One could conceivably reason that Jonas Hellborg’s Temporal Analogues of Paradise
was merely a retro exercise in mid-‘70s flabby musical excess, as the live release, recorded in
Europe in 1995,
includes only two, 25-minute plus pieces. Having listened to hours of such music, I would
characterize this disc a bit differently. These two long pieces come closest, in an electric way, of
approximating Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert.
Each, in rather similar ways, allows improvisation to unfold patiently and carefully, never
rushed and always sounding as if cogently composed ahead of time.
Hellborg directs the recital, recorded in Sweden, France, and Germany, with his metallic bass
tone and simple yet inviting melodic lines, allowing guitarist Shawn Lane and Drummer Jeff Sipe to
fill in the missing colors as they see fit. The final piece of art is an often-complex mosaic of
polyphony and polyrhythms that seem perfect at the moment of conception. Hellborg has always
possessed a rugged masculinity in his approach to playing. Here, he flexes his muscles and with
the
band collectively shows off their considerable chops. I do not know if I would call this rock or
jazz-fusion, but I do know that this will appeal to both camps. As a re-issue, this is a sonic
gift.
For more information, see
Jonas Hellborg and
Bardo Records.
~ C. Michael Bailey
