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Arve Henriksen: Arve Henriksen: The Nature of Connections
ByIn the group dialogs that make up The Nature of Connections, Henriksen is often content to participate from the periphery. In this democratic outing, we are well into the third track before being reminded that this is the trumpeter's album. Similarly, Henriksen contributes only one writing credit in the nine pieces here with the others being shared (along with arranging credits) among the broader group, plus a contribution from Supersilent keyboardist Ståle Storløkken. Henriksen employs two violins/fiddles, a cello and a double bass and rounds out the group with one time Food and current Tord Gustavsen Ensemble bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Audun Kleivewho along with being a past collaboratorwas formerly a member of Jon Balke's Magnetic North Orchestra.
"Blå Veg"Henriksen's writing contributionis a classically influenced chamber piece that sets the stage for three subsequent pieces ("Hambopolskavalsen." "Budbringeren" and the more darkly toned "Seclusive Song") that share a distinctive Celtic touch. There are few elements of conventional jazz on The Nature of Connections but Storløkken's "Hymn" and "Keen" stand out in that respect; the latter benefitting from cellist Svante Henryson's creative improvisation. As expected however, jazz sensibility is not a Henriksen priority. More typical of the tone here is piece like "Arco Akropolis," a convergence of classical and folk elements that build slowly and dramatically over the short course of the piece and then fade away.
The Nature of Connections is the only purely acoustic Henriksen collection to date. It would be inadequate to simply describe it as lyrical and atmospheric, though it is both. The aesthetic nature of these pieces asks the listener look forward rather than hoping to become lost in a memorable hook. What each track presents is an individual personality but from a higher level and from the integrated interpretations of all the musicians and in that regard Henriksen has created yet another extraordinary collection.
Track Listing
Blå Veg; Hambopolskavalsen; Budbringeren; Seclusive Song; Hymn; Aceh; Keen; Arco Akropolis; Salm.
Personnel
Arve Henriksen
trumpetArve Henriksen: trumpet, piccolo trumpet, piano; Nils Økland: violin, Hardanger fiddle, viola d;amore; Svante Henryson: cello; Gjermund Larsen: violin, Hardanger fiddle; Mats Eilertsen: double bass; Audun Kleive: drums.
Album information
Title: Arve Henriksen: The Nature of Connections | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Rune Grammofon