Hess Is More, Nikolaj Hess - Piano Chronicles, Vol. 1 (2021) Hi Res

The brothers Nikolaj & Mikkel Hess have shared 40 years of musical explorations. In these recordings, they’ve combined their talents and efforts as pianist Nikolaj interprets Mikkel’s Hess Is More discography. Like most other creative endeavors, this concept didn’t occur overnight, rather it’s based on tradition. Since the first Hess Is More album was released in 2005, it’s been a recurring practice, that Nikolaj would perform “solo piano remixes” of the material live in concerts - often as opening sets before the live shows. For about as long as the brothers have practiced this tradition, they’ve dreamt of making a full album, consisting of recording sessions on the piano. Now, almost 20 years in, the material seemed fully ripe. Therefore, Nikolaj and Mikkel have had some intense recording sessions on the beautiful Steinway C grand piano at ‘The Village Recording’ in Copenhagen. The result is playful, daring, yet at the same time mature and immaculate in its form.
Nikolaj’s deep foundation in jazz is clear from the first note, as you feel the presence and freshness of improvised music. Yet, you’ll never lose the sense of Mikkel’s strong melodic lines and clear compositions. Their sound is in the cinematic borderland between jazz, pop, folk, and classical, these recordings can be enjoyed over and over again. The melodies and harmonies will get you hooked, and the improvised surprises will keep you coming back. Music of the moment, shaped by the shared musical history of these two musical brothers. A journey through Hess is More’s extensive catalogue, spanning material from all the albums. Including the international mega-hit ‘Yes Boss’, in very direct collaboration with Mikkel playing hand percussion on the piano frame, as Nikolaj takes care of the keys themselves. And ‘Iboja’s Theme’ where the brothers perform side by side in a slow-motion four-hand recording. Above all, you’ll hear a lot of stunning piano-playing by Nikolaj Hess. It’s in moments like these where Mikkel would sit and listen in awe as it happened – and so will you.