KARIN KROG — We Could Be Flying (1974-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded for Polydor, six years after her landmark Joy album, this set features Norwegian jazz iconoclast Karin Krog in the electric company of keyboardist Steve Kuhn, drummer percussionist Jon Christensen, and Steve Swallow on one of his early electric bass dates. More song-oriented than her other vanguard dates, We Could Be Flying still showcases the singer in a restless, searching frame of creativity. Obviously influenced by the work Flora Purim had done with Return to Forever and the heyday of jazz-rock fusion, Krog nonetheless puts her indelible stylistic stamp on all the material here. The best tunes here were written by Kuhn, who seems to understand the subtlest nuances in Krog's performing style, as evidenced by "Meaning of Love," with its driven, wispy Latin rhythms and melodic lines that seem to bleed into one another, capturing the softness of Krog's enunciation. The seemingly rocked-up cover of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" feels out of place here, the band feels stilted into trying to rein themselves into the conventional cut-time signature and fixed spaces where fills are almost unwelcome. While Mitchell's own version is far looser and spacier than this, the band seems to have misunderstood her original intent in this song. The co-write between Carla Bley and Krog on "Sing Me Softly of the Blues," finds the band back on its square, swinging the blues in cool nocturnal fashion with Christensen's swinging cymbal work carries the band underneath the singer's husky contralto. The finest moment here is the funky "Raindrops, Raindrops" written by Kuhn, where his electric piano and double-time bass and drums fall in just behind Krog's shimmering, airy performance. This recording is a fine document of its time, capturing its naivete, sense of adventure, and its willingness to step outside the jazz and vanguard box while never giving in to pop convention. Recommended. Thom Jurek   
Tracklist :
1    We Could Be Flying 6:00
    Written-By – M. Colombier, P. Williams
2    The Meaning Of Love 5:02
    Written-By – Kuhn
3    Sometime To Go 3:00
    Written-By – Sergio Mihanovich
4    All I Want 3:28
    Written-By – Joni Mitchell
5    Sing Me Softly Of The Blues 5:36
    Written-By – Bley, Krog
6    Raindrops, Raindrops 3:41
    Written-By – Kuhn
7    Lament 2:47
    Written-By – J.J. Johnson, J. Hendricks
8    Hold Out Your Hand 2:21
    Written-By – Kuhn
9    Time To Go 3:05
    Written-By – Kuhn
Credits
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow
Keyboards – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - By Myself (1966-2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     By Myself 3:18
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Dietz
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
2     Lover Man 5'53
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Davis
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
3     Karin's Kicks 3'39
Bass – Per Løberg
Composed By – Karin Krog
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
4     I Fall In Love Too Easily 5'41
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Cahn
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krogn
5     Gee, Baby Ain't I Good to You 3'45
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Don Redman
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
6     Mood Indigo 3'42
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Duke Ellington
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
7     'Deed I Do 1'59
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Hirsch
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
8     I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry 3'30
Bass – Kurt Lindgren
Composed By – Cahn
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog
9     All Blues 4'52
Bass – Per Løberg
Composed By – Miles Davis
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - Jazz Moments (1966-2006) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    I've Got Your Number 5'20
Composed By – Leigh, Coleman
2    Old Folks 6'08
Composed By – Hill, Robinson
3    All Of You 5'08
Composed By – C. Porter
Tenor Saxophone [Tenorsax] – Jan Garbarek
4    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home 6'05
Composed By – Warfield, Williams
5    Dearly Beloved 3'00
Composed By – Kern, Mercer
6    Glad To Be Unhappy 5'19
Composed By – Rodgers / Hart
7    I Can't Get Started 4'50
Composed By – Gershwin, Duke
8    Just In Time 3'29
Composed By – Comden, Green, Styne
9    Body And Soul 4'43
Composed By – Heyman, Green
10    Dearly Beloved (Alternative Take) 3'44
Composed By – Kern, Mercer
Tenor Saxophone [Tenorsax] – Jan Garbarek
Credits :
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Kenny Drew
Vocals [Vocal] – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG & FRIENDS - Joy (1968-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

By 1968, Norwegian jazz singer Karin Krog was already an international star. She had already won her country's most prestigious jazz award, the Buddy, had performed in the U.S. with Claire Fischer and Don Ellis, and had won a Talent Deserving Wider Recognition award in the 1966 Down Beat poll. She had also recorded three albums under her own name by this time. The recording of Joy with then-young lions Arild Andersen on bass, Svein (Jon) Christensen on drums, saxophonist Jan Garbarek, pianist Terje Bjorklund and percussionist Espen Rud signified a change in direction, from her previously straight swing and bop performance method. The set opens provocatively, even shockingly for the time with Annette Peacock's "Mr. Joy," a paean to a personal "toy" driven by Bjorklund's modal piano. The most groundbeaking cut here, "Karin's Song," is an improvisation guided by Garbarek, who had been a member of Krog's band since 1966. A vanguard piece that works on two juxtaposed modes, it features Bjorklund's piano offering thick layers of tonally stretched chords and Krog alternately scatting, growling, and moaning before and after Garbarek's thoroughly outside soloing. One who hears Garbarek's playing here will be shocked that this is the same person whose mannered playing graces so many ECM recordings from the 1970s into the 21st century. Garbarek and Bjorklund are absent on "'Round Midnight." The cut is led by Andersen's bass in duet with Palle Danielsson and accompanied only by Christensen's shimmering brushwork. Krog's singing is bluesy, icy cool, mysterious, and utterly original. The dual bass playing here is astonishing as counterpoint underscores every sung line elongating them in the process. "Maiden Voyage," by Herbie Hancock comes off as a swinging piece of jazz psychedelia with Garbarek doing his best Paul Desmond in the intro and Krog moaning to match his lines tonally, displaying fine control. The tune flows and changes shapes, aided by reverb on the voice while indulging fascination with Eastern modalities. The Garbarek solo is wonderful; alternating between dry, muted coolness and restrained out blowing before the crystalline lines of Bjorklund's piano shimmer through the center. This is a remarkable and timeless record, showcasing Krog's considerable gifts and the acumen of a great group of young jazz players. by Thom Jurek
Tracklist :
1 Mr. Joy 7:55
Written-By – A. Peacock, B. Colburn
2 Karin's Mode 8:10
Written-By – Jan Garbarek
3 Round About Midnight 6:05
Written-By – Gonzales, Monk 
4 Maiden Voyage - Lazy Afternoon 9:10
Written-By [Lazy Afternoon] – Moross, Latouche
Written-By [Maiden Voyage] – Hancock
- Bonus Track -
6 Blues Eyes 3:27
Composed By – B. Egerbladh, K.Krog
7 Break Of Day In Molde 2:18
Composed By – C. Bley, K.Krog
Credits :
Bass – Arild Andersen, Palle Danielsson (tracks: 3), Terje Bjørklund (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Drums – Jon Christensen (tracks: 6, 7), Svein Christiansen (tracks: 1 to 5)
Harp – Elisabeth Sønstevold (tracks: 6, 7)
Liner Notes – George Russell
Organ – Berndt Egerbladh (tracks: 6, 7)
Percussion [Rhythm Instruments] – Espen Rud (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Karin Krog (tracks: 3)
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Percussion [Rhythm Instruments] – Jan Garbarek (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Trumpet – Ted Curson (tracks: 6, 7)
Voice – Karin Krog
Notes
Tracks 1, 2, 4 and 5 recorded October 2, 1968 in Oslo, Norway.
Track 3 recorded July 6, 1968 at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Norway.
Tracks 6, 7 recorded August 4, 1969 in Oslo, Norway.

KARIN KROG - George Gershwin With Karin Krog + 3 (1974) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Who Cares?    5:00
2    How Long Has This Been Going On?    4:50
3    That Certain Feeling    4:03
4    My Man's Gone Now    4:00
5    Nice Work If You Can Get It    3:01
6    Embraceable You    4:42
7    They All Laughed    3:18
8    There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York    3:54
9    Our Love Is Here To Stay    2:53
- Bonus Tracks -    
10    Someone To Watch Over Me    3:57
11    Summertime    4:24
12    I Love You Porgy    4:46
Credits :
Arranged By – Egil Kapstad
Bass – Arild Andersen (pistas: 1 to 9)
Composed By [Songs By] – George & Ira Gershwin
Drums – Jon Christensen (pistas: 1 to 9)
Electric Piano [Uncredited] – Egil Kapstad (pistas: 10 to 12)
Piano – Egil Kapstad
Tenor Saxophone – Bjarne Nerem (pistas: 1 to 8)
Vocals – Karin Krog (pistas: 1, 2, 4 to 12)

KARIN KROG & DEXTER GORDON - Some Other Spring, Blues And Ballads (1970-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The talented Norwegian singer Karin Krog sings standards and her own "Blue Eyes" on this enjoyable collaboration with tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Krog, a versatile vocalist, sounds perfectly at home on such tunes as "Some Other Spring," "How Insensitive," "Jelly, Jelly," and "Shiny Stockings." Dexter is in excellent form (he had lived in Europe at that point for eight years) and the group is completed by pianist Kenny Drew (who switches to organ on "Blue Eyes"), bassist Niels Pedersen, and drummer Espen Rud. This is one of the most accessible Karin Krog releases around and is recommended.  by Scott Yanow
Tracklist  
1 Some Other Spring 5:02
Composed By – Hertzog, Wilson
2 Blue Monk 3:57
Composed By – Lincoln, Monk
3 How Insensitive 4:37
Composed By – Jobim, Gimbel
4 Blue Eyes 4:53
Composed By – Egerbladh, Krog
5 Jelly Jelly 4:58
Composed By – Eckstein, Hines
Tribute To Jimmy Scott
6 I Wish I Knew 5:25
Composed By – Warren, Gordon
7 Everybody's Somebody's Fool 4:41
Composed By – Adams, Hampton
8 Shiny Stockings 3:49
Composed By – Foster, Hendricks
9 Ode To Billy Joe 8:20
Composed By – Gentry
10 Some Other Spring (Alternate) 4:27
Composed By – Hertzog, Wilson
11 Blue Monk (Alternate) 4:04
Composed By – Lincoln, Monk
12 Shiny Stockings (Alternate) 6:54
Composed By – Foster, Hendricks
Credits
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Drums – Espen Rud
Piano, Organ – Kenny Drew
Tenor Saxophone, Vocals – Dexter Gordon
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - We Could Be Flying (1974-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded for Polydor, six years after her landmark Joy album, this set features Norwegian jazz iconoclast Karin Krog in the electric company of keyboardist Steve Kuhn, drummer percussionist Jon Christensen, and Steve Swallow on one of his early electric bass dates. More song-oriented than her other vanguard dates, We Could Be Flying still showcases the singer in a restless, searching frame of creativity. Obviously influenced by the work Flora Purim had done with Return to Forever and the heyday of jazz-rock fusion, Krog nonetheless puts her indelible stylistic stamp on all the material here. The best tunes here were written by Kuhn, who seems to understand the subtlest nuances in Krog's performing style, as evidenced by "Meaning of Love," with its driven, wispy Latin rhythms and melodic lines that seem to bleed into one another, capturing the softness of Krog's enunciation. The seemingly rocked-up cover of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" feels out of place here, the band feels stilted into trying to rein themselves into the conventional cut-time signature and fixed spaces where fills are almost unwelcome. While Mitchell's own version is far looser and spacier than this, the band seems to have misunderstood her original intent in this song. The co-write between Carla Bley and Krog on "Sing Me Softly of the Blues," finds the band back on its square, swinging the blues in cool nocturnal fashion with Christensen's swinging cymbal work carries the band underneath the singer's husky contralto. The finest moment here is the funky "Raindrops, Raindrops" written by Kuhn, where his electric piano and double-time bass and drums fall in just behind Krog's shimmering, airy performance. This recording is a fine document of its time, capturing its naivete, sense of adventure, and its willingness to step outside the jazz and vanguard box while never giving in to pop convention. Recommended. by Thom Jurek
Tracklist :
1     We Could Be Flying 6'05
Paul Williams
2     Meaning of Love 5'07
Steve Kuhn
3     Sometime Ago 3'04
Sergio Mihanovich
4     All I Want 3'31
J.R. Mitchell
5     Sing Me Softly of the Blues 5'40
Carla Bley
6     Raindrops, Raindrops 3'46
Steve Kuhn
7     Lament 2'50
Jon Hendricks / J.J. Johnson
8     Hold Out Your Hand 2'24
Steve Kuhn
9     Time to Go 3'04
Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – Steve Swallow
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Keyboards – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - You Must Believe in Spring (1974-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Many a great artist likely has been convinced to do an album which he or she later curses the Jazz Gods for ever letting it happen. Such must be the case for the fine Norwegian singer Karen Krog with regard to You Must Believe in Spring. What musical purpose this album is designed to serve is a mystery. Maybe that's why there are no liner notes. No one could think of anything to say. Here are a group of very good European musicians with many outstanding recording sessions under their respective belts taking part in an effort to transform Michel Legrand's music into a combination of pop, rock and fusion. Every electronic gimmick ever invented by an engineer is used here. There's an electric bass, piano, echo chambers and some devices I don't recognize, all laid on top of saccharine strings with Krog's voice sounding like it's coming from a cave. The best cut on this session is "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" where there is some nice trumpet work by Palle Mikkelborg. The rest of the cuts are maudlin and dull. When there's only 35 minutes of music on a CD that's usually reason to complain. Here, it's a blessing. by Dave Nathan
Tracklist :
1    You Must Believe In Spring 4'26
Composed By – M.& A.Bergman, M.Legrand
2    Ask Yourself Why 6'29
Composed By – M.& A.Bergman, M.Legrand
3    I'll Wait For You 6'46
Composed By – M.Legrand, N.Gimbel
4    Watch What Happens 7'06
Composed By – M.Legrand, N.Gimbel
5    Once Upon A Summertime 5'19
Composed By – J.Mercer, M.Legrand
6    What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
Composed By – M.& A.Bergman, M.Legrand
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Per Carsten
Arranged By, Conductor – Palle Mikkelborg
Bass, Electric Bass – Niels Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Cello – Erling Christensen
Drums – Alex Riel
Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute – Bent Larsen
Guitar, Electric Guitar – Philip Catherine
Harp – Lubov Rubinstein
Oboe – Niels Peters
Percussion – Kasper Vinding
Piano, Electric Piano – Ole Koch-Hansen
Trumpet – Palle Mikkelborg
Viola – Finn Ziegler
Violin – Hans Nielsen, Per Walther
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG • JOHN SURMAN - Cloud Line Blue (1979-2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Alone Song 4'23
Music By – John Surman
Piano, Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Janet Cooke
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Bass Clarinet, Synth [Moog Synth], Guitar – John Surman
Voice – Karin Krog
2    New Spring 6'53
Drums – Stu Martin
Music By – Irvine Payne, John Surman, Stu Martin
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Synth [Moog Synth], Synth [EMS Synth], Piano – John Surman
Voice – Karin Krog
3    Eyeless In Movement 6'26
Music By – John Surman, Karin Krog
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Bass Clarinet, Synth [Moog Synth], Synth [EMS Synth] – John Surman
Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Janet Cooke
Voice – Karin Krog
4    Jonathan 7'25
Drums – Stu Martin
Music By – John Surman, Karin Krog, Stu Martin
Piano, Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Janet Cooke
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Bass Clarinet, Synth [Moog Synth] – John Surman
Voice – Karin Krog
5    Empty Streets 4'12
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Piano, Synth [ARP Synth] – John Surman
Music By – John Surman
Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Janet Cooke
Voice – Karin Krog
6    Cloud Line Blue 8'52
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Synth [String Synth], Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Piano – John Surman
Music By – John Surman, Karin Krog
Voice – Karin Krog
7    Edge Piece 2'53
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Synth [Moog Synth], Synth [EMS Synth] – John Surman
Drums – Stu Martin
Music By – John Surman, Stu Martin
Voice – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG • WARNE MARSH • RED MITCHELL - I Remember You ... (1980-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Norway's exceptional jazz singer Karin Krog accepts no limits to the use of her voice as a jazz instrument. With a highly personal style, she is equally at home with classic pop standards as well as exploring the depths of avant-garde and free jazz. This all-encompassing approach to the music has taken her into the studio with a wide gamut of artists representing different segments of the music, including John Surman and Archie Shepp on the free jazz side to bop players Dexter Gordon and Kenny Drew. Here she hooks up with cool tenor sax player Warne Marsh and consummate bass player Red Mitchell for a session that straddles both schools of jazz. The play list includes both jazz and pop standards. More to the point, regardless of the nature of the tunes, these three reconstruct them with a modern jazz feel. Marsh opens "I Remember You" on an improvisational line with virtually no reference to the melody. Krog rounds out the exploration of vocal jazz styles with vocalese on "Moody's Mood for Love." Further evidence that this is no ordinary vocal album is found in the length of several of the cuts. Some tracks run more than seven minutes as Krog, Marsh, and Mitchell delve deeply into the heart and soul of these tunes. The presence of Mitchell as one of the two instrumentalists is consistent with Krog's partiality to top-flight bass players. She would later join Mitchell again on record in a duo session, and has collaborated with such other top bass players as Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Arild Andersen, and Steve Swallow. I Remember You is another memorable chapter in the artistic life of a consummate jazz performer and is recommended. by Dave Nathan  
Tracklist :
1     I Remember You 5'37
Johnny Mercer / Victor Schertzinger
2     Trane 7'10
Tadd Dameron / Karin Krog
3     Lester's Happy 3'05
King Pleasure / Lester Young
4     Moody's Mood for Love 4'47
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh / James Moody
5     It's You or No One 5'00
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
6     Lover Man 7'22
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
7     Speak Low 5'38
Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
8     That Old Feeling 6'11
Lew Brown / Sammy Fain
9    It's You Or No-One (Alternative Take) 5'08
Composed By – Styne - Cahn
10    Speak Low (Alternative Take) 5'49
Composed By – Weill, Nash
11    That Old Feeling (Alternative Take) 6'09
Composed By – Brown, Fein
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Tenor Saxophone – Warne Marsh
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - Something Borrowed ... Something New (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This recent release by Norwegian vocalist Karen Krog has its ups and downs; she's best on the more ambitious, experimental material than doing straight ballads and standards, where deficiences in timing and delivery recur. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1    The Thrill Is Gone 2'20
Written-By – Brown, Henderson
2    Out Of This World 5'16
Written-By – Arlen-Mercer
3    If I Should Lose You 4'03
Written-By – Robin, Rainger
4    My Foolish Heart 4'45
Written-By – Washington, Young
5    Canto Mai 3'12
Written-By – Surman
6    I Get A Kick Out Of You 2'38
Written-By – Porter
7    All Blues 5'43
Written-By – Davis, O.Brown Jr.
8    The Meaning Of The Blues 7'30
Written-By – Troup, Worth
9    This Is New 3'19
Written-By – Gershwin, Weill
10    Just One Of Those Things 3'15
Written-By – Porter
11    I'm Beginning To See The Light 4'22
Written-By – Ellington
12    Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye 5'22
Written-By – Porter
13    Tivoli 6'03
Written-By – Colburn, Gordon
Credits :
Bass – Niels Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Drums – Alex Riel
Piano – Kenny Drew
Vocals – Karin Krog

JOHN SURMAN • KARIN KROG • TERJE RYPDAL • VIGLEIK STORAAS - Nordic Quartet (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This ECM CD is only a mixed success. John Surman is the lead voice most of the way and his playing (particularly on baritone and bass clarinet) is typically atmospheric and emotional. However, singer Karin Krog (who is on around half of the songs) only makes an impression on the closing "Wild Bird"; otherwise her long tones sound out of place. Pianist Vigleik Storaas is mostly used in an accompanying role while guitarist Terje Rypdal's feedback-dominated tone is primarily utilized for color. The group never really meshes their disparate voices together and few of the spacey (and sometimes meandering) group originals other than "Wild Bird" are at all memorable. All of the principals have sounded better elsewhere. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist  :

1 Traces 7:10
Written-By – Krog, Storaas
2 Unwritten Letter 3:46
Written-By – Surman, Krog
3 Offshore Piper 2:05
Written-By – Surman, Rypdal
4 Gone To The Dogs 3:58
Written-By – Surman
5 Double Tripper 6:16
Written-By – Surman, Rypdal
6 Ved Sørevatn 8:05
Written-By – Rypdal
7 Watching Shadows 5:18
Written-By – Surman, Krog
8 The Illusion 5:55
Written-By – Storaas
9 Wild Bird 7:30
Written-By – Surman, Krog
Credits :
Guitar – Terje Rypdal
Piano – Vigleik Storaas
Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – John Surman
Voice – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG & JOHN SURMAN - Bluesand (1999) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Nightingale    4:41
John Surman, Karin Krog
2    Ribbon Of Sand    3:19
John Surman, Karin Krog
3    Sombre Woods    4:49
John Surman, Karin Krog
4    Voice Shadow    4:31
John Surman, Karin Krog
5    It Could Be Hip    4:23
John Surman, Karin Krog
6    Don't Just Sing    7:00
John Surman, Karin Krog
7    SAS Blues    2:46
John Surman, Karin Krog
8    So Blue    2:41
John Surman, Karin Krog
9    Bluesand    6:27
John Surman, Karin Krog
10    Hidden Dreams    1:49
John Surman, Karin Krog
11    Secret Games    5:31
John Surman, Karin Krog
12    Fly Away    6:38
John Surman, Karin Krog
Credits :
Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Piano, Synthesizer [Synthesizers] – John Surman
Voice, Effects [Electronic Voice Effects] – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - One on One (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Not overwhelmed with the song now playing on this album? Be patient, the next track may be something more to your liking. This album is a musical smogarsboard of songs cutting across a variety of vocal genre. The play list runs from the traditional "Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child," through Hoagy Carmichael's ultimate standard "Stardust" through John Coltrane's poem-song "A Love Supreme" with a little of 1960s popsters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller thrown in. It would be unkind to say that the singer is simply trying out everything until she finds something she does well. Not so with Karen Krog, one of the finer and more inventive jazz singers of the last three decades. One on One is a compilation of three different recording sessions Krog made as part of a duo performances. Krog and premier bass player Red Mitchell are on the first six tracks, recorded in 1977. Also recorded in the same year, Krog and Swedish pianist Bengt Hallberg are on tracks seven through fourteen. The last four tracks, recorded in 1980, are devoted to Krog's work with Nils Lindberg, Swedish composer and organist. There are not many singers who would risk singing with just a bass or an organ as accompaniment. The vocalist and bass player must have great musical rapport given the limitations of the instrument. As far as an organ goes it, if not delicately played, can overwhelm the vocalist. The fact that it comes off incredibly well is a tribute not only to Krog, but to Mitchell and Lindberg. The Krog/Mitchell sessions are especially haunting. Mitchell plays cello like passages on Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To." His phrasing and articulation seem to be made especially for Krog's vocal inflections and phrasing. Hallberg has been a top performer in Europe for several years and has recorded with Krog before. Lindberg is a composer and, as is evident on the almost sacred rendition of "A Love Supreme," a church organist. This album offers a over an hour of a wide variety of music all showcasing Karen Krog's amazing vocal virtuosity.
Collapse ↑ is one of the most in-demand players with his inventive, bluesy solo technique. Highly recommended! by Ken Dryden  
by Dave Nathan  
Tracklist :
1    Blues In My Heart 2'33
Composed By – Benny Carter, Irving Mills
2    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 3'08
Composed By – Cole Porter
3    These Foolish Things 5'02
Composed By – Harry Link, Holt Marvel, Jack Strachey
4    But Not For Me 2'54
Composed By – George & Ira Gershwin
5    God Bless The Child 6'11
Composed By – Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
6    Just In Time 3'18
Composed By – Betty Comden - Adolph Green, Jule Styne
7    A Song For You 3'54
Composed By – Leon Russell
8    Feeling Too Good Today Blues 4'11
Composed By – Jerry Leiber - Mike Stoller
9    Stardust 5'27
Composed By – Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish
10    I Wont Dance 1'58
Composed By – J.Kern - O.Hammerstein, O.Harbach
11    Medley: Blue And Sentimental / Sentimental And Melancholy 3'02
Composed By [Blue And Sentimental] – Count Basie, J.Livingstone, M.David
Composed By [Sentimental And Melancholy] – Johnny Mercer, Richard Whiting
12    Scandia Skies 2'44
Composed By – Karin Krog, Kenny Dorham
13    I Was Doing All Right 2'23
Composed By – George & Ira Gershwin
14    I Got The Right To Sing The Blues 3'29
Composed By – Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
15    Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child 3'00
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog, Nils Lindberg
16    John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" 7'16
Composed By [Adaption Of Psalm From "A Love Supreme"] – John Coltrane
Lyrics By [Poem By] – John Coltrane
Music By [Music Improvised By] – Karin Krog, Nils Lindberg
17    As You Are 2'27
Composed By – Nils Lindberg, Red Mitchell
18    Going Home 3'07
Composed By – William Arms Fisher
Composed By [Adapted From The Largo Of Symphony No. 5, Op. 95] – Antonin Dvorak
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell (pistas: 1 to 6)
Organ [Church Organ] – Nils Lindberg (pistas: 15 to 18)
Piano – Bengt Hallberg (pistas: 7 to 14)
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - Raindrops, Raindrops (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Over the years, many different subjects have been debated in the jazz world. One of them has to do with whether or not someone who grows up speaking a language other than English can be an effective jazz vocalist -- some argue that only those who grow up in English-speaking countries should sing jazz. But truth be told, there are plenty of European vocalists who grew up speaking Swedish, German, Italian, Dutch, or French and have no problem singing jazz in excellent English (a language that many Europeans learn to speak fluently at an early age). Although Karin Krog was born in Oslo and grew up in a country where Norwegian is the primary language, she is a shining example of how effectively a Scandinavian vocalist can sing English-language jazz. Raindrops, Raindrops, a best-of CD that spans 1966-1985, paints a consistently attractive picture of Krog's artistry. Assembled by a German label called Crippled Dick Hot Wax, this collection shows Krog to be an adventurous, risk-taking improviser who brings an intriguing variety of influences to the table -- Sheila Jordan, Betty Carter, and Jeanne Lee have affected her work, but so have less abstract vocalists like Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington. Krog favors an inside/outside approach (usually more inside than outside), and the Norwegian improviser is as convincing on Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" as she is on Michel Legrand's "I'll Wait for You" and Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight." The latter is a most pleasant surprise; instead of embracing the famous Bernie Hanighen lyrics, Krog unearths a lesser-known set of lyrics that Babs Gonzales recorded in 1956. Raindrops, Raindrops isn't the last word on Krog's contributions to vocal jazz, but for novices, it would be an excellent starting point. by Alex Henderson  
Tracklist :
1.  Meaning Of Love 5:05
Bass [Electric] – Steve Swallow
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Keyboards, Composed By – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog
2.  Hold Out Your Hands 2:22
Bass [Electric] – Steve Swallow
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Keyboards, Composed By – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog
3.  Raindrops, Raindrops 3:44
Bass [Electric] – Steve Swallow
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Keyboards, Composed By – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog
4.  New Spring 6:50
Composed By – Payne, Martin, Surman
Drums – Stu Martin
Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone By – John Surman
Vocals – Karin Krog
5.  We Could Be Flying 6:02
Bass [Electric] – Steve Swallow
Composed By – Columbier
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Keyboards – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog
6.  Round About Midnight 6:59
Bass – Arild Andersen
Composed By – Williams, Monk
Vocals – Karin Krog
7.  Maiden Voyage - Lazy Afternoon 9:16
Bass – Arild Andersen
Composed By – Herbie Hancock
Drums – Svein Christensen
Percussion [Rhythm Ins.] – Espen Rud
Piano – Terje Björklund
Tenor Saxophone, Percussion [Rhythm Ins.] – Jan Garbarek
Vocals, Percussion [Rhythm Ins.] – Karin Krog
8.  Time To Go 3:06
Drums, Percussion – Jon Christensen
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow
Keyboards, Written-By – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Karin Krog
9. I`ll Wait For You 6:43Alto Saxophone, Flute – Per Carsten
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Cello – Erling Christensen
Composed By – Michel Legrand, Gimbel
Drums – Alex Riel
Flute – Bent Larsen
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Harp – Lubov Rubinstein
Oboe – Niels Peters
Percussion – Kasper Vinding
Piano – Ole Koch
Trumpet, Arranged By, Conductor – Palle Mikkelborg
Viola – Finn Ziegler
Violin – Hans Nielsen, Per Walther
Vocals – Karin Krog
10 Karima Two 4:55
Composed By – John Surman, Karin Krog
Synthesizer – John Surman
Vocals, Tambura, Bells – Karin Krog
11 All Of You 5:08
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Composed By – Cole Porter
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Kenny Drew
Tenor Saxophone – Jan Garbarek
Vocals – Karin Krog
12.  Blue Eyes 4:53
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Composed By – Bernt Egerbladh
Drums – Espen Rud
Organ – Kenny Drew
Tenor Saxophone – Dexter Gordon
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG • JACOB YOUNG - Where Flamingos Fly (2002) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

 

Tracklist:

1 Where Flamingos Fly 4:40

Written-By – James Kennedy, Mascha Spoliansky

2 Prelude To A Kiss 5:04

Written-By – Duke Ellington, Gordon, Mills

3 Once I Loved 3:27

Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ray Gilbert

4 Last Night When We Were Young 4:25

Written-By – E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

5 I'm Shadowing You 3:29

Written-By – Blossom Dearie, Johnny Mercer

6 I'll Be Seeing You 4:45

Written-By – Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain

7 Caravan 5:22

Written-By – Ellington, Mills, Tizol

8 Everything Happens To Me 4:48

Written-By – Matt Dennis, Tom Adair

9 Northern Sun 5:06

Double Bass [Uncredited] – Arild Andersen

Written-By – Karin Krog

10 Cry Me A River 5:08

Double Bass [Uncredited] – Arild Andersen

Written-By – Arthur Hamilton

11 K.C. Blues 3:12

Double Bass [Uncredited] – Arild Andersen

Written-By – Joe Turner, Pete Johnson

12 Everytime We Say Goodbye 4:59

Written-By – Cole Porter

Credits:

Electric Guitar [Uncredited] – Jacob Young

Vocals [Uncredited] – Karin Krog

BERGER BIG BAND • KARIN KROG - Seagull (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Sweet Talker 3'06
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist, Trombone – Sindre Dalhaug
Soloist, Trumpet – Martin Winter
Written-By – Krog
2    La Calada 4'10
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist, Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax] – John Surman
Soloist, Trumpet – Are Ovesen
Written-By – Surman, Krog
3    Lament 3'33
Arranged By – John Warren
Written-By – Johnson, Hendricks
4    My Shining Hour 4'08
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist, Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Surman
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone [Tenor] – Ole Jakob Hystad
Written-By – Arlen/ Mercer
5    The Seagull 7'25
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist, Soprano Saxophone [Soprano] – Surman
Soloist, Vibraphone [Vibes] – Ivar Kolve
Written-By – Surman, Krog
6    Northern Sun 4'47
Arranged By – John Warren
Soloist, Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Surman
Written-By – Krog
7    Don't Get Around Much 3'49
Arranged By – John Warren
Soloist, Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Olav Dale
Written-By – Russell, Ellington
8    Jubilee 4'42
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist [Improvised Section For (...) & The Rhythm Section], Vocals – Karin
Soloist, Piano – Dag Arnesen
Written-By – Surman, Krog
9    Canto Mai 4'18
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone [Tenor] – Ole Jakob Hystad
Written-By – Surman, Krog
10    Don't Just Sing 6'24
Arranged By – John Surman
Soloist [Improvised Vocal Lines Through An Echo-Machine], Vocals, Effects [Echo-Machine] – Karin
Soloist [Reed Section], Clarinet – Ole Jakob Hystad
Soloist [Reed Section], Flute – Jan Kåre Hystad
Soloist [Reed Section], Flute, Flute [Alto Flute] – Øystein Søbstad
Soloist [Reed Section], Flute, Flute [Alto Flute], Clarinet – Olav Dale
Soloist, Guitar – Ole Thomsen
Written-By – Surman, Krog
11    Angel Eyes 5'31
Arranged By – Don Ellis
Written-By – Brent, Dennis
12    You'd Better Love Me 4'09
Arranged By – John Warren
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Zoltan Vincze
Written-By – Martin, Grey
Credits :
Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Piano – John Surman
Fiddle – Mats Berglund
Oboe [Uncredited] – Brynjar Hoff
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG - Folkways (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Waly Waly (The Water Is Wide).... 3'35
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
2    Ola Ola Min Eigen Unge 1'30
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
3    Nissespill Og Fans Polka 2'58
Traditional
Arranged By – Mads Berglund
4    Målfrid Min Frue 4'25
Traditional
Arranged By – Krog, Berglund
5    Arve Brakars Halling (Versjon 2) 1'49
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
6    Lokk 3'24
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
7    Pathway 1'02
Composed By – John Surman
8    Fingubben 2'43
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
9    Melodi 2'11
Traditional
Arranged By – John Surman
10    Brudedans 2'04
Traditional
Arranged By – Mads Berglund
11    Purka 2'17
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
12    Gjestebudet 1'47
Arranged By – Karin Krog
13    Vakker Er Du 2'41
Arranged By – Karin Krog
14    Soldaten Og Jenta 2'35
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
15    Huldrevise 1'49
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
16    Halling Medley /Arve Brakar 2'44
Arranged By – Krog, Berglund
17    Bånsull 1'43
Traditional
Arranged By – Karin Krog
18    Raga Variations 5'30
Arranged By – John Surman
Composed By – Arne Nordheim
19    Pathway 1'03
Composed By – John Surman
Credits :
Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Piano – John Surman
Fiddle – Mats Berglund
Oboe [Uncredited] – Brynjar Hoff
Vocals – Karin Krog

KARIN KROG + MORTEN GUNNAR LARSEN - In A Rag Bag (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Old Piano Roll 3'16
Composed By – John Surman
2    Euphonic Sounds 3'00
Composed By – Scott Joplin
3    Way Down Yonder In New Orleans 2'54
Composed By – Henry Creamer, John Turner Layton Jr.
4    In The Dark / In A Mist 7'24
Composed By – Bix Beiderbecke
5    I'm Comin' Virginia 3'11
Composed By – Donald Heywood, Will Marion Cook
6    Dear Bix 3'55
Composed By – Dave Frishberg
7    Going Home 3'25
Composed By – Antonin Dvo ák, William Arms Fisher
8    Olympia Rag – Norsk Rag No. 5 4'26
Composed By – Morten Gunnar Larsen
9    Spanish Steps 4'16
Composed By – Russ Henderson
10    Feeling Too Good Today Blues 3'40
Composed By – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
11    Ain't Misbehavin' / I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling 5'09
Composed By [Ain't Misbehavin'] – Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Harry Brooks
Composed By [I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling] – Billy Rose, Fats Waller, Harry Link
12    Wild Cat Blues 3'47
Composed By – Clarence Williams, Fats Waller
13    Blue Turning Grey Over You 4'28
Composed By – Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
14    The Joint Is Jumpin' 2'51
Composed By – Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, James C. Johnson
Credits :
Piano – Morten Gunnar Larsen
Vocals – Karin Krog

SCOTT HAMILTON • KARIN KROG - The Best Things in Life (2016) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Best Things In Life Are Free 3'18
Written-By – Buddy DeSylva / Lew Brown / Ray Henderson
2    I Must Have That Man 5'20
Written-By – Jimmy McHugh / Dorothy Fields
3    Will You Still Be Mine 8'09
Written-By – Matt Dennis
4    How Am I To Know 3'02
Lyrics By – Dorothy Parker
Music By – Jack King
5    Don't Get Scared 4'53
Lyrics By – Hendricks
Music By – Gullin, Getz
6    Ain't Nobody's Business 4'47
Written-By – Everett Robbins, Porter Grainger
7    We Will Be Together Again 5'31
Written-By – Carl T. Fischer, Frankie Laine
8    Sometimes I'm Happy 5'05
Lyrics By – Karin Krog
Written-By – Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans
9    What A Little Moonlight Can Do 4'31
Written-By – Harry M. Woods
10    Shake It, But Don't Break It 6'59
Written-By – Erroll Garner
Credits :
Bass – Hans Backenroth
Drums – Kristian Leth
Piano – Jan Lundgren
Tenor Saxophone – Scott Hamilton
Vocals – Karin Krog