Trail of souls

Description

« Create the unexpected » is the motto of Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic, a concert series organized and produced by the head of the ACT label, Siggi Loch, which began in December 2012. The artists and spectators who attended the edition of « Norwegian Woods » in March 2014 experienced a memorable evening. Siggi had gathered the cream of Norwegian jazz, pairing them with a guest artist from a different musical background. Solveig Slettahjell was one of those artists who returned home. ACT released her first albums, thus establishing her international reputation as one of the leading jazz singers in Europe. Here, she sings with « In The Country », the trio including her close friend, pianist Morton Qvenild, a true explorer of sounds. The real surprise that night came from the collaboration with blues guitarist Knut Reiersrud. Siggi Loch had been keeping an eye on him for some time, and it was the opportunity to introduce him for the very first time to Slettahjell and her team. It turned out to be an ideal combination. The evening was a celebration of everything that has made the Nordic sound so appealing for several decades. At the end of this concert, the group immediately decided to meet in the studio to continue the adventure. After a few months of intense preparation, the musicians recorded eleven tracks in the studio in April 2015 that draw from the blues and gospel repertoire, including three covers: « Grandma's Hand » by Bill Withers, « Mercy Street » by Peter Gabriel, and « Come Healing » by Leonard Cohen. These interpretations showcase the bluesy, elegiac part, inspired by the spirit of gospel music; on the other hand, the electronics, rhythmic boldness, and experimentation. All the songs receive a brand new identity here, as they are taken at a much slower pace than the original. Solveig Slettahjell's soft voice and phrasing highlight every detail. With well-felt voicings from Knut Reiersrud, which shine with their metallic sound, the effect is enchanting. Morten Qvenild and his trio produce surprising rhythmic accents and a whole range of sounds: woody, organic, over drum'n'bass rhythms.