Album Review: The Portal from Thor Polson
Album: The Portal Artist: Thor Polson Label: Self-Released Website: thorpolson.com Pianist Thor Polson takes listeners through an imaginative portal into utopian sounding worlds on his latest offering The Portal . His rapport with the musicians on his recording displays a refined choreography, resonating a soothing stroke throughout. Even the ruffled twirls of Dana Mathewson's soprano saxophone on "Sparrow" are soothing, assuaging listener's senses with a lulling caress. The balladry stride in Polson's keys strolling elegantly along “Norwegian Blue” has a meditative glint. The composition is a tribute to the majestic and often misty landscape of southern Norway. The suave and casual amble of Polson's keys amplify a Dave Brubeck-esque quality in “Beyond Pettus Bridge: A Dream Deferred” while the furling toots of Jeff Keys's trumpet and Keith Nance's tenor saxophone add thickness and movement to the track. The swirling motions of Steve Wat...