Pierre Dørge always creates provocative, often fun music for his
New Jungle Orchestra. The guitarist introduces nine new originals on this 2008 studio date, with the unusual "Whispering Elephants" being inspired by
Dørge's witnessing of ten young elephants fighting among themselves to lead the herd, lacking any guidance from older animals. Much of this fascinating piece features soft playing of the reeds and horns, sometimes blowing without playing any notes.
Dørge's "To Mr. Dolphy" is a catchy blend of Spanish and Afro-Cuban rhythms influenced by the late multi-reed player's original "Music Matador," featuring engaging interplay between Jakob Mygind's soprano sax and Anders Banke's bass clarinet. The haunting ballad "Moonlight in the Woods" also prominently showcases the bass clarinet, while
Dørge's scoring of the brass is breathtaking. Pianist Irene Becker (
Dørge's wife) contributed "Malam Lagu," an exotic, Far Eastern-flavored ballad that proves very soothing. This is yet another excellent session by
Pierre Dørge & His New Jungle Orchestra. ~ Ken Dryden