Pandemic Solution: Afterdog

One hopes there will soon come a time in which the memories of the Covid crisis will fade conclusively, but until then its legacy seems likely to linger. As further evidence we have the ensemble Pandemic Solution, a trio originally assembled by pianist Norvald Dahl during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. Although one might wish for an alternative name for the group—and the same goes for the inscrutable title of the release, Afterdog—there is no disputing the quality of the music on hand. Accessing the talents of one of the strongest rhythm tandems in Norwegian jazz, bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and drummer Håkon Mjaset Johansen, Dahl offers us a scintillating slice of post-bop jazz, superbly played and well recorded.

The opener, "The Pandemic," gets things moving quickly, with a stimulating groove courtesy of a sturdy Håker Flaten ostinato and kinetic drumming from Mjåset Johansen. This team has been a critical component of rhythmically-charged groups like Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra and IPA, so it is no surprise that they can generate some excitement when it is called for. The up-tempo "Dionysis" bursts with a fevered pulse, with the bass and drums steering its manic path forward alongside the piano's spirited flights. Dahl is an adventurous yet lyrical player, and one can hear more than a little Keith Jarrett influence on Afterdog, with a deeply melodic sensibility that informs all eight compositions on the album. Whether on the lilting waltz, "Bouncing with Brad" or the pensive "Fractions," Dahl's pieces soar with resonant themes that still leave abundant room for improvisation.

The album was recorded over two days in January 2024 in a concert hall, without re-takes or overdubs, so there is a compelling immediacy to the music. The excellent audio quality is also worth noting, as there are a lot of nuances in the trio's playing. On the gemlike "Prelude," Håker Flaten's tuneful phrases are captured perfectly, as are Mjåset Johansen's graceful brushstrokes. And Dahl's ability to make his instrument sing is evident throughout, most convincingly on "Russell," a driving soul-jazz piece bookended by some gorgeous, gospel-haunted ruminations from the pianist.

Perhaps future releases from the trio will be able to use a different appellation. How about keeping it simple: something like the Norvald Dahl Trio? But regardless of what it is called, the group documented on Afterdog certainly brings the goods, and any upcoming efforts will be most welcome indeed.