Thomas Strønen, Time Is A Blind Guide. Lucus.
Thomas Strønen is a Norwegian drummer and composer. This record is on ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music) but he is well-documented on Rune Grammofon. Rune Grammofon, which is based out of Oslo, has had a distribution deal with ECM, which is based in Munich. Both labels command respect but Rune is more grassroots. It’s a name I’ve associated with great music since the 90s. ECM is often distributed by the big boys (Warner Brothers etc).
Time is a Blind Guide is Strønen‘s band. His latest addition, 31 year old Japanese pianist Ayumi Tanaka, might be his brightest star. Her work on this album is superb. The chemistry is perfect all around but Tanaka’s confident addition takes this to the next level.
This is a great record and is recommended for everyone. The music is thematic and on the less abrasive side of free jazz and avant garde music in general. 5/5 Stars.