The new studio album from the great Norwegian guitarist Terje Rypdal offers a reason to rejoice. In "Conspiracy," Rypdal returns to the inspiration that drove his early masterpieces such as "Whenever I Seem To Be Far Away," "Odyssey," and "Waves." The electric guitarist explores the potential of his instrument with a composer's feel for space and timbre, and a rock improviser's love of raw energy. Ståle Storløkken on keyboards, who has previously contributed to "Vossabrygg" and "Crime Scene" and was also a member of Terje's group Skywards, proves to be the perfect collaborator. With his intuitive sense for complementary shades and tones, he consistently intensifies the musical landscape. The sound of the Hammond organ sometimes merges with and surrounds Rypdal's Fender Stratocaster, creating both nostalgic and futuristic soundscapes. "Conspiracy," recorded at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, is Terje's first new ECM studio album in two decades.
