Hymn to a Friend

This album represents a culmination of my musical career thus far, serving as an amalgamation of the various stages and influences I’ve encountered along the way – through music school and the beginning of my professional career. During these years I have worked with modern large ensemble and jazz orchestra music, discovered and delved into the richness of Norwegian traditional music, and explored freer and contemporary music within both classical and rhythmic traditions, all while studying a more straightforward jazz language at university. I believe that, in one way or another, all these references are evident, either in the compositions or the playing, without the music fitting completely into either of these genres. For this project, I gathered some of the most talented musicians I know – individuals I’ve played with extensively over the past five years. Håkon is an extraordinary bass virtuoso with a rich tone, capable of playing virtually anything thrown his way. Yet, he instinctively understands when to take on more nuanced, simpler roles that best serve the music. Tobias is a versatile and highly musical drummer, with a wide range of musical references. With the most creative freedom within the band, he consistently makes the right choices regarding roles and sounds, expertly balancing the precision of a strict timekeeper with colouring and soundscaping. Markus exhibits an attention to detail in his melodic playing and phrasing that evokes the finesse of working with a wind instrumentalist rather than a guitarist. He demonstrates a keen awareness of his place within the ensemble, particularly in avoiding clashes with the piano – a trait enabling our instrumentation. Øystein’s exceptional talent for adding parts, developing ideas, and reworking harmonies has played a significant role in the shaping of these tunes. Beyond being a remarkable soloist, Øystein is an incredibly attentive musician who is unafraid of assuming responsibility in the music. Øystein is also the sole composer of the tune “MiRakel” and contributed to “Mymble’s Theme”, “Duo (Breathe)”, “Evig” and “Arp”. Last year, I had the privilege of working with great coaches and mentors through Talent Norge. In particular, my mentor, Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen, played a crucial role in realizing this project, aiding not only with the music itself, but also with all the surrounding elements. The opening track, “Vår” (with intro), is a lighthearted and naïve tune with ample room for spontaneity and improvisation. It encapsulates an essential aspect of this album by allowing accessible melodies and uncomplicated harmonies to simply be, without the expectations of having to be great art. The tracks “Bela Ivanderland” and “Mymble’s Theme”, named after significant people and relationships in my life, embody these same ideas. In contrast, “Gulleborg”, “Duo”, “Evig” and “Arp” illustrate a more profound and serious attitude, drawing inspiration from the Nordic jazz scene, as well as elements of psalms and ritual music. They evoke a more sombre and melancholic soundscape, yet without being overly rigid. The interlude and intro were improvised in the studio and serve as palate cleansers between the full-length tunes. The concluding track, “Hymn to a Friend”, was the last song written for the band, just before our studio session. In many ways, it served as the album’s wildcard, as we didn’t properly rehearse in advance, and opted for a different recording approach with layers and effects. I felt it was fitting to make it the title track, as it encapsulates this entire project for me: an homage to past ideas and influences, while simultaneously being something new (and a bit daunting) to undertake and challenge myself with. Oskar Lindberget