Following a series of releases that, under the imprint "New Conception of Jazz," find the place where improvisation, jazz and dance club beats meet, pianist Bugge Wesseltoft's IM might be considered a significant departure. And significant it is, though it won't be a complete surprise to those who have either attended Norway's Punkt festival, or have either heard the Jazzland Community's self-titled 2007 disc or seen the group in performance. Like Community saxophonist Hakon Kornstad's Single Engine (Jazzland, 2007), IM challenges the definition of what a solo album can be.

There are some relatively conventional solo pieces including "BLACK PEARL, makes dream," which Wesseltoft performed on both the Jazzland Community record and tour. At least it starts out that way. Half-way through, as he elaborates and expands on its simple, modal motif, Wesseltoft creates a gentle rhythm by striking his hand on the side of the piano, as he periodically returns to the song's theme. Space is an equal partner, as well, on "deIMAGER," as is a spare melancholy that's more Satie than Jarrett—who, while an undeniable influence, is rarely this economical or ethereal. The title track is Middle Eastern-tinged, with Wesseltoft layering dark-hued melodies over a simple, gently rhythmical left hand pattern, while "Road Home" is a plaintively lyrical closer. In all cases, Wesseltoft demonstrates that ...

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