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Nils Petter Molvaer: Switch
BySwitch isn't all relaxation and pretty melodies, though; with Erland Dahlen returning from Baboon Moon to assume an even greater multi-instrumentalist roleheard playing steel and log drums, blossom bells, xylophone, and electric and baritone guitars as often as his characteristically thundering drumsthere's no lack of propulsive forward motion or, as the appropriately titled "The Kit" demonstrates, unrelenting power, his near-tribal sensibility driving Geir Sundstøl's sinuous and, at times, reverse-attack pedal steel, In The Country keyboardist Morten Qvenild's sonic landscapes and Molvær's unmistakable lyricism.
Still, with some subtle references to Khmer's more organic side, Switch's real strength lies in Molvær's shift to a softer approach and greater attention to the natural trumpet tone that's always been at the core of his work, but has often been metamorphosed by his tasteful use of electronics. The four "Intrusion" tracks peppered throughout the recording may largely feature Molvær and the much in- demand Sundstølnot just in his native Norway, but abroad, too, having contributed to albums and performances ranging from Hanne Hukkelberg to Jimmie Dale Gilmorebut they're also contexts for some of the trumpeter's most drop-dead beautiful playing to date.
They may signal a gentler Molvær, but "Bathroom" still thunders mightily along, bolstered by Dahlen's massive tone and impeccable blend of precision and in- the-moment decision-making. Still, at its core is a melody so spare, so haunting, so anthemic that it could easily become a show-stopper in this group's upcoming European tour dates.
With Molvær finding a new home on the rapidly emergent Okeh labelin just over a year, building a prestigious roster ranging from Bill Frisell and John Medeski to Dhafer Youssef and Sonny Rollins, and reissuing seven titles from Molvær's back catalog including Baboon Moon, 2010's Hamada, 2008's Re-Vision, 2005's er and 2004's Streamerthe trumpeter seems primed to accomplish that to which he's been previously unable: break significantly into the American market.
The inimitably appealing Switch may present a mellower side to this intrepid instrumentalist, but it still possesses all the touchstonesand teeththat have made him a veritable star virtually everywhere but the USA. Now's the time for this seamless organic/electronic amalgamator to finally garner the American audience he's deserved in the nearly two decades that have passed since the release of Khmer.
Track Listing
Switch; The Kit; Intrusion I; Quiet Corners; Strange Pillows; Intrusion VII; Bathroom; Intrusion VI; Somewhere Shady; Intrusion III.
Personnel
Nils Petter Molvaer
trumpetNils Petter Molvær: trumpet, electronics, voice; Geir Sundstøl: pedal steel guitar, six string bass, National resophonic guitar; Morten Qvenild: hyper piano, programming and electronics; Erland Dahlen: drums, metal plate, log drum, steel drum, drum machine, blossom, bells, xylophone, electric guitar, baritone guitar; Jon Marius Aareskjold: additional programming.
Album information
Title: Switch | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Okeh
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About Nils Petter Molvaer
Instrument: Trumpet
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