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Helge Sunde Ensemble Denada: Finding Nymo
ByThe Norwegians may be the most creative integrators of technology into music, and Sunde makes that clear from the get-go, with the opening vocoder and electronics of "One Word" a perhaps deceptive opening to a set that's largely acoustic, and swings mightily. Bassist Per Mathisen and drummer Håkon Mjåset Johansen drive the entire set, whether it's the knotty "Obstler," viscerally swinging "When In Rome," or dark-hued "MoonCrier." Mathisena bassist well worth checking outalso solos with a stunning confluence of virtuosic detail and rhythmic intensity on "Bryk."
Sunde's use of the broad textural palette afforded by three trumpets, four trombones, and a mix of saxophones, flutes, and clarinets are striking throughout, whether brash and boisterous on the opening to "When In Rome," dark and colorful on the cinematic imagery of "Valse Trieste," or contrapuntally episodic on the somewhat Zappa-esque "Knegg." Astute and not at all compelled to utilize all his colors at once, Sunde also lets the music breathe during many of the solos, as on "Knegg," where trombonist Even Kruse Skatrud and trumpeter Marius Haltli trade-off with only the support of Mathisen, Johansen, and guitarist Jens Thoresen (whose solo on "When In Rome" is an appealing blend of post-bop sensibility with distorted warmth and a lazy, legato feel).
Most of the players are featured, but it's when two come together on the title track to engage in some friendly sibling rivalrybrothers Atle and Frode Nymo, on tenor and soprano saxophones respectivelythat some of the album's most ambitious free play takes place. Atle also takes an extended solo on "Valse Trieste," another highlight; a lyrical blend of deeper indigo and, finally, blistering red as the ensemble swirls around him in a stunningly vivid arrangement.
Russian pianist Olga Konkova also contributes to the disc's blend of jazz tradition with broader stylistic concerns, with hints of contemporary classicism imbuing her solos on "MoonCrier" and the a capella opening to "Bryk." Together with the rest of Ensemble Denada, she brings Sunde's vivid charts to life on a set that's in turns exciting and poignant; a sign that the recent revival of large ensembles in North America is being mirrored with equal aplomb across the pond.
Track Listing
One Word; Obstler; Italian Suite: When In Rome; Italian Suite: Valse Trieste; Italian Suite: Molto Alghero; Finding Nymo; MoonCrier; Knegg (Dark Horse); Bryk (Omkalfatra); Lullaby of Broltesia.
Personnel
Helge Sunde
tromboneFrode Nymo: soprano saxophone; Børge Are Halvorsen: alto saxophone (2, 3, 6, 8, 9); flute (5, 6), alto flute (4, 5, 7, 10); Atle Nymo: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet (7); Nils Jansen: bass saxophone (2, 3, 8, 10), tubax (5, 6), contra alto clarinet (4, 9), flute (5); Frank Brodahl: lead trumpet; Marius Haltli: trumpet; Anders Eriksson: trumpet, flugelhorn; Even Kruse Skatrud: lead trombone; Erik Johannessen: trombone; Arild Hillestad: trombone; Helge Sunde: trombone, electronics; Olga Konkova: piano; Jens Thoresen: guitar; Per Mathisen: acoustic bass; Håkon Mjåset Johansen: drums, percussion; Marilyn Mazur: percussion; Peter Baden: electronics; Ida (Pida) Sunde: vocoder and vocals (1); Henrik Rinde Sunde: snoring (10).
Album information
Title: Finding Nymo | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: ACT Music