Nordsnø Ensemble (feat. Kit Downes) | ett omaka par | December 13, 2024
Award-winning German octet Nordsnø Ensemble have come to be known for their stark combination of Scandinavian folklore and boundary-pushing contemporary jazz. Joining forces with Mercury Prize nominated UK pianist Kit Downes, their third album takes listeners on a conceptual journey through the interplay of opposites: fantasy and reality, belief and doubt.
ett omaka par is set to release on December 13th on stssts records.
Marking a significant creative departure for the eight piece, the record was recorded over two days at the Phillipus & Rimbert Church in Hamburg, with many of the tracks captured during a live performance in front of an audience.
With one foot in melancholic Scandinavian folk-influenced songwriting, and the other in tension-riddled free improvisation, the ensembles use of angular harmony, spoken word and lamenting vocal melodies, extended instrumental techniques, and intricate musical conversations weaves a story across the record’s seven original pieces.
The lyrics, written in Swedish, emerged through interviews with each band member regarding the concept of “unequal pairs”; crafting a narrative using recurring musical motifs and patterns as well as subtle references to repeated lyrical themes.
A long-time inspiration for the ensemble, celebrated British organist Kit Downes’ contributions to the record add depth, tension and textural warmth from his inspired Church organ playing. Renowned for his work with the group ‘Enemy’ and his acclaimed ECM Record ‘Obsidian’, Downes’ contribution to the track ‘Slutet’ was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time he played a solo in time on a church organ – an experience he described as profound.
‘Ett omaka Par’ stands as a testament to the ensemble’s artistic vision, bringing together musical and thematic elements that challenge the listener to engage deeply with its narrative. Whether or not one understands Swedish, the album’s structure and recurring themes offer a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant listening experience.
Line up
Kit Downes | Organ
Anna Berglund | Vocals Vincent Dombrowski | Sax, flute
Ken Dombrowski | Trombone Lucy Liebe | Guitar
Sandro Saez | Piano
Vincent Niessen | Bass
Lukas Schwegmann | Percussion Johannes Metzger | Drums
Track Listing
Början
Hopp
Tvivel
Tro
Midnattssol
Älfdans
Slutet
PR Quotes
Jazzthetik (DE)
“emphasizes the rawness and subtleties of both vocals and orchestration, creating a striking interaction between the two“
Echoes and Dust (US)
“pushing the sounds of Jazz into a world like you’ve never heard it before”
La Habitacion Del Jazz (ES)
“mystical moods… Scandinavian folk songs sprinkled with jazz, all with exquisite taste. Pure music, with a beautiful voice and excellent arrangements“
Musik Reviews (DE)
“combines fluid jazz with finely spun, Nordic folk”
Verhoovens Jazz (DE)
“Press repeat straight away. A more than successful conclusion to the year 2024!”
Esensja (PL)
“will give many a jazz lover enormous pleasure”
Lira (SE)
“fearless musical experiments, colored by youthful integrity“
Blue in Green (UK)
“yet another testament to Ross McHenry’s phenomenal and ever-evolving mastery that has garnered without doubt one of his most compelling projects to date.”
Stereophile (US)
“McHenry is an artist with a powerful vision”
Az Samad Lessons (MY)
“there is so much energy and communication within the ensemble… it is contagious.”
Jazz Journal (UK)
“a thought-provoking and resonating set”
Jazzthing (DE)
“brings together folkloristically inspired layers, Berglund’s radiant vocals, and the richly textured, atmospherically contrasting organ“
Era Jazzu (PL)
“[the album] is a testament to the band’s artistic vision”
All About Jazz (US)
“best albums of 2024”
Jazz-fun (DE)
“The new album by the Nordsnø Ensemble is an exciting work that all lovers of good music should hear!”
Esensja (PL)
“has the potential to delight Scandinavian jazz fans”
Jazz’n’More (CH)
“the band generates miraculous sound sculptures”
Salt-peanuts (DK)
“a journey through fantasy and reality, faith and doubt”
Musik an sich (DE)
“you will inevitably be swept away”
JazzMania (BE)
“The ensemble favors rich and delicate acoustic palettes that color subtle arrangements.”
Jazz Weekly (US)
“filled with a mix of experimentation, passion and propulsion”
Cuttings
