Remember Me, My Dear" is not just a live recording; it's a vivid snapshot of a unique musical collaboration, capturing the spontaneous magic of a live performance.