Terje Rypdal
Odyssey

The electric guitar has undergone profound changes over time in both sound and appearance and will continue to evolve in the future. The first experiments with electrification were conducted starting in the twenties, but at that time no one could have imagined how far this instrument of Eastern origin would come. The gradual evolution from the 'simple' rhythmic accompaniment to the achievement of its own expressiveness and individuality is the result of the study of an impressive number of musicians who have dedicated commitment and passion throughout their lives. DeB Sez.Guitarists (Vol 1.3).

Terje Rypdal is certainly an Artist whose musical journey should be carefully retraced to fully appreciate the considerable innovative expressive and creative value. "Odyssey" is a true journey marked by a deep and heartfelt lyricism in which dreamlike, almost elegiac atmospheres converge, but also diametrically opposed psychedelic escapades. Terje can be compared to a kind of alchemist of the electric guitar and is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist (String Ensemble, Soprano Saxophone), always eager for new musical discoveries. With the aid of his instrument, revolutionizing the timbral palette, Rypdal is in constant search of unusual, mysterious, and original sounds. He is capable of creating music with indefinite contours, timeless and boundless, managing to stimulate the listener through a series of unmistakable auditory sensations. Listening to him, one gets the impression that he wants to 'dig' through the guitar, and thus also through himself, in an attempt to acquire a new sonic language. His is an inner journey through feelings, from which a meditative, at times mystical spirit emerges. By exploring electric sounds, he manages to create magical and profound music, at times slightly unsettling and solemn, but no less vibrant for that. Rypdal is not influenced by the surrounding environment and lets his emotions spread and flow without inhibitions.

With a title so challenging and evocative, the compositions could only be stimulating and fascinating journeys through little-explored territories and therefore difficult to place temporally. The sound quality is excellent. Thanks to the hallmark and almost impalpable reverb of ECM, the tracks are loaded with depth and sophistication. Seven musical pieces of rare compositional creativity generously spread over more than sixty minutes. Rypdal is at ease in instrumental guitar musings, all composed by him, always well supported by skilled instrumentalists. The longer and more intricate tracks like "Midnite", "Adagio", and "Fare Well" will transport you through a multitude of emotions that are not easily described, sometimes pervaded by a light melancholy. Before concluding, I find it fair to point out a small but significant (negative) detail about the album: I will report it exactly as written on the booklet. "To enable the release of "Odyssey" as a single Compact Disc, the tune "Rolling Stone" has been omitted from the original LP edition."

It is ultimately a surely challenging and complex work. For this reason, it requires a series of active and repeated listenings to be fully appreciated and understood. Regards, abstruse ©.