Listen to Norway continues with Christian Wallumrød Ensemble: Sofienberg Variations
If you feel the need to meditate after listening to Christian Wallumrød Ensemble’s new album, you are not alone. Wallumrød’s compositions are tender, mellow and minimalistic –
quiet, but still strong. A strong crew consisting of trumpet improviser Arve Henriksen, folk fiddler Nils Økland, as well as saxophonist Trygve Seim joins the acclaimed pianist in a guest appearance. Variations and improvisations are the basis for the sacral songs with names such as Psalm, Memor, and Liturgia. Some of the melodies are performed in several versions, and the musicians have a strong will to search for the core of harmonies in every piece. Already an acclaimed improviser in Norway and Europe, prestigious German label ECM has opened doors for Wallumrød and his Norwegian ensemble. Produced by Manfred Eicher and recorded in the Sofienberg Church in Oslo, Sofienberg Variations is less than an hour with therapy for the soul.
Christian Wallumrød Ensemble: Sofienberg Variations (ECM)
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