"Anders Holst, a Swedish singer, makes this a
standout collection of world music with jazz motifs that
will linger in the jazz listener's mind. Tenor saxophonist
Gerald Albright performs on the song, "Until The End of
Time. Mats Bystrom is a special treat with his innovative
piano styling. An excellent listening experience, Anders
Holst and his CD collection, Five, is exceptional
entertainment. Highly recommended"
LEE PROSSER, JAZZREVIEW.COM
"There is something of Michael Franks in his voice,
something reminiscent of Peter Skellern and, hidden in there
somewhere perhaps, the wistfulness of Leonard Cohen. Anders
Holst, who is now based in New York, has co-composed four of
the five tracks and the entire album is characterized by
consistently excellent production.... there deserves to be a
place for an album like 'Five' that dares to be different.
DENIS POOLE, SMOOTHVIBES.COM
"Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky
jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal,
and Leonard Cohen. Recorded in his native Stockholm, as well
as New York City, his five-song debut EP, titled simply
Five, was released on Unheard of Music in 2004.
Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, Five deftly weaves
pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all its own."
JAMES CHRISTOPHER MONGER, ALL MUSIC GUIDE
"... he has certainly succeeded in producing a fine debut EP
that's perfect for a romantic evening on the roof with some
martinis and a city skyline for a backdrop. Whether that
skyline is in Stockholm or New York City"
ROBERT BURKE, BLOGCRITICS.ORG
"His single is just what AC radio has missed and is in need
of: A track that unequivocally articulates the softer side
of romance, and the harder side of masculinity - with no
apologies. It's not an appeal or a request, it's a demand.
Love Me Like A River!
His ability to switch from rich baritone to soulful tenor,
with ease and comfort, is illuminated by the dreamy string
arrangement which is nicely accented by the bevy of
background babes who complement his machismo and add a
sensuality that feels like silk laying gently upon steel."
GIAN FIERO, MUSESMUSE.COM
ANDERS HOLST - FIVE
by Jonathan Widran
This debut offering buy the soulful, deep voiced Swedish
born singer, songwriter and producer may only be five tracks
long but its soaring melodies, rich production texture and
clever wistful lyrics pack an emotional punch equal to most
full-length collections
Recorded in Stockholm and in Holst's adopted home in New
York, Holsts's songs covers numerous themes starting with
the bright, determined optimism of "Never Look Back" (which
rich orchestral flavors invoke classical influences);
followed by the magical romance of "Love Me Like A River", a
sweeping dramatic track which brings to mind both Sting and
Seal.
Then there is the introspective, spiritual minded ballad
"Anfield Road" and "Verrazano Bridge" a nostalgic journey
through his adopted hometown - that beautifully blends pop,
jazz, classical and chill flavors.
"Verrazano Bridge" which couples romantic loss with the mood
of the city post 9/11, has some of the disc's most colorful
lyrics that reflect Holst love of jazz: "Left us in a kind
of blue and mellow Ellingtonian state of mind.... fades into
the mist just like a Benny Goodman record on the radio".
The final track "Until the End of Time" is a sweet breezy
valentine to a loved one featuring the very smooth jazz
friendly harmony sax lines of Gerald Albright, guitar by
Paul Jackson Jr. and a wonderful flute solo by Magnus
Lindgren.
Smooth jazz listeners will be listening to these five tracks
over and over while waiting for more from this remarkable
diverse and undeniable seductive vocal talent.
Jonathan Widran is a nationally recognized freelance music
and entertainment journalist who has written thousands of
reviews, feature articles, liner notes and performer
biographies covering all genres of music for over 15 years.
Specializing in adult contemporary music and smooth jazz, he
has written the Contempo column in Jazziz since the early
90s and is a regular contributor to All Music Guide, Music
Connection and Smooth Jazz News. He is also a voting member
of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
ANDERS HOLST "FIVE"
by Peter J. Levinson
Anders Holst's collection of songs on the album FIVE is
based on his wide breadth of life experiences. It reveals
that the man is his music. His songs cover a wide range of
emotions: romance, hope, loneliness, disillusionment, and
optimism with equal sensitivity. The inherent conviction
contained in his songs, he is the co-composer and lyricist
of all of them, except for "Verrazano Bridge", finds him
completely open and unafraid to expose his own
vulnerabilities. This is a unique voice and the work of a
true artist.
Born and raised in Sweden, traveling the world, Anders
Holst's songs projects his innate understanding of the way
the world works, the human condition and of life's many ups
and downs. As a comparison, one could evoke the work of
Leonard Cohen with the point being the strong mature
sensitivity factor shared by both artists, and one could
sense the influences from artists like Van Morrison, Paul
McCartney and Sting.
The mood and atmosphere contained in these songs can be
considered a mixture of such disparate names and
compositions as David Bowie's "Low", Antonio Vivaldi's
"Adagios" and the melancholy folk music contained in Jan
Johansson's "Jazz in Swedish", interpreted in the vein of
adult contemporary music.
The album FIVE is an intimate musical travelogue with a
departure in the song NEVER LOOK BACK, which deals with the
troubled viewpoint of its protagonist, living with anger and
seeking retribution with his attempt to "stay on a straight
and narrow track."
LOVE ME LIKE A RIVER inspired the dramatic and compelling
video produced by Cleo Award-winning director and filmmaker
Peter Israelson, in which the leading character carries
himself with an understated assurance. The haunting melody
and mystery of the song is underlined by David Wilczewski's
soprano saxophone. "You can carry me over and make my heart
believe," seems to convey the entire story.
ANFIELD ROAD is a call for relying on inner strength. The
metaphor contained in the lyrics is derived from the sign
that reads "You Never Walk Alone" at Liverpool FC's home
ground. This is the sentiment passed on to a close and
beloved young friend venturing forth in life. He will always
be there for her. One walks through many places through life
but the most important place is, of course, inside of you.
This highly romantic song VERRAZANO BRIDGE involves looking
back at a difficult relationship and how it ended on an
"Indian summer morning" in New York. The lyrics illustrate
the deep feelings by describing how the end of the love
affair "Left us in the kind of blue and mellow Ellingtonian
state of mind..." and the unusual metaphor for conveying the
horror of September 11 by the dust "fades into mist like a
Benny Goodman record on the radio" followed by a wistful
piano solo by jazz musician Mats Byström.
Tenor saxophonist Gerald Albright one of the key purveyors
of smooth jazz beautifully states the lovely melody line of
the final selection, UNTIL THE END OF TIME. There is a
pledge of absolute commitment to his loved one, which will
overcome any obstacles that they might face in the years
ahead. The rewards for openness and devotion are celebrated.
This is the perfect closer to provide an all-encompassing
study of romantic love and inspiration.
Peter J. Levinson is the author of Trumpet Blues: The Life
of Harry James. He worked for 42 years in the entertainment
business as a publicist, freelance writer, booking agent,
personal manager and is currently working on a book about
the life of Fred Astaire. He lives in Malibu, California. |
