Rune Grammofon was established in January 1998 with the aim to release music by the most creative and adventurous Norwegian artists. Since then, it has documented the amazing flowering and development of young Norwegian talent within the areas of electronica, improvisation, ambient, free music and everything in between to long-overdue international acclaim. Among those impressed is quality label ECM who has handled the European distribution since 2000. Special care is given to the packaging of all releases, most housed in digipacks and sporting the striking design of young multi-media artist, Kim Hiorthøy. "A vibrant vision." --The Wire; "Strikingly fresh cover art, impeccably recorded sound." --BBC Music Magazine; "A label on top of its game." --BBC Online; "An indie in the finest traditions." --Time Out; "On the forefront of Norwegian jazz/electronica..." --Wallpaper; "Norway's finest record label." --The Milk Factory; "Always eclectic and enjoyable." --Dusted; "A consistently interesting label." --Flux
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12"
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REP 2226EP
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$38.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 7/8/2022
One-sided EP with screen print on B-side. No two FIRE! records sound the same, but with Requies they venture into uncharted territory. Musically ever expanding and no strangers to collaborations, FIRE! this time team up with no other than the one and only Stephen O'Malley from Sunn O))) and David Sandström from legendary Swedish hardcore punk band Refused for a truly epic 21-minute ebb and flow journey starting with church bells and ending in a whirlwind of postpunk energy. Spellbinding stuff. Flip it over and discover the stunning silk screen print courtesy of Kim Hiorthøy on the B-side. Strictly limited to 1000 numbered copies, this is a most desirable object you don't want to miss. FIRE!'s debut album, You Liked Me Five Minutes Ago (RCD 2091CD/RLP 3091LP), was released in 2009 to wide international acclaim. "The basic strategy of pairing the expressive energy of free jazz with a sturdy sense of groove has yielded something potent and self-contained" (New York Times). Between their debut and their previous album Defeat (RCD 2217CD/RLP 3217LP, 2021) there's been five albums, including collaborations with Jim O'Rourke (Unreleased?, RCD 2111CD/RLP 3111LP, 2011) and Oren Ambarchi (In The Mouth A Hand, 2012). Mats Gustafsson - bass sax, organ and live electronics; Johan Berthling - electric bass; Andreas Werliin - drums; Stephen O'Malley - guitar; David Sandström - drums.
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RCD 2227CD
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$14.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 5/27/2022
After five successful studio albums in 12 years, here is Espen Erisken Trio's first live album, by popular demand. A popular concert attraction in Norway through Europe, Russia, and South East Asia, the trio have constantly been asked when they will release a concert recording. Five of the seven tracks were recorded live in concert at Oslo's Nasjonal Jazzscene in 2018 and 2020, one at a special one-off intimate concert at Propeller Music Division in Oslo in 2020, and one in Poznan, Poland, in 2021. Six of the seven tracks are extended versions of Eriksen originals from four of the studio albums, adding instrumental vividness as well as dramatic and moving elements to the event. The seventh is a splendid cover of Krzysztof Komeda's iconic "Rosemary's Baby".
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RCD 2229CD
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$14.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 5/27/2022
Who Do You Love The Most? is the young trio's third album in just over four years, and continues in the tradition of their two previous efforts; beautiful and evocative melodies, rich on harmonies, often rhythmically complex textures and a typically folk-like Scandinavian character with the occasional gospel feel. The album's ten songs are all Kjetil Mulelid originals, except for a gripping cover of Judee Sill's "The Archetypical Man". Two of the originals are the trio's versions of songs that first appeared on the pianist's much lauded solo piano album (Piano) from 2021 (RCD 2220CD/RLP 3220LP). Kjetil André Mulelid comes across as an exceptionally mature pianist and composer.
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RCD 2224CD
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Back in 2020, Kafé Hærverk, Oslo's live hotspot for a wide range of jazz and experimental music invited Master Oogway to do monthly concerts from August to December, bringing along a guest for each occasion. Two had to be moved to 2021 due to Covid restrictions, but the other three were recorded for possible use later. Initially, Rune Grammofon thought about doing a "best of" from all of the recordings, but after further listening it soon dawned on the label that the concert with Henriette Eilertsen was nothing less than magical. To make room for the 45-minute vinyl edition, Rune Grammofon had to drop one of the five pieces that were played on the night, and also make two minor edits. Other than that, this is what was played, there are no overdubs or cosmetic treatments. Henriette Eilertsen is part of the fertile and exciting environment around the Motvind label, and a member of Billy Meier and Andreas Røysum Ensemble. She released her solo debut Poems For Flute on Motvind in 2021. Håvard Nordberg Funderud finished his Bachelors at the Norwegian Academy of Music in 2018 and also studied in Gothenburg and Copenhagen. He is involved in several projects, Master Oogway being his priority. Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll and Karl Erik Horndalsveen are both educated from the same academy in Oslo as Håvard, while Martin Heggli Mellem is educated from the jazz program at NTNU in Trondheim. Happy Village is Master Oogway's third album, their second on Rune Grammofon. The music on the previous outing two years ago, Earth And Other Worlds (RCD 2213CD/RLP 3213LP) was all written by Håvard, while the music on Happy Village is written by Karl Erik, one track co-written with Håvard. Happy Village finds the band in a more lyrical and exuberant mood than before, in no small part due to Henriette's beautiful contributions. Personnel: Håvard Nordberg Funderud - guitar and 12-string guitar; Lauritz Heitmann Skeidsvoll - saxophone; Martin Heggli Mellem - drums; Karl Erik Hornsdalsveen - double bass; Henriette Eilertsen - flute. The album was brilliantly mixed in Athletic Sound by Dag Erik Johansen.
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RLP 3224LP
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LP version. Back in 2020, Kafé Hærverk, Oslo's live hotspot for a wide range of jazz and experimental music invited Master Oogway to do monthly concerts from August to December, bringing along a guest for each occasion. Two had to be moved to 2021 due to Covid restrictions, but the other three were recorded for possible use later. Initially, Rune Grammofon thought about doing a "best of" from all of the recordings, but after further listening it soon dawned on the label that the concert with Henriette Eilertsen was nothing less than magical. To make room for the 45-minute vinyl edition, Rune Grammofon had to drop one of the five pieces that were played on the night, and also make two minor edits. Other than that, this is what was played, there are no overdubs or cosmetic treatments. Henriette Eilertsen is part of the fertile and exciting environment around the Motvind label, and a member of Billy Meier and Andreas Røysum Ensemble. She released her solo debut Poems For Flute on Motvind in 2021. Håvard Nordberg Funderud finished his Bachelors at the Norwegian Academy of Music in 2018 and also studied in Gothenburg and Copenhagen. He is involved in several projects, Master Oogway being his priority. Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll and Karl Erik Horndalsveen are both educated from the same academy in Oslo as Håvard, while Martin Heggli Mellem is educated from the jazz program at NTNU in Trondheim. Happy Village is Master Oogway's third album, their second on Rune Grammofon. The music on the previous outing two years ago, Earth And Other Worlds (RCD 2213CD/RLP 3213LP) was all written by Håvard, while the music on Happy Village is written by Karl Erik, one track co-written with Håvard. Happy Village finds the band in a more lyrical and exuberant mood than before, in no small part due to Henriette's beautiful contributions. Personnel: Håvard Nordberg Funderud - guitar and 12-string guitar; Lauritz Heitmann Skeidsvoll - saxophone; Martin Heggli Mellem - drums; Karl Erik Hornsdalsveen - double bass; Henriette Eilertsen - flute. The album was brilliantly mixed in Athletic Sound by Dag Erik Johansen.
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RCD 2223CD
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Hedvig Mollestad must surely be one of the hardest working musicians on the Norwegian music scene at the moment, with Tempest Revisited being her third album in a mere 18 months, all at a consistently high artistic level. Her first solo album, Ekhidna (RCD 2215CD/RLP 3215LP, 2020), received a Spellemannpris (Norwegian Grammy), appeared on several jazz and rock best of the year lists and got her into Downbeat's "25 for the future" selection. Tempest Revisited draws lines back to 1998 and the very beginning of Rune Grammofon. This was the year the label released Electric (RCD 2002CD/RLP 3002LP), the collected electronic works of Arne Nordheim, one of Norway's greatest composers. It was also the year when parts of "The Tempest", possibly his most cherished and well-known work, was chosen to be performed at the opening of Parken, the new cultural house in Ålesund, birthplace of Hedvig Mollestad. To celebrate 20 years, the culture house was ready for a new storm, and the first name that came to them was Hedvig, a local artist that was already making waves on the international scene with her power-trio. Hedvig took inspiration from the front of the house, adorned with Nordheim's score for The Tempest, at the same time making a direct connection to the sometime heavy weather conditions of this coastal area in the northwest part of Norway. One could say it's a big paradox that over all this might be Hedvig's most lyrical and less aggressive collection of music. On the other hand, it's quite a dynamic record, lots of light and shade and enough sonic parts at work to evoke the elements, the mighty Gran Cassa drum only one of them. The music included here was adapted from the initial performance in 2018 and produced by Hedvig in the studio the following year for this album release. The musicians included are old friends Marte Eberson from the Ekhidna band, Ivar Loe Bjørnstad from her trio and Trond Frønes (Red Kite) on bass as well as three sax players.
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RCD 2225CD
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$14.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 4/29/2022
The band describe themselves as a spaced-out, instrumental lounge rock outfit, with added vibes of folk music, jazzy surf, psychedelia, free improvised chill-out, jangly post-rock, and travelling bass. Not much to add here, apart from possibly a pinch of krautrock. Tellus is the quartet's fourth album, and their debut on Rune Grammofon. Being something of an all-star team from the fertile psychedelic space drone scene in Haugesund on the west coast of Norway, the members also pay their dues in bands like Electric Eye, Lumen Drones (ECM), Undergrünnen, and The Low Frequency in Stereo, whose album Futuro was released by Rune Grammofon back in 2009 (RCD 2082CD). On Tellus they are joined by Sigbjørn Apeland, a much-esteemed musician largely operating in a landscape of folk music, church music and improvisation. He is a member of Nils Økland Band (ECM and Hubro) and has collaborated with him for 30 years, also appearing on his two albums for Rune Grammofon; Straum (2000, RCD 2015CD) and Bris (2004, RCD 2042CD). Also appearing on Tellus is Ståle Liavik Solberg, a central force on Oslo's thriving improvised music scene. He has performed worldwide with numerous Norwegian and international musicians and curates the excellent Blow Out! festival. With Tellus, Action & Tension & Space heads into the Hardangervidda (the big plains connecting the eastern and western parts of southern Norway) terrain of wide-open spaces, spare vegetation and unruly weather conditions, especially during the winter. The album was recorded in a small studio in Haugesund during two days of heavy rain showers and stormy winds rumbling outside the windows. Personnel: Per Steinar Lie - lapsteel, electric guitar; Øystein Braut - guitar, organ, Mellotron; Julius Lind - double bass; Ørjan Haaland - drums; Sigbjørn Apeland - harmonium, Fender Rhodes; Ståle Liavik Solberg - percussion.
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RLP 3225LP
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$32.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 4/29/2022
LP version. The band describe themselves as a spaced-out, instrumental lounge rock outfit, with added vibes of folk music, jazzy surf, psychedelia, free improvised chill-out, jangly post-rock, and travelling bass. Not much to add here, apart from possibly a pinch of krautrock. Tellus is the quartet's fourth album, and their debut on Rune Grammofon. Being something of an all-star team from the fertile psychedelic space drone scene in Haugesund on the west coast of Norway, the members also pay their dues in bands like Electric Eye, Lumen Drones (ECM), Undergrünnen, and The Low Frequency in Stereo, whose album Futuro was released by Rune Grammofon back in 2009 (RCD 2082CD). On Tellus they are joined by Sigbjørn Apeland, a much-esteemed musician largely operating in a landscape of folk music, church music and improvisation. He is a member of Nils Økland Band (ECM and Hubro) and has collaborated with him for 30 years, also appearing on his two albums for Rune Grammofon; Straum (2000, RCD 2015CD) and Bris (2004, RCD 2042CD). Also appearing on Tellus is Ståle Liavik Solberg, a central force on Oslo's thriving improvised music scene. He has performed worldwide with numerous Norwegian and international musicians and curates the excellent Blow Out! festival. With Tellus, Action & Tension & Space heads into the Hardangervidda (the big plains connecting the eastern and western parts of southern Norway) terrain of wide-open spaces, spare vegetation and unruly weather conditions, especially during the winter. The album was recorded in a small studio in Haugesund during two days of heavy rain showers and stormy winds rumbling outside the windows. Personnel: Per Steinar Lie - lapsteel, electric guitar; Øystein Braut - guitar, organ, Mellotron; Julius Lind - double bass; Ørjan Haaland - drums; Sigbjørn Apeland - harmonium, Fender Rhodes; Ståle Liavik Solberg - percussion.
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LP
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RLP 3223LP
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$33.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 3/25/2022
LP version. Hedvig Mollestad must surely be one of the hardest working musicians on the Norwegian music scene at the moment, with Tempest Revisited being her third album in a mere 18 months, all at a consistently high artistic level. Her first solo album, Ekhidna (RCD 2215CD/RLP 3215LP, 2020), received a Spellemannpris (Norwegian Grammy), appeared on several jazz and rock best of the year lists and got her into Downbeat's "25 for the future" selection. Tempest Revisited draws lines back to 1998 and the very beginning of Rune Grammofon. This was the year the label released Electric (RCD 2002CD/RLP 3002LP), the collected electronic works of Arne Nordheim, one of Norway's greatest composers. It was also the year when parts of "The Tempest", possibly his most cherished and well-known work, was chosen to be performed at the opening of Parken, the new cultural house in Ålesund, birthplace of Hedvig Mollestad. To celebrate 20 years, the culture house was ready for a new storm, and the first name that came to them was Hedvig, a local artist that was already making waves on the international scene with her power-trio. Hedvig took inspiration from the front of the house, adorned with Nordheim's score for The Tempest, at the same time making a direct connection to the sometime heavy weather conditions of this coastal area in the northwest part of Norway. One could say it's a big paradox that over all this might be Hedvig's most lyrical and less aggressive collection of music. On the other hand, it's quite a dynamic record, lots of light and shade and enough sonic parts at work to evoke the elements, the mighty Gran Cassa drum only one of them. The music included here was adapted from the initial performance in 2018 and produced by Hedvig in the studio the following year for this album release. The musicians included are old friends Marte Eberson from the Ekhidna band, Ivar Loe Bjørnstad from her trio and Trond Frønes (Red Kite) on bass as well as three sax players.
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RCD 2222CD
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As David Fricke pointed out in his liner notes to Q (RCD 2209CD/RLP 3209LP), the previous album from this expanded edition of Krokofant, this is not just another novelty guest-project. In fact, all the involved were so happy after finishing Q that a follow-up was decided upon straight away. So here it is, with four new tunes from guitarist and leader Tom Hasslan, each clocking in between eight and twelve minutes. Originally a guitar and drums duo, Tom and Axel met in a guitar shop in Kongsberg, a town in southern Norway famous for its annual jazz festival since 1964, and recognized for its experimental and innovative profile. Jørgen was invited to join them for the sessions that resulted in their self-titled debut album in February 2014. Two more albums followed in 2015 and 2017. When considering guest musicians for Q, to become their fourth album, keyboard maestro Ståle Storløkken (Elephant9, Supersilent, Terje Rypdal) was the trio's first choice. He had seen Krokofant live in 2015 and, in his own words, "had an instant kick", so he said yes straight away. Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (Scorch Trio, The Thing, Atomic) had seen them the same year, and after a few backstage beers practically invited himself to join up at some time. By his introduction, a "proper" rhythm section was born and work was lifted from Hasslan's shoulders. Hasslan's tunes are perfect vehicles for Storløkken to present the full scope of his playing; from sheer pastoral beauty to full on jazz skronk. The same can be said about Mathisen, who is given ample room for soloing. The tunes are rich in harmonic structures and melodic hooks, but there is also room for adventures into more free passages. Many names have been mentioned in connection with Krokofant over the years, but with the distinctive sax and organ combination, it's difficult not think of Van der Graaf Generator in their prime. Which is the highest accolade in our book, anyway. Thus, the expanded Krokofant is everything a progressive jazz and rock fan could wish for; positive energy, melodic riches, excellent musicianship and a touch of magic served with a healthy respect for the past and a foot in the future.
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RCD 2221CD
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As is the common circumstance for so many new groups forming in Norway this century, Sex Magick Wizards met at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo where they studied jazz and improvisation. They released their promising debut album Eroto Comatose Lucidity in 2019 through a small, local label based in northern Norway, where leader and guitarist Viktor Bomstad was born. Viktor Bomstad was raised on a diet of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix before being introduced to Django Reinhardt, a turning point in his life. After several years of cultivating a more traditional jazz direction he became engulfed in the possibilities of free jazz. He later returned to his local roots, including a deep dive into traditional joik. Sigrid Aftret is an exciting sax player known for her strong musical presence and open approach to improvisation. She's been making waves on Oslo's fertile and ever-growing improv scene, performing solo and in various constellations and band projects. Henrik Sandstad Dalen is firmly grounded in jazz and improvisation and is always looking to stretch the limits by challenging himself as well as the listener. He's a tireless source of any musical ideas that will develop the band as a living organism. Ingvald André Vassbø is a very active and in demand young drummer. He took over the sticks after Axel Skalstad (Krokofant), who played on their debut. Raised on progressive rock and jazz from a young age, he has ample experience with both heavy metal as well as improvisation. He's also a member of Kanaan and Juno, and played in Hedvig Mollestad's "Maternity Beat" project with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. Opener "Qliphoth Chokehold" immediately sets the tone with a frantic, slightly angular yet controlled burst of energy, propelled by drummer Vassbø. "Exaltation", written by Aftret, nods to early '70s Swedish folkish prog, while the concluding title track brings to mind their mighty stablemates Fire! All in all, the new album is a more varied and dynamic affair and cultivates a more refined expression while retaining the pure energy of the debut. The tunes are more defined, at the same time opening up for a freer and more seamless interaction. The result is seven distinctive tracks where each member is allowed to shine without sacrificing the unifying quest for a strong group signature.
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RLP 3221LP
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$33.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 10/22/2021
LP version. As is the common circumstance for so many new groups forming in Norway this century, Sex Magick Wizards met at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo where they studied jazz and improvisation. They released their promising debut album Eroto Comatose Lucidity in 2019 through a small, local label based in northern Norway, where leader and guitarist Viktor Bomstad was born. Viktor Bomstad was raised on a diet of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix before being introduced to Django Reinhardt, a turning point in his life. After several years of cultivating a more traditional jazz direction he became engulfed in the possibilities of free jazz. He later returned to his local roots, including a deep dive into traditional joik. Sigrid Aftret is an exciting sax player known for her strong musical presence and open approach to improvisation. She's been making waves on Oslo's fertile and ever-growing improv scene, performing solo and in various constellations and band projects. Henrik Sandstad Dalen is firmly grounded in jazz and improvisation and is always looking to stretch the limits by challenging himself as well as the listener. He's a tireless source of any musical ideas that will develop the band as a living organism. Ingvald André Vassbø is a very active and in demand young drummer. He took over the sticks after Axel Skalstad (Krokofant), who played on their debut. Raised on progressive rock and jazz from a young age, he has ample experience with both heavy metal as well as improvisation. He's also a member of Kanaan and Juno, and played in Hedvig Mollestad's "Maternity Beat" project with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. Opener "Qliphoth Chokehold" immediately sets the tone with a frantic, slightly angular yet controlled burst of energy, propelled by drummer Vassbø. "Exaltation", written by Aftret, nods to early '70s Swedish folkish prog, while the concluding title track brings to mind their mighty stablemates Fire! All in all, the new album is a more varied and dynamic affair and cultivates a more refined expression while retaining the pure energy of the debut. The tunes are more defined, at the same time opening up for a freer and more seamless interaction. The result is seven distinctive tracks where each member is allowed to shine without sacrificing the unifying quest for a strong group signature.
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LP
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RLP 3222LP
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$33.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 10/22/2021
LP version. As David Fricke pointed out in his liner notes to Q (RCD 2209CD/RLP 3209LP), the previous album from this expanded edition of Krokofant, this is not just another novelty guest-project. In fact, all the involved were so happy after finishing Q that a follow-up was decided upon straight away. So here it is, with four new tunes from guitarist and leader Tom Hasslan, each clocking in between eight and twelve minutes. Originally a guitar and drums duo, Tom and Axel met in a guitar shop in Kongsberg, a town in southern Norway famous for its annual jazz festival since 1964, and recognized for its experimental and innovative profile. Jørgen was invited to join them for the sessions that resulted in their self-titled debut album in February 2014. Two more albums followed in 2015 and 2017. When considering guest musicians for Q, to become their fourth album, keyboard maestro Ståle Storløkken (Elephant9, Supersilent, Terje Rypdal) was the trio's first choice. He had seen Krokofant live in 2015 and, in his own words, "had an instant kick", so he said yes straight away. Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (Scorch Trio, The Thing, Atomic) had seen them the same year, and after a few backstage beers practically invited himself to join up at some time. By his introduction, a "proper" rhythm section was born and work was lifted from Hasslan's shoulders. Hasslan's tunes are perfect vehicles for Storløkken to present the full scope of his playing; from sheer pastoral beauty to full on jazz skronk. The same can be said about Mathisen, who is given ample room for soloing. The tunes are rich in harmonic structures and melodic hooks, but there is also room for adventures into more free passages. Many names have been mentioned in connection with Krokofant over the years, but with the distinctive sax and organ combination, it's difficult not think of Van der Graaf Generator in their prime. Which is the highest accolade in our book, anyway. Thus, the expanded Krokofant is everything a progressive jazz and rock fan could wish for; positive energy, melodic riches, excellent musicianship and a touch of magic served with a healthy respect for the past and a foot in the future.
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2LP
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MPLP 305LP
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Gatefold double LP version. One would think that after the Gullvåg Trilogy -- two double and a single album in a mere three years -- the ultra-productive trio Motorpsycho might be in need of a break of sorts... but on the other hand, riding a golden wave like never before in their 30+ year existence, why stop now? The bulk of the album was recorded in France back before the pandemic, but was added to, tweaked and finished in 2020. The initial idea was to collect big riffs on one album and do a pure hard rock record, but the objective changed along the way as they rediscovered their folkish bent and how this lighter touch gave it all a nice contrast. Mixed by Andrew Scheps. Produced by Bent Sæther. Reine Fiske guests on several tracks.
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MPCD 105CD
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One would think that after the Gullvåg Trilogy -- two double and a single album in a mere three years -- the ultra-productive trio Motorpsycho might be in need of a break of sorts... but on the other hand, riding a golden wave like never before in their 30+ year existence, why stop now? The bulk of the album was recorded in France back before the pandemic, but was added to, tweaked and finished in 2020. The initial idea was to collect big riffs on one album and do a pure hard rock record, but the objective changed along the way as they rediscovered their folkish bent and how this lighter touch gave it all a nice contrast. Mixed by Andrew Scheps. Produced by Bent Sæther. Reine Fiske guests on several tracks.
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RCD 2212CD
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Original score by Krzysztof Penderecki. New reading and conduction by Mats Gustafsson. The first (and until now only?) recorded interpretation of Krzysztof Penderecki's Actions For Free Jazz Orchestra took place in 1971 at Donaueschingen and featured the New Eternal Rhythm Orchestra, assembled by Don Cherry for the occasion and conducted by the great Polish composer. That orchestra also consisted of 14 musicians, including international jazz heavyweights such as Kenny Wheeler, Peter Brötzmann, Thomasz Stanko, Terje Rypdal, Han Bennink, and others. Don Cherry himself did not perform. Penderecki had heard the Globe Unity Orchestra a couple of years earlier and was fascinated by the possibilities of working with musicians from a different background and with other perspectives than he was used to from the classical world. The challenge for all involved was to find the right balance between composition and improvisation. The idea was initially met with some skepticism from the musicians, but this soon gave way to acceptance and even eagerness. The new, extended reading by Mats Gustafsson and Fire! Orchestra was commissioned by the Sacrum Profanum festival in Kraków, Poland in 2018. The idea was to place this classic piece in a contemporary setting, with a new approach and a new body of sound. However, the original score was used as a platform for the new reading, connecting history with the present. A score in this context is most often of a graphic nature to present reference points, visualized on the sleeve by Kim Hiorthøy's cut-up adaption of Mats Gustafsson's score. It's also worth noticing that the instrumentation is more or less identical to that of 1971, the main difference being a tuba replacing one of the trombones. Finally, this new reading clocks in at 40 minutes, and is thus considerably longer than the 1971 version. This line-up of the Fire! Orchestra is unique in that it's the first time without founding members and singers Mariam Wallentin and Sofia Jernberg. It's also the first time with guitarist Reine Fiske.
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RLP 3219LP
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LP version. Only nine months after Hedvig Mollestad momentous debut solo album Ekhidna (RCD 2215CD/RLP 3215LP), the guitarist is back fronting her trio. With their previous album, Smells Funny (RCD 2203CD/RLP 3203LP, 2019), this explosive and expansive trio experienced a breakthrough of sorts, having gone from strength to strength through five albums since their 2011 debut Shoot! (RCD 2115CD/RLP 3115LP, 2011), gathering respect from both rock and jazz camps, sharing big stages with the likes of John McLaughlin and Black Sabbath, and being equally comfortable on jazz and rock stages. Hedvig enforced this breakthrough with Ekhidna, appearing on both jazz and rock best of 2020 lists, like coming in third in Prog's "Album of the Year" poll. With the hypnotic title track, the spacious ballad "Four Candles" and generally a more varied mood, Ding Dong. You're Dead. is the trio's most dynamic album to date. That said there's still enough solid and creative riffing here to satisfy the headbangers, as well as the jazzheads, as they further explore the free and open landscapes most notably started with their Black Stabat Mater album (RCD 2183CD/RLP 3183LP, 2016) and continued with Smells Funny. As Nate Chinen wrote about Black Stabat Mater in JazzTimes: "Her trio, which has Ellen Brekken on bass and Ivar Loe Bjørnstad on drums, caught my ear then with its audacious style references: the loose swagger of early Black Sabbath; the density and prowl of peak Led Zeppelin; the expeditionary urge of Jimi Hendrix; the incantatory fervor of John McLaughlin." This trio radiates confidence and have become a surefire hit on the Norwegian live scene. And while we rightly praise Hedvig's exceptional abilities, let's not forget how important the rhythm section is to make it all work so well. Ellen Brekken is an accomplished bassist, driving the band just as hard on the electric bass as on the acoustic. Then there's Ivar Loe Bjørnstad, not your regular rock drummer, not your regular jazz drummer, but in possession of the loose swagger mentioned above.
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RCD 2219CD
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Only nine months after Hedvig Mollestad momentous debut solo album Ekhidna (RCD 2215CD/RLP 3215LP), the guitarist is back fronting her trio. With their previous album, Smells Funny (RCD 2203CD/RLP 3203LP, 2019), this explosive and expansive trio experienced a breakthrough of sorts, having gone from strength to strength through five albums since their 2011 debut Shoot! (RCD 2115CD/RLP 3115LP, 2011), gathering respect from both rock and jazz camps, sharing big stages with the likes of John McLaughlin and Black Sabbath, and being equally comfortable on jazz and rock stages. Hedvig enforced this breakthrough with Ekhidna, appearing on both jazz and rock best of 2020 lists, like coming in third in Prog's "Album of the Year" poll. With the hypnotic title track, the spacious ballad "Four Candles" and generally a more varied mood, Ding Dong. You're Dead. is the trio's most dynamic album to date. That said there's still enough solid and creative riffing here to satisfy the headbangers, as well as the jazzheads, as they further explore the free and open landscapes most notably started with their Black Stabat Mater album (RCD 2183CD/RLP 3183LP, 2016) and continued with Smells Funny. As Nate Chinen wrote about Black Stabat Mater in JazzTimes: "Her trio, which has Ellen Brekken on bass and Ivar Loe Bjørnstad on drums, caught my ear then with its audacious style references: the loose swagger of early Black Sabbath; the density and prowl of peak Led Zeppelin; the expeditionary urge of Jimi Hendrix; the incantatory fervor of John McLaughlin." This trio radiates confidence and have become a surefire hit on the Norwegian live scene. And while we rightly praise Hedvig's exceptional abilities, let's not forget how important the rhythm section is to make it all work so well. Ellen Brekken is an accomplished bassist, driving the band just as hard on the electric bass as on the acoustic. Then there's Ivar Loe Bjørnstad, not your regular rock drummer, not your regular jazz drummer, but in possession of the loose swagger mentioned above.
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RLP 3218LP
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LP version. After a solid run of five studio albums and 2019's two double live albums, Psychedelic Backfire I and II, Elephant9 had taken their groovy mix of high energy rock and power jazz as far as they could. In this respect, Arrival Of The New Elders comes as a welcome and most timely addition to their recorded output. More varied, mature and reflective, don't let the self-ironic (?) title mislead you, they are as groovy as ever, but more structured and less jam oriented, with the longest track clocking in around the seven-minute mark. Rather short, by their standards. Having built a solid live reputation even before their brilliant 2008 debut Dodovoodoo, the trio boasts what is probably the strongest rhythm section in Norway, complemented with keyboard magician extraordinaire, the one and only Ståle Storløkken. And boy, does he excel himself on this album, notably with more focus on the Rhodes than before. That said, this is nothing if not another strong group effort from what has been a very tight unit straight from the outset. Seven brand new compositions from Storløkken and one from Nikolai Hængsle make way for what Rune Grammofon consider to be their finest and most cohesive album to date. Arrival Of The New Elders was recorded by trusted stalwart Christian Engfelt, with early Dungen producer Mattias Glavå handling the mixing duties. Ståle started his musical journey in Veslefrekk with Jarle Vespestad and Arve Henriksen in the '90s, soon morphing into Supersilent with Helge Sten on board. He's also a member of Møster! and Humcrush, and have collaborated with a number of artists, most notably Motorpsycho. Nikolai is also a member of Bigbang, Needlepoint and Band Of Gold and have appeared on a couple of hundred records. The same goes for Torstein, an associate member of numerous bands ranging from pop and soul to free jazz. But Elephant9 has always been their special baby. Personnel: Ståle Storløkken - Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, grand piano, Eminent 310, Mellotron, Continuum; Nikolai Hængsle - electric bass, electric and acoustic guitars; Torstein Lofthus - drums, percussion.
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RLP 3217LP
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LP version. Fire! tracking new paths and reaching new levels of excellence, still honoring their 12-year-old vow of presenting a fresh approach to improvised music. Their debut album, You Liked Me Five Minutes Ago, was released in 2009 to wide international acclaim. "The basic strategy of pairing the expressive energy of free jazz with a sturdy sense of groove has yielded something potent and self-contained" --New York Times. Between this and Defeat there´s been five albums, including collaborations with Jim O'Rourke (2011) and Oren Ambarchi (2012). No two Fire! records sound the same, but with Defeat they have taken their biggest leap so far, with Mats Gustafsson giving the flute a prominent place in the sound image, a surprising and most successful move, his both expressive and ornamental approach given ample room to breathe, especially on the two long tracks bookending the album. In places more subdued than on previous efforts, but with the distinctive bass figures and hypnotic mood fully intact. There are some lively stretches with guests Goran Kajfes and Mats Aleklint, bringing to mind their big band offshoot Fire! Orchestra, albeit on a smaller scale. For over 20 years Rune Grammofon have made a habit of releasing music that is beyond easy classification, in later years typified by Hedvig Mollestad, Elephant9, and Krokofant, but cemented by Fire! and their exploratory curiosity and deep love of music in general. Many have tried to compare the trio to other groups, but listening to Defeat you realize how futile this is. Given the above there´s no doubt there are many influences at play, but the resulting brew is in a class by itself. Personnel: Mats Gustafsson - flute, baritone sax, live electronics; Johan Berthling - electric bass; Andreas Werliin - drums; Goran Kajfes - quartertone trumpet; Mats Aleklint - trombone, sousaphone, horn arrangements.
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RCD 2217CD
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Fire! tracking new paths and reaching new levels of excellence, still honoring their 12-year-old vow of presenting a fresh approach to improvised music. Their debut album, You Liked Me Five Minutes Ago, was released in 2009 to wide international acclaim. "The basic strategy of pairing the expressive energy of free jazz with a sturdy sense of groove has yielded something potent and self-contained" --New York Times. Between this and Defeat there´s been five albums, including collaborations with Jim O'Rourke (2011) and Oren Ambarchi (2012). No two Fire! records sound the same, but with Defeat they have taken their biggest leap so far, with Mats Gustafsson giving the flute a prominent place in the sound image, a surprising and most successful move, his both expressive and ornamental approach given ample room to breathe, especially on the two long tracks bookending the album. In places more subdued than on previous efforts, but with the distinctive bass figures and hypnotic mood fully intact. There are some lively stretches with guests Goran Kajfes and Mats Aleklint, bringing to mind their big band offshoot Fire! Orchestra, albeit on a smaller scale. For over 20 years Rune Grammofon have made a habit of releasing music that is beyond easy classification, in later years typified by Hedvig Mollestad, Elephant9, and Krokofant, but cemented by Fire! and their exploratory curiosity and deep love of music in general. Many have tried to compare the trio to other groups, but listening to Defeat you realize how futile this is. Given the above there´s no doubt there are many influences at play, but the resulting brew is in a class by itself. Personnel: Mats Gustafsson - flute, baritone sax, live electronics; Johan Berthling - electric bass; Andreas Werliin - drums; Goran Kajfes - quartertone trumpet; Mats Aleklint - trombone, sousaphone, horn arrangements.
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RCD 2218CD
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After a solid run of five studio albums and 2019's two double live albums, Psychedelic Backfire I and II, Elephant9 had taken their groovy mix of high energy rock and power jazz as far as they could. In this respect, Arrival Of The New Elders comes as a welcome and most timely addition to their recorded output. More varied, mature and reflective, don't let the self-ironic (?) title mislead you, they are as groovy as ever, but more structured and less jam oriented, with the longest track clocking in around the seven-minute mark. Rather short, by their standards. Having built a solid live reputation even before their brilliant 2008 debut Dodovoodoo, the trio boasts what is probably the strongest rhythm section in Norway, complemented with keyboard magician extraordinaire, the one and only Ståle Storløkken. And boy, does he excel himself on this album, notably with more focus on the Rhodes than before. That said, this is nothing if not another strong group effort from what has been a very tight unit straight from the outset. Seven brand new compositions from Storløkken and one from Nikolai Hængsle make way for what Rune Grammofon consider to be their finest and most cohesive album to date. Arrival Of The New Elders was recorded by trusted stalwart Christian Engfelt, with early Dungen producer Mattias Glavå handling the mixing duties. Ståle started his musical journey in Veslefrekk with Jarle Vespestad and Arve Henriksen in the '90s, soon morphing into Supersilent with Helge Sten on board. He's also a member of Møster! and Humcrush, and have collaborated with a number of artists, most notably Motorpsycho. Nikolai is also a member of Bigbang, Needlepoint and Band Of Gold and have appeared on a couple of hundred records. The same goes for Torstein, an associate member of numerous bands ranging from pop and soul to free jazz. But Elephant9 has always been their special baby. Personnel: Ståle Storløkken - Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, grand piano, Eminent 310, Mellotron, Continuum; Nikolai Hængsle - electric bass, electric and acoustic guitars; Torstein Lofthus - drums, percussion.
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RCD 2216CD
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After the highly successful Perfectly Unhappy (RCD 2199CD/RLP 3199LP, 2018) album with Andy Sheppard, the trio is back with a new album featuring seven brand new songs from the pianist. Captivating and lyrical, always melodic and often melancholic and uplifting at the same time, these are all real tunes. End Of Summer was recorded in Oslo in April during lockdown. After getting all their concerts cancelled because of the pandemic, Espen Eriksen says it was very inspiring to still be able to meet in a recording studio to make new music and keep it all alive. This being their first recording in five years as a trio, Espen is also keen to stress that the collaboration with Andy was not a one-off and that the plan is to "continue working together for a very long time." Espen Eriksen Trio was formed in 2007 and released their debut album in 2010, End Of Summer being their fifth. They have toured on four continents, becoming an increasingly popular live act, with a wealth of rich material on their repertoire. The music relies on highly melodic and lyrical instrumentals and a "less is more" approach and is often credited for its unique voice within today's jazz scene by the international press. To quote BBC in their review of the trio's second album; "A wonderfully plaintive jazz record, abandoned to the lost art of melodic minimalism, stripped back and beautifully near bare. No smoke and mirrors, just the graceful chemistry of superb musicians at the top of their game." All three musicians have versatile backgrounds ranging from pop to jazz and have played with musicians like Bugge Wesseltoft, John Scofield, Joshua Redman, Dhafer Yousef, John Taylor, Vince Mendoza, Eivind Aarset, Knut Reisersrud, Mathias Eick, Nils Petter Molvær, Thomas Strønen, Odd Nordstoga, Håkon Kornstad, Jarle Bernhoft, and Bendik Hofseth. "The music has a rich sense of melody coupled with a poignant lyricism that is infectious . . . the symbiosis between the saxophonist and the trio is truly remarkable" --All About Jazz review of Perfectly Unhappy.
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RLP 3216LP
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LP version. After the highly successful Perfectly Unhappy (RCD 2199CD/RLP 3199LP, 2018) album with Andy Sheppard, the trio is back with a new album featuring seven brand new songs from the pianist. Captivating and lyrical, always melodic and often melancholic and uplifting at the same time, these are all real tunes. End Of Summer was recorded in Oslo in April during lockdown. After getting all their concerts cancelled because of the pandemic, Espen Eriksen says it was very inspiring to still be able to meet in a recording studio to make new music and keep it all alive. This being their first recording in five years as a trio, Espen is also keen to stress that the collaboration with Andy was not a one-off and that the plan is to "continue working together for a very long time." Espen Eriksen Trio was formed in 2007 and released their debut album in 2010, End Of Summer being their fifth. They have toured on four continents, becoming an increasingly popular live act, with a wealth of rich material on their repertoire. The music relies on highly melodic and lyrical instrumentals and a "less is more" approach and is often credited for its unique voice within today's jazz scene by the international press. To quote BBC in their review of the trio's second album; "A wonderfully plaintive jazz record, abandoned to the lost art of melodic minimalism, stripped back and beautifully near bare. No smoke and mirrors, just the graceful chemistry of superb musicians at the top of their game." All three musicians have versatile backgrounds ranging from pop to jazz and have played with musicians like Bugge Wesseltoft, John Scofield, Joshua Redman, Dhafer Yousef, John Taylor, Vince Mendoza, Eivind Aarset, Knut Reisersrud, Mathias Eick, Nils Petter Molvær, Thomas Strønen, Odd Nordstoga, Håkon Kornstad, Jarle Bernhoft, and Bendik Hofseth. "The music has a rich sense of melody coupled with a poignant lyricism that is infectious . . . the symbiosis between the saxophonist and the trio is truly remarkable" --All About Jazz review of Perfectly Unhappy.
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2LP
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MPLP 304LP
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Double LP version. If Motorpsycho's The Crucible (MPCD 103CD/MPLP 303LP, 2019) -- both visually and musically -- started where The Tower (2017) ended, one can argue that The All Is One starts where The Crucible ended and thus finishes the so-called "Gullvåg trilogy". That said, The All Is One is so much more than a sequel, and very much a standalone album in its own right. While The Crucible took the band a step further out than The Tower, the new one explores new frontiers, especially with the dark, brooding landscape of the 42-minute epic centerpiece that is "N.O.X.", possibly the most ambitious piece of music they have recorded. Eight shorter tracks, clocking in between two and ten minutes, make up the rest of the album and bring some balance to the proceedings. Lyrically, The All Is One takes up the threads from the previous albums. While there is no thematic red line as such -- and not being overtly political -- it is difficult for a socially conscious writer like Bent Sæther not to observe and reflect on what goes on in an increasingly unstable world. They have also found strong inspiration and common ground in the paintings of Håkon Gullvåg, the artist responsible for the cover art. The album was recorded in two major sessions, the first took place in Studio Black Box in France with long-time collaborator and guitarist Reine Fiske. Here they mainly focused on material with more or less traditional song structures. The second session was at Ocean Sound Recording in Norway and basically dealt with the long "N.O.X." suite, developed from the commissioned music they wrote for, and performed at, the St. Olav Festival in Trondheim last summer with two of their favorite Norwegian musicians, Lars Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist) and Ola Kvernberg (Steamdome). The whole album was mixed by Andrew Scheps at his Punkerpad studio in the UK. Artistically searching as ever, and in their own way joyously stretching the rock format as out of whack as they can, Motorpsycho neither can nor will align themselves fully to any scene or genre. Traveling their own path in their own tempo, it might take longer to get anywhere, but that is just fine when the journey itself is the whole point. And what a journey it has been; this band is still peaking after more than 30 years in the business.
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