Album Review: Diokrati by Riedel & Ståhl – A Journey Through Contemporary Jazz
If you’re into jazz that feels like a late-night conversation with an old friend, Diokrati is your jam. Released in 2019 under Diesel Music, this Swedish gem from Georg Riedel and Mattias Ståhl serves up contemporary jazz with a touch of something deeper—like nostalgia wrapped in vibraphone vibes (literally).
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me long after the first listen.
First up, “Loneliness.” Yeah, I know, it sounds heavy—but hear me out. This track doesn’t hit you over the head with sadness; instead, it sneaks up on you. The marimba work by Mattias Ståhl gives it this soft, almost playful edge, even though the title says otherwise. It’s one of those songs where you think, “Wow, they really get it.” Loneliness isn’t just sitting alone in a room—it’s complex, layered, maybe even kinda beautiful when you let yourself sit with it. And somehow, this tune nails all those feelings without saying a word. Every note feels intentional, like Georg Riedel’s contrabass is whispering secrets only you can understand.
Then there’s “Triptyk (Prelude / Run Away / Bedtime Story),” which honestly feels like three moods rolled into one wild ride. The prelude pulls you in slow, like someone easing open a door. Then BAM—you’re running away, heart pounding, thanks to Staffan Svensson’s trumpet adding this urgent energy. By the time you hit “Bedtime Story,” everything mellows out again, like being tucked into bed after a crazy day. You don’t expect transitions like these to work so well together, but man, do they ever. It’s the kind of song that makes you close your eyes and just… exist for a bit.
What stands out across the whole album is how tight-knit everything feels. Mats Äleklint handled recording, mixing, AND mastering, and it shows—he lets each instrument breathe while keeping things cohesive. Plus, shoutout to Wickholm Formavd. for the artwork because, damn, it fits the vibe perfectly. Clean, thoughtful, and just artsy enough to make you wanna stare at it for hours.
But here’s the thing about Diokrati: it doesn’t try too hard to impress you. There’s no flashy overproduction or gimmicks. Instead, it invites you in quietly, like, “Hey, we’ve got something cool going on here if you wanna stick around.” And once you do, it stays with you. Like, days later, I’d catch myself humming bits of “Ancient Vibes” while making coffee. That’s the magic of this record—it lingers.
So yeah, give Diokrati a spin if you’re looking for jazz that speaks to your soul rather than just your ears. Oh, and fun fact? Listening to this album might actually make Sweden seem less cold. Just saying.
