Jazz Articles about Eivind Opsvik

David Binney: Barefooted Town

by John Kelman
June 20, 2011

Politics isn't the only thing that increasingly demands clear vision and steadfast commitment (even if it isn't getting it). In the jazz world--where the changing landscape makes getting heard one challenge, acceptance by a broader culture that views “jazz" as a dirty word another--it takes artists with unshakable resolve to stay the course. David Binney has not only honed an instantly recognizable compositional language without the trappings of predictability, he's become a mentor for younger artists, mixing and matching from ...

Opsvik & Jennings: A Dream I Used To Remember

by Robert Iannapollo
January 17, 2010

Over the past five years, bassist Eivind Opsvik has gained a considerable reputation around New York as a strong, resourceful jazz bassist. He's been tapped by the likes of Tony Malaby, Paul Motian and Kris Davis for their groups. His own ensemble Overseas (currently Malaby, Kenny Wollesen and Jacob Sacks), with three albums to date, has impressively shown his jazz credentials as an instrumentalist, composer and arranger. He's a player who's comfortable with all of the post-John Coltrane/Ornette Coleman permutations ...

Opsvik & Jennings: A Dream I Used To Remember

by Mark F. Turner
May 28, 2009

The inventive duo of Opsvik and Jennings continue to adhere to the adage of “have imagination, will travel." Like architects in sound, melody, and composition, multi-instrumentalists Eivind Opsvik from Oslo, Norway and Aaron Jennings, from Tulsa Oklahoma, artfully blend technology (electronics, software) and acoustic instruments (including bass, drums, banjo, guitar) to create unique constructs that are ambient, melodic, and filled with personality. A clue is disclosed within the duo's interests, which range from German composer Richard Strauss ...

Opsvik & Jennings: A Dream I Used To Remember

by Troy Collins
May 25, 2009

With each succeeding album more impressive than the last, the chamber-pop duo Opsvik & Jennings have released their finest record to date with A Dream I Used To Remember. The third release from Norwegian bassist Eivind Opsvik and Oklahoma-born guitarist Aaron Jennings follows Floyel Files (NCM East, 2005) and Commuter Anthems (Rune Grammofon, 2007). Although their previous efforts relied heavily on electronic overdubbing and software augmentation, this session uses less obtrusive studio manipulation and processing, opting for a more organic, ...

Eivind Opsvik: Overseas III; Koptor & This That

by Wilbur MacKenzie
November 22, 2008

Eivind OpsvikOverseas IIILoyal Label2008 Kevin BrowKoptorFresh Sound-New Talent2008 Jesse StackenThis ThatFresh Sound-New Talent2008 The third release by Eivind Opsvik's Overseas project puts the bassist's compositional interests in sharp focus. The high level of trust and the common vocabulary shared between these musicians is evident in every ...

Eivind Opsvik: Overseas III

by Budd Kopman
June 16, 2008

Bassist Eivind Opsvik's third offering from his Overseas group, cunningly named Overseas III, distills and centers the eclectic influences that made up Overseas (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2003) and Overseas II (FSNT, 2005) while once again displaying his unique compositional skills that allow both accessibility for the listener and room for his talented players. The core personnel of the group has remained: Opsvik on bass, Jacob Sacks, who plays five different keyboards, tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, drummer/percussionist ...

Eivind Opsvik: Overseas III

by Troy Collins
May 10, 2008

Over the past decade Norwegian born bassist Eivind Opsvik has become omnipresent in the fertile Brooklyn jazz scene. A stalwart supporting player, Opsvik demonstrates an even greater talent with his unfussy, harmonious writing. Brought to life by his long-standing Overseas ensemble, Opsvik's singular compositions unveil structural, harmonic and melodic sensibilities that draw greater inspiration from popular music than they do traditional jazz.

Overseas III is his third recording with a veteran line-up that excels at interpreting these evocative ...