Kevin Kastning, Phil Grenadier, Bruno Raaberg - 2025 - Intervallum

(41:55; Greydisc)






















I am always excited to see there is a new release by Kevin Kastning, as his live compositions are always absolutely fascinating and so unlike anyone else around. Here Kevin (36-string Double Contraguitar, 30-string Double Contraguitar) has been joined by Phil Grenadier (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Bruno Råberg (double bass) in another investigation of what can happen when musicians put themselves into the dangerous space of creating music when previously nothing existed and there is no set plan. Recorded on 28th June 2024, here we have three wonderful musicians listening to each other in real time, working out what to play, what not to play, and how to best take the pieces forward.

Grenadier often takes time out to let the others have time to provide leadership, as when he is performing, he is often at the fore (although he also produces some lovely low level bass notes at times, while his blowing through the instrument while not producing any notes creates a totally different feeling altogether). Råberg has a different approach to many jazz bassists as while he is more than happy plucking notes in wonderful runs, he will also pick up a bow when the time is right which again creates a very different sound to the normal pizzicato effect. Then of course we have Kevin, who plays guitars with way more strings than one can ever imagine possible, but using all of them to create the sounds he hears in his head. 

Kevin has released albums with both of these musicians in the past, but in each case it was as duets, and this is the first in a series of three albums we are going to get from the trio, which is going to be a delight as this is avant music which is enthralling, exciting and compelling, all at once. The three know exactly when to make the best use of space and the result is an album which is a delight from beginning to end. 

Kev Rowland, September 2025

Links:
http://www.kevinkastning.com/
https://philgrenadierjazz.com/
https://www.brunoraberg.com/
http://www.greydisc.com/

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