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Nils Økland Band: Kjølvatn
ByThe Nils Økland Band is entirely acoustic, bringing in stylistic influences from many sources, with classical music and Norwegian folk music the most prominent. Økland says that the working method was inspired by the early baroque practice of using sketches as the basis for new music. One of his featured instruments here is the viola d'amore, a baroque era instrument that employs sympathetic drone strings along with the main strings, much like the Hardanger fiddle (he also plays the violin). While the entire band is credited with the arrangementsplus one track co-created by three membersthe composition credit goes to Økland, and his strings are very much the lead voice.
"Mali" opens with rhythmic hand drumming, but the sound is definitely more European than African. "Undergrunn" features a melody reminiscent of the Scottish/ American folk song "Black Is the Colour (Of My True Love's Hair)," and percussionist Håkon Mørch Stene switches to vibraphone, providing atmospheric tremolando backing. The title tune is elegiac, spotlighting frequent ECM bassist Mats Eilertsen, while "Fivreld" has a sweeping theme accompanied by an insistent percussive pulse. "Blå harding" breaks things down to a lyrical, rubato duet with Sigbjørn Apeland's harmonium (he was also Økland's partner on the Ole Bull project, where he played piano as well as harmonium), and the program closes with "Amstel," which includes call and response with saxophonist Rolf-Erik Nylstrøm.
All of the band members make significant contributions, and the recording location has a significant role as well. Natural resonance is provided by the Østre Toten stone church, which complements both the floating, drone-based selections and those that are more dynamic. With Økland's ever expanding discography, Kjølvatn may be the best place to hear most of his musical interests in one place.
Track Listing
Mali; Undergrunn; Drev; Kjølvatn; Puls; Fivreld; Start; Skugge; Blå harding; Amstel.
Personnel
Nils Økland: viola d’amore, hardanger fiddle, violin; Rolf–Erik Nylstrøm: saxophone; Sigbjørn Apeland: harmonium; Håkon Mørch Stene: percussion, vibraphone; Mats Eilertsen: double bass.
Album information
Title: Kjølvatn | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: ECM Records