The Shadow
Ketil Bjørnstad · 1990
55 min · 12 tracks · jazz
Ethereal jazz textures intertwine with poetic lyricism, creating a reflective sonic landscape that envelops the listener.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sweetest Love Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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The Shadow — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and existential exploration through its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics.
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A Lecture Upon the Shadow — In this piece, Bjørnstad masterfully combines spoken word with intricate piano arrangements, highlighting his innovative approach to storytelling within music.
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Hymn — Closing the album, this track offers a serene resolution, blending soft instrumentation with lyrical depth that reflects on love and existence.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- back-loaded pacing that unfolds
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- thoughtful explorations of love's complexities
- gentle transitions between emotional states
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- want immediate, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a significant point in Bjørnstad's recognition and artistic development.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, The Shadow is Ketil Bjørnstad's fifth album, showcasing his evolution as a composer and performer. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from purely instrumental works into more narrative-driven compositions that integrated spoken word and lyrical elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tord Gustavsen· Eivind Aarset· Marilyn Crispell
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Lecture Upon the Shadow
The moment shifts from an abstract contemplation of shadows to a personal reflection on identity and self-awareness.
This shift emphasizes a deeper engagement with the theme of self-discovery, moving beyond general musings to a more intimate exploration.
Tracklist
- 1 Sweetest Love Start here 5:55
- 2 A Lecture Upon the Shadow 4:52
- 3 The Shadow 6:46
- 4 The Good-morrow 4:10
- 5 Go, and Catch a Falling Star 4:29
- 6 The Dream 4:03
- 7 The Token 4:02
- 8 The Paradox 3:23
- 9 His Picture 4:54
- 10 Love's Exchange 4:53
- 11 The Silence 4:55
- 12 Hymn 2:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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