Kresten Osgood - As of Not (2020)

As of Not is the only existing recording of a seven part suite of the same name by the late experimental Jazz legend Jerome Cooper. Together with Kresten Osgood, who is a major force in the European Jazz scene, As of Not was recorded in Copenhagen in 2011.

Jerome Cooper’s composition is a testament of his renowned unique style, but the recording also captures what both of these artists are known for: Multi dimensional, multi textural expression of the highest intensity. Kresten and Jerome conjure countless different sounds and surrender them to the moment, creating a picture bigger than its parts. The music stretches out in multiple dimensions, with sometimes as many as five layers of sound erupting from this duo.

The suite starts with a serene, spiritual piano introduction, which then is taken into short, repeated rhythmical phrases that tumble over each other in an explosive mixture. Always moving forward, the rise and flow of tension helps to convey this composition full of pathos, energy and depth. Developing through multiple parts like scenes, it gives the impression of a story full of meaning, more felt than understood, and culminates in multiple cathartic moments.