Track Listing

1. Twelve Moons
2. Psalm
3. Brother Wind March
4. There Were Swallows
5. Tall Tear Trees
6. Arietta
7. Gautes Margjit
8. Darvanan
9. Huhai
10. Witchi Tai To

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5055 in Music
• Released on: 1993-11-04
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

CD Description
Recorded in 1992, this album emphasises production value and slick performances. Largely a feature for Jan Garbarek's soprano sax (he only plays tenor on three tracks), each song is dreamy and quite mystical. Compositionally, TWELVE MOONS is a curious blend of light jazz and Norwegian folk melodies. This is especially apparent on "Psalm" and "Darvanan", both of which feature female vocalists, while "Huhai" borrows from a traditional folk tune.
Fans of Garbarek's penetrating, English horn-like soprano sax sound are treated to some inspired playing throughout, and drummer Manu Katche, best known for his work with Peter Gabriel and Sting, shines on every track. Additionally, there is nice interplay between Garbarek and the band on "Witchi-Tai-To", a remake of a tune first recorded by the saxophonist on a '74 album of the same name.

Customer Reviews

Hu Hai Ho to Norway we shall go
One of the finest Garbarek recordings that I have heard. Very distinctive stuff from the Norwegian sax man. He ploughs his own furrow much as does other sax giant John Surman. I guess a lot of it is difficult to describe as jazz music. What it is, is very, very good music. Garbarek has wonderful tone and control. His sound is unique.
Two tracks feature vocals from Agnes Buen Garnas and then Mari Boine both singing presumably in Norwegian. Very moving stuff.
Garbarek never shys away from a high register denouement to a song and that may be my only complaint.
Excellent complimentary work from Rainer Brununghaus on piano, Eberhard Webber bass, Manu Katche drums and Marilyn Mazur percussion.
Track 7, The traditional Gautes-Margjit is more jazzy. To me this interpretation seems to draw inspiration probably subliminally from John Coltrane. It is a piece of music that builds up tension and feeling with fine percussion from Katche and Mazur and some thoughtful piano. Garbareks solo is impassioned before the quieter percussion led end. My favourite track.
Huhai too is a gem including the traditional Sami joik "Oskar-An'te" highlighting a really catchy little melody.
The closing Witchi-Tai-To is a Jim Pepper composition and this reading is beautiful fitting in so well with what has gone before. A very astute choice to close this fine offering.
I guess the enjoyment would be heightened if you were surrounded by the striking Norwegian countryside that so inspires Garbarek but just close your eyes and drift away....

Fantastic modern classic
This CD is stunning, track three blows me away. I can't express how amazing it makes me feel, buy it and listen to all of the songs. Put track three on repeat!

Twelve Moons is a new world
I am new to the idea of Folk Jazz inspired to look up Garbarek on the web following the use of his music in an advert for bottled water (and if anyone knows the name of that track I'd be grateful for the info.) Twelve Moons has taken me to areas of my mind that I never knew existed. I would have said that I had a phobia about jazz, but now I find a whole new vista open before me with my senses so overloaded that I know I'll be trying to work the cd out for years.
It never sounds the same. It always transports me light years away in my thought universe.