New Album From Guitarist Jacob Young

“Eventually”, Jacob Young’s fourth album as a leader for ECM and his first in the trio format – featuring bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Audun Kleive

Above photo by Andre Clemetsen / ECM Records

(L to R) Jacob Young, Mats Eilertsen, and Audun Kleive

The freshness of Eventually comes from the fact that Jacob doesn’t draw from obvious references to or quotes of the past guitar greats he admires, but instead concentrates on developing his own voice as a composer and guitarist – one defined by subtle chord-melody harmonizations. Jacob: “When I am the only chordal instrument it gives me more freedom playing these harmonically dense pieces because when playing single lines during an improvisation and only having the bass beneath more notes are available. Then I can throw in a chord that sounds good with the bass without adjusting to a piano’s voicing and sound, or any other chordal instrument.”

Jacob also emphasizes the significance of his sidemen in the process of making the album: “We treated the material like equals. I was the leader in the sense that I composed the music, but more than anything, it’s about the interplay with these two masters. Mats and Audun make improvising easier for me – it’s one of their mutual abilities. To make other people sound better.” 

Jacob Young has previously released three recordings as a leader for the label: Evening Falls (2004), Sideways (2007) and Forever Young (2014), recorded in the company of ECM stalwarts like late drummer Jon Christensen, saxophonist Trygve Seim, Marcin Wasilewski and more. He was also part of Manu Katché’s group on Third Round (2010) and the drummer’s compilation album Touchstone for Manu (2014). 

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