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20th CENTURY GUITAR MAGAZINE/MARCH 2002 PRESENTING FRODE KJEKSTAD: Norwegian born guitarist Kjekstad was brought to my attention by guitarist Randy Johnston. Randy has quite a following in Scandinavia and has been gigging occasionally with Frode. Given the right exposure, perhaps the Norwegian can do the opposite, and start garnering himself some fans stateside. This introductury CD makes a strong case for his talents. He is joined on this outing by jazz organist Paul Wagnberg. Kjekstad has been a member of his trio from 1999, and the two have - as I found out from listening to this disc - developed a finely tuned musical empathy. In fact, half of the titles on this set came from Wagnberg`s own CD, GONE FISHING. The addition of either Borre Dalhaug or Torstein Ellingsen on drums makes for a swinging, classic �organ trio� set. Alle the tunes - save a simmering �The Night Has a Thousand Eyes� - are by the guitarist. Though only 27, he`s really done his homework, absorbing the post-bop tradition of Pass, Montgomery, Martino, Burrell et al. He plays with the confidence of a veteran, spinning cleverly conceived lines throughout his well-written material. �Freddy K. Blues� and �Absinthe� show him in full flight alongside Wagnberg`s organ, cojuring up deserved comparisons to �James and Wes�. Dalhaug`s drumming shows that it is possible to provide the requisite power to a small group without over powering it. The bulk of the material is up-tempo, although �Bossaboroso� is in the brazilian mold and features some tasty, tuneful octave work. �The Awakening� is the album`s sole ballad, nicely written, directing the improvisations down a more contemplative path. Kjekstad is definitely a guitarist to watch, and I`ll do my best to keep you apprised of future projects from this up and coming artist. Jim Fisch -
