HAFTOR MEDBØE / GUNNAR HALLE / EVA MALLING -
Hvor En Var Baen
Copperfly Records CAT002
Haftor Medbøe (guitar); Gunnar Halle (trumpet, voice); Eva Malling (bass)
Recorded January 2019
This is the follow up in the series of 'mini albums' that guitarist, Haftor Medbøe has planned for release on his own Copperfly imprint, and like the earlier release retains a very Scandinavian influence while the music explored is quite different. The album draws its influence from the songs of Norwegian poet, Martin N Hansen, and is played out as a series of vignettes where the trio quickly establish their identity and group sound in which they allow the music to unfold.
The nine short pieces (the longest is just under the minute mark) are arranged in a well balanced set with a well defined area for the trio to wok work within from the bold and expansive to tightly reigned and gentle lyricism. A sense of melancholy permeates much of the music , as evidenced in the beautiful 'Madeline' with Eva Malling's supple and evocative sound on double bass to the fore, and it is this tension and release that comes with the the more upbeat pieces such as 'Jeg Går I Grønne Enge', that makes this such an enjoyable release.
This see-sawing between the quietly extrovert and introverted melancholia is a device that serves the music well with the trio in declamatory mood on 'Glaj Som Skull' with some superb fat toned open trumpet from Gunnar Halle, to the beautifully expressive trumpet on the opening 'Folk Der Kam Ind Ad E Bagdör' with a lovely solo to match from Haftor. Heightening the drama still further is the mysterious and mercurial title track, 'Hvor En Var Baen', with the delicate and sensitive use of space between the musicians that produces a delicious interplay and sense of anticipation.
As the pieces are all relatively brief this demands an attentiveness from the listener, as should you let your mind wander you may find that it is suddenly all over. It must also be said that careful listening offers rewards in abundance.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Hvor En Var Baen
Copperfly Records CAT002
Haftor Medbøe (guitar); Gunnar Halle (trumpet, voice); Eva Malling (bass)
Recorded January 2019
This is the follow up in the series of 'mini albums' that guitarist, Haftor Medbøe has planned for release on his own Copperfly imprint, and like the earlier release retains a very Scandinavian influence while the music explored is quite different. The album draws its influence from the songs of Norwegian poet, Martin N Hansen, and is played out as a series of vignettes where the trio quickly establish their identity and group sound in which they allow the music to unfold.
The nine short pieces (the longest is just under the minute mark) are arranged in a well balanced set with a well defined area for the trio to wok work within from the bold and expansive to tightly reigned and gentle lyricism. A sense of melancholy permeates much of the music , as evidenced in the beautiful 'Madeline' with Eva Malling's supple and evocative sound on double bass to the fore, and it is this tension and release that comes with the the more upbeat pieces such as 'Jeg Går I Grønne Enge', that makes this such an enjoyable release.
This see-sawing between the quietly extrovert and introverted melancholia is a device that serves the music well with the trio in declamatory mood on 'Glaj Som Skull' with some superb fat toned open trumpet from Gunnar Halle, to the beautifully expressive trumpet on the opening 'Folk Der Kam Ind Ad E Bagdör' with a lovely solo to match from Haftor. Heightening the drama still further is the mysterious and mercurial title track, 'Hvor En Var Baen', with the delicate and sensitive use of space between the musicians that produces a delicious interplay and sense of anticipation.
As the pieces are all relatively brief this demands an attentiveness from the listener, as should you let your mind wander you may find that it is suddenly all over. It must also be said that careful listening offers rewards in abundance.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
