Blue (Terje Rypdal album)
Blue is a studio album by Norwegian guitarist and composer Terje Rypdal, released in 1987 on the ECM label. The album features Rypdal playing electric guitar, keyboards, and effects, accompanied by Bjørn Kjellemyr on bass, Audun Kleive on drums, and Palle Mikkelborg on trumpet and flugelhorn.
The album is characterized by its atmospheric and often ethereal soundscapes, blending elements of jazz, rock, and classical music. Rypdal's guitar playing is prominent, showcasing his distinctive tone and use of effects. The compositions are typically lengthy and feature both composed sections and improvised passages. The contributions of Mikkelborg's trumpet add another layer of texture and melodic interest to the music.
Blue is often considered one of Rypdal's defining albums, representing a mature and refined expression of his musical vision. It received critical acclaim upon its release and continues to be regarded as a significant work in the ECM catalog and in the broader field of experimental jazz and progressive rock. Key tracks include "The Eternal Circulation," "Adieu Sweet Mr. Bennett," and "Blue Is An Orange."