Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: Skarkali

13

Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: Skarkali

By

Sign in to view read count
Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: Skarkali
Prediction: pianist/composer Ingi Bjarni Skúlason and his music will eventually end up on ECM. This is not because he is from Iceland, but rather that he, even at his young age, has a fully developed, recognizable style.

Skarkali, which literally means "loud noises," is a piano trio recording that is anything but noise, and is delicately intense (or intensely delicate) rather than loud. Supported by bassist Valdimar Olgeirsson and drummer Óskar Kjartansson, Skúlason's compositions unfold as dramatic stories, mixing the feel and harmonies of Icelandic folk music with that of jazz improvisation and modern driving rhythms.

The result is completely unpredictable not only from track to track, but also within each track. The arrangements show that Skúlason knows what he is doing as he builds architectural structures that rise up, grow and expand only to shift and dart in a different direction when least expected. This music is paradoxically enigmatic while being direct, intimate while feeling wide open and superficially beautiful while exploring harsh landscapes.

His playing is clear and crisp, with each note given deep meaning. Bobo Stenson comes naturally to mind in the space given each note. This deep, clear sound is echoed by the harmonies chosen, which sound simple, but are full of ambiguity. Although his music is highly emotional, it is constrained by a deep intelligence which produces a wonderful sense of playful control. Olgeirsson and Kjartansson enhance, support and develop the inherent tension in Skúlason's compositions in that the bass is melodic and grand as it underpins the piano's left hand, while the drums are full of energy and high spirits, always driving the music forward.

The extremely focused, direct and dry sound of the record is perfect for this music in that the clarity allows the music to speak for itself.

Skúlason is already a masterful musician, and Skarkali is a remarkable document of what is going to be a career to watch closely.

Track Listing

Virkar ("It works"); Fals ekki vals ("False not waltz" - dedicated to people who don't dance waltz); Á hálum ís ("On slippery ice"); Erfiðleikum gæddur ("To have troubles"); Hollands Spoor (a train station in the Netherlands); Hug minn allan ("With all my mind"); Í innsta hring ("In the innest circle"); Smásagnasafn á repeat ("Short story collection on repeat"); Heyra meira ("Hear more").

Personnel

Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: piano; Valdimar Olgeirsson: bass; Óskar Kjartansson: drums.

Album information

Title: Skarkali | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.