Marius Neset - Golden Xplosion

Saw Marius Neset at the Brighton Jazz Club on Friday. One of the best gigs I have ever been to. Downloaded his last album Golden Xplosion a few months ago but have been listening to it more frequently recently. It is rather dense and takes time to accumulate the complexities of his playing. However to see him live makes everything clear. He simply has phenominal technique. Think of Michael Brecker, Chris Potter and Colin Stetson and roll them into a 25 year old Norwegian and you have Neset. His compositions, all of which are really strong, reflect the influence of Django Bates who he has studied and played with. In fact Django plays keys and tenor horn on the albume although Ivo Neame played in Brighton. Another member of the band who was astounding was the drummer Anton Eger, along with Jasper Hoiby and Neame also plays with Phronesis. Expect to hear much more of this prodegy in the future. Interesting to note that GX is recorded on Edition Records which is, for my money, the best contemporary jazz label in the country.