Album Review: Solo by Stefan Pasborg
Man, I gotta say, Stefan Pasborg’s Solo is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2018 outta Denmark, this jazz gem feels like a late-night chat with an old friend—intimate, raw, and kinda unforgettable. It’s just him, his drums, and this unshakable vibe that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and listen. No fancy label backing it—it’s self-released under "Not On Label," which honestly fits the whole DIY soul of the thing.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me: “Metal And Skin 1” and “Metal And Skin 2.” Yeah, the titles are simple, but don’t let that fool ya. These pieces hit hard—not in a loud way, but more like a slow punch to the gut.
“Metal And Skin 1” starts off all quiet and hesitant, like Pasborg is testing the waters. But then BAM, he builds this groove that feels alive, like it’s breathing right there in the room with you. The rhythm shifts so naturally, you almost forget it’s just one dude playing. There’s something hypnotic about how he lets the silences hang—like he’s daring you to fill them yourself. By the time it fades out, you’re left sitting there thinking, “Wait…what just happened?”
And then there’s “Metal And Skin 2,” which hits different. This one feels darker, heavier, like he’s dragging some deep emotion outta himself. The drumming gets chaotic at points, but not in a messy way—it’s controlled chaos, if that makes sense. You can hear every creak of the pedal, every tap on the rim, and it’s weirdly satisfying. It’s like watching someone paint with sound, layering beats until it feels like the air around you is vibrating.
What kills me about these tracks is how personal they feel. It’s not background music; it demands your attention. Like, you can’t half-listen to this stuff without feeling like you’re missing out on something big.
Honestly, Solo isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for flashy solos or predictable hooks, you might walk away shrugging. But if you dig music that feels real—as in, “I think this guy just poured his heart into a drum kit” real—you’ll get it.
Here’s the kicker though: after listening to this album, I couldn’t help but wonder…what’s up with Danish jazz? Is it something in the water over there? Because damn, guys like Pasborg keep proving that Scandinavia knows how to do moody, thoughtful music better than most. Maybe I need to move to Denmark. Or maybe I just need to hit replay.
