The Jan Holberg Project
At Your Service
Nordic Records
2013
Jan Holberg is a Norwegian bassist that debuted just a couple of years ago with an album called “A Sense of Time” that featured Joe Lynn Turner on all the lead vocals and was a pretty cool piece of melodic rock that however did go largely un-noticed maybe because it went under its creators name and not advertising the fact of JLT’s membership that much, by maybe elevating him to the title of the project as well. The fact of the matter is that at the time, few people found out about it, which is a shame.
Now only a couple of years later, the same “team” returns, with more of the same, some really cool and inspired melodic rock, sometimes softer and sometimes more rocking, but always sort of rhythmical, as Jan’s bass is always a strong and driving force in the songs and can be heard clearly, which makes for a bit of a more distinctive sound/style I guess. The songs themselves are well written and they go down easy. JLT is again handling vocals on most tunes, but there are also three numbers where Age Sten Nilsen from Wig Wam takes lead and a further two where Tony Carey (Rainbow, Blessings, Solo, and others) assumes the vocals. The production is pretty spot on too, with great levels and a very balanced mix.
“Waters Rising” feat. Age, is a mid tempo tune, that’s slightly melancholic, but as it has a funky bass riff, it also tends to lighten up, during the choruses, releasing all the tension that the verses build.
A thumbing bass intro heralds the “Battle of Your Heart” and JLT, instantly makes his presence felt with a warm and sensual vocal, that declares that he’d do anything for love.... ah sacchsss!
“Jealousy and Pride” sees the great “I surrender” singer, putting down the sentimental armor and surrendering heart and soul to love, having fought and won over all the J&P... it’s one of JLT’s most awesome performances, in ages and an amazing song…
It’s time for Tony Carey to assume vocals now on “Outta My Face” which is kinda bittersweet, truthful but also a little comically two finger saluting, the whole “privacy-invading” ways of society these days...
Age Sten Nilsen returns on “Shady Haze of Grey” which is contrary to its title a very up-tempo and bright sounding, cheerful song that seems to want to make right from wrong and make everything work out.
“Sensuality” has JLT, playing the “sexy card” with some cool smooth vocals, followed by some female backing vocals that create some keel harmonies. Sensual.
And when I thought that I had heard it all, Tone Carey’s second card is played, with some completely inane lyrics, about Vegas and dead babies and whatnot and betting it all on “21 Red” all complete with a horns section and it makes JLT’s “Sensuality” sound like a kid's party… J oooer.... missus! Horn-some!
Age’s and not Achilles’s last stand is made with “When Push Comes to Shove” a melodic and tuneful rocker that explores again a melancholic soundscape only to come through with a bright sparkle of hope in the end...
Finally there’s a very beautiful instrumental called “I Still Remember” that closes the album. It has all the markings of a romantic piece, but also slight manages to generate beautiful soundscapes of ethereal quality that peacefully envelop the listener and allow him/her to drift away. Very pleasant way to conclude this very nice album.
Overall, Jan Holberg is a very talented musician and his second solo album, is highly dedicated, not only because of his honorable guests, but first and foremost because of the great compositions that he has crafted. A very worthy album to seek out.
Now only a couple of years later, the same “team” returns, with more of the same, some really cool and inspired melodic rock, sometimes softer and sometimes more rocking, but always sort of rhythmical, as Jan’s bass is always a strong and driving force in the songs and can be heard clearly, which makes for a bit of a more distinctive sound/style I guess. The songs themselves are well written and they go down easy. JLT is again handling vocals on most tunes, but there are also three numbers where Age Sten Nilsen from Wig Wam takes lead and a further two where Tony Carey (Rainbow, Blessings, Solo, and others) assumes the vocals. The production is pretty spot on too, with great levels and a very balanced mix.
“Waters Rising” feat. Age, is a mid tempo tune, that’s slightly melancholic, but as it has a funky bass riff, it also tends to lighten up, during the choruses, releasing all the tension that the verses build.
A thumbing bass intro heralds the “Battle of Your Heart” and JLT, instantly makes his presence felt with a warm and sensual vocal, that declares that he’d do anything for love.... ah sacchsss!
“Jealousy and Pride” sees the great “I surrender” singer, putting down the sentimental armor and surrendering heart and soul to love, having fought and won over all the J&P... it’s one of JLT’s most awesome performances, in ages and an amazing song…
It’s time for Tony Carey to assume vocals now on “Outta My Face” which is kinda bittersweet, truthful but also a little comically two finger saluting, the whole “privacy-invading” ways of society these days...
Age Sten Nilsen returns on “Shady Haze of Grey” which is contrary to its title a very up-tempo and bright sounding, cheerful song that seems to want to make right from wrong and make everything work out.
“Sensuality” has JLT, playing the “sexy card” with some cool smooth vocals, followed by some female backing vocals that create some keel harmonies. Sensual.
And when I thought that I had heard it all, Tone Carey’s second card is played, with some completely inane lyrics, about Vegas and dead babies and whatnot and betting it all on “21 Red” all complete with a horns section and it makes JLT’s “Sensuality” sound like a kid's party… J oooer.... missus! Horn-some!
Age’s and not Achilles’s last stand is made with “When Push Comes to Shove” a melodic and tuneful rocker that explores again a melancholic soundscape only to come through with a bright sparkle of hope in the end...
Finally there’s a very beautiful instrumental called “I Still Remember” that closes the album. It has all the markings of a romantic piece, but also slight manages to generate beautiful soundscapes of ethereal quality that peacefully envelop the listener and allow him/her to drift away. Very pleasant way to conclude this very nice album.
Overall, Jan Holberg is a very talented musician and his second solo album, is highly dedicated, not only because of his honorable guests, but first and foremost because of the great compositions that he has crafted. A very worthy album to seek out.