Jam Session Vol. 28: A Danish Jazz Gem That Sticks With You
If you’re a jazz fan who loves the raw, unfiltered energy of a good jam session, Conrad Herwig, Rich Perry, and Steve Davis have something special for you. Released in 2008 on the SteepleChase label (yep, outta Denmark), Jam Session Vol. 28 feels like eavesdropping on a late-night hang with some seriously talented cats. This isn’t your polished, overproduced studio album—it’s loose, alive, and full of soul.
Let’s talk tracks, shall we? First up, “I Fall In Love Too Easily.” Man, this one hits different. It starts slow, almost like it’s tiptoeing into your heart, but then Rich Perry’s sax comes in, smooth as butter melting on warm bread. You can tell these guys aren’t just playing—they’re feeling it. The melody wraps around you like an old sweater, cozy yet bittersweet. And when the horns swell halfway through? Forget it. I had to pause and just sit with that moment for a sec.
Then there’s “Skylark,” which is kinda sneaky in how it grabs you. At first, it feels like background music—nice enough, but nothing wild. But give it time. Conrad Herwig’s trombone slides in with this laid-back swagger, and suddenly you realize this tune has layers. Like peeling an onion, except instead of crying, you’re smiling because dang, this is good. By the end, you’re humming along, wondering why you didn’t notice how clever the arrangement was from the start.
The rest of the album keeps the vibe rolling too. From the moody “Ballad Medley” to the upbeat bounce of “Jamboree,” every track feels like a conversation between friends who know each other’s moves without even looking. And hey, shoutout to “Birdlike” for throwing in some unexpected twists—it’s playful, unpredictable, and totally addictive.
What strikes me about Jam Session Vol. 28 is how real it feels. These dudes weren’t trying to reinvent jazz or prove anything—they were just letting the music happen. There’s beauty in that simplicity, y’know? Listening to it feels less like consuming art and more like being invited into their world for a little while.
So here’s the kicker: after spinning this record, I found myself thinking about sandwiches. Weird, right? But hear me out—this album reminds me of those perfect deli sandwiches where everything just works together. Nothing flashy, no weird gimmicks, just quality ingredients doing what they do best. Maybe that says more about my lunch habits than my taste in music, but hey, isn’t life all about finding joy in the simple things?
If you haven’t given Jam Session Vol. 28 a spin yet, grab yourself a cup of coffee, turn down the lights, and let these tunes wash over you. Or maybe make a sandwich while you listen. Either way, you won’t regret it.
