Hakon Skogstad: 8 Concepts of Tango

Pianist Hakon Skogstad's 8 Concepts of Tango is a bold and ambitious exploration of nuevo tango, drawing motivation from Astor Piazzolla. Skogstad sets out to acknowledge Piazzolla's groundbreaking work, expand the boundaries of the genre, and carve out his own musical identity. The eight original compositions were crafted to showcase the nuances and complexities of the form and capitalize on the musical talents of experienced musicians such as Andreas Rokseth and Asbjorg Ryeng on bandonéon, Sveinung Lillebjerka and Anders Larsen on violins, Bergmund Waal Skaslien on viola, Marit Aspaas on cello and Ole Scheyen Sjolin on double bass.

The opening track is "Caserón Porteño," a tribute to the Buenos Aires hotel where Skogstad gained his early musical education and experiences. Moving on to " Retroreflections," with a brief piano introduction from Skogstad, the ensemble engages in an exchange incorporating elements from diverse musical styles. In "A Contemplative Rapsody," bandoneóns, played by Rakseth and Ryeng, begin the number in a conversation that sets the tone for the balance of the piece. The haunting melodies they play, coupled with the pulse of Sjölin's bass, are woven into the tango's structure.

"Tango contra Tango" is fuelled by counterpoint. Several brief but effective solos are sprinkled within the arrangement, with a notable viola improvisation from Sasklien. Throughout the album, Skogstad has demonstrated a keen sense of musical storytelling, using dynamics and phrasing to understand a wide range of emotions comprehensively. The final track is Lamento," which, as the title implies, is a show of sorrow or grief. Full of tender introspection, Skogstad has crafted a story filled with a musical narrative that seeks to evolve the genre in a stimulating new direction.