Viktor Krauss - Viktor Krauss II (2007)

Viktor Krauss - Viktor Krauss II (2007) is the second solo album by Viktor Krauss, an American bassist, composer, and producer, known for his work in both jazz and folk music. Released in 2007, Viktor Krauss II is a deeply introspective album that showcases Krauss' virtuosity on the bass, his skills as a composer, and his ability to blend different genres such as jazz, classical, and folk. The album has an atmospheric and intimate feel, with a focus on melody, space, and texture. It is a blend of serene instrumental pieces and subtle, understated grooves that highlights Krauss' mastery of both rhythm and harmony.

Tracklist

1. Hop (Krauss) 8:05
2. No Time Like the Past (Krauss) 4:14
3. Eyes in the Heat (Krauss) 3:17
4. When She's Dancing (Krauss, Taylor) 3:12
5. Pinky Ring (Krauss) 4:01
6. (I Could Have Been Your) Best Friend (Nelson, McMahon) 3:39
7. Ecotone (Krauss) 4:05
8. Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Gilmour, Waters, Wright) 5:03
9. Dudeman (Krauss) 5:13
10. Last Book (Krauss) 1:59
Viktor Krauss - Viktor Krauss II (2007)

personnel :

Viktor Krauss - Basses, Guitars, Keyboards
Dean Parks - Guitars
Matt Chamberlain - Percussion, Drums, Keyboards, Tabla, Shaker, Electronics, Electronic Percussion
Shweta Jhaveri - Vocals
Ben Taylor - Vocals
Bill Frisell - Guitars
Lyle Lovett - Vocals
Shawn Colvin - Vocals

A classically trained bassist who's backed up artists as diverse as Jewel, Lyle Lovett, Carly Simon, and Elvis Costello, Viktor Krauss is one of those musician's musicians who's made a name for himself as a backdrop. Krauss is a truly ambient musician; the most distinctive thing about him is his indistinctiveness. Which is probably why his second album, II, feels so drizzly and deep blue. Krauss was apparently fascinated with movie soundtracks as a child, and it shows; this is a film noir of an album, a disembodied soundtrack, a piece of music that displays such a diversity of mood and genre that it feels cinematic. "Hop," with its hollow-eyed drums, inquisitive vibraphones, and plodding bassline, feels like the kind of music that would accompany a crime drama, while "Pinky Ring," what with its slinky Wurlitzer organ and grimy guitar licks, feels like a descent into a seedy gambling den. Indian singer Shweta Jhaveri makes a surprising appearance (or a dis-appearance, rather) on several tracks; the sparkling acoustic guitar meanderings of "Eyes in the Heat" and "Ecotone" provide the perfect camouflage for her diaphanous, wordless vocals. Jhaveri isn't the only one to make an appearance here – Lyle Lovett provides the brokenhearted vocals for "(I Could Have Been Your) Best Friend," Shawn Colvin gives a meditative interpretation of "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," and Ben Taylor makes a cameo on "When She's Dancing," a song he co-wrote with Krauss. II is a thoroughly atmospheric album, but that isn't to say that Krauss is any less potent on his sophomore effort; his influence, though subtle, is palpable throughout, as if he were a source of heat.