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Streets in the Sky, Who Are You Up There?

Camilla Hole

Label: Manin
Released: 2025
Duration: 01:05:00
Views: 334

Tracks

Human;Who Are You Up There?;Streets In The Sky;Let'S Build Vertical Villages;Castle In The Air;Silence;Dysutopia;Optical Illusion;Empty Tower Blocks;Paradox

Personnel

Album Description

High-Rise Stories in Jazz Orchestra Format A musical allegory of the wonder and overwhelm that arise when looking up at massive buildings—apartments stacked tightly together, full of life and stories, shaped by architectural dreams of community and the future. The music shifts between idyllic childhood imagery and the grand utopian visions behind these urban landscapes but also carries an undercurrent of something else—an urban reality where the lines between hope and dystopia begin to blur. OJKOS’ new album, Streets in the Sky, Who Are You Up There? is a live recording from a concert at Victoria National Jazz Scene. The work serves as a narrative—tracing the journey from idealistic dreams of communal living in the sky to failed projects that remain as empty, decayed shells. It begins with the raw and primitive HUMAN, devoid of electronics and modern tonality—the people are on their way to building a new society together. It then transitions into Who Are You Up There?, opening with wind instruments enhanced by electronic effects, drawing the listener into a world that grows larger and taller. Throughout the piece, a wide range of remarkable soloists contribute their unique expressions to the compositions. The big band instrumentation is enriched with unexpected elements, such as the Indian harmonium and the musical saw, reinforcing the atmosphere of Optical Illusions. Lyricist Ane Bjerkan has played a key role in the creative process, contributing imaginative texts to tracks like Castle in the Air and Streets in the Sky. In the end, both humanity and the music culminate in the piece Paradox, with its monotonous melody and the lyrics:"We meet every day – you dance with your purple sparkling hat – I still don’t know your name." The work is composed by soprano saxophonist and composer Camilla Hole for OJKOS, the Oslobased jazz composers’ orchestra. Hole is known for her folk music ensemble, Camilla Hole Trio, and her recent collaboration Eventyrferd with folk musicians Sigrid Moldestad and Torstein Slåen. OJKOS is a contemporary jazz orchestra for professional jazz composers, established in 2018. Since its inception, the orchestra has released multiple albums, including two Spellemann nominations and the Jazz Award for Work of the Year in 2023. In addition to performing at festivals across Norway and Europe, OJKOS premieres new music up to seven times a year as part of a regular concert series at Victoria National Jazz Scene in Oslo.

Album uploaded by Camilla Hole