“Zonk is the latest CD release from Swedish bass authority Kjell Jansson”... The first (and also the title) track, Zonk is a Thelonius Monk-inspired cooker right out of the bebop tradition. And right off the bat the listener gets a taste of Jansson’s strong walking lines. He has real propulsion in his lines in addition to great sound and feel. During pianist Tommy Kotter’s solo, he and drummer Rune Carlsson are sparring, playing freely, whirling around like a tornado, with Jansson’s stalwart and steady beat in the eye of that tornado”...
”In the Shadow”… This short and sweet track (recording time 2:12) is a nice example of an artist who is unafraid to state a well-written melody simply and elegantly, and leave it at that.
With all of the terrific composition by Jansson, special mention should be made of The Pearl. This beautiful ballad with its unusual form creates an ethereal mood thanks to the harmonic twists and turns, and the deft rendering of them by the band members”...
… Congratulations to Jansson and his talented band mates on the engaging live performance captured on this recording and especially to Jansson for the lovely spirit of his composition and bass playing”.
Review by Chris Kosky