Jazzland
The variety with which Norwegian violinist Tuva Halse‘s quintet approaches her compositions belies their relative youth, filling in gaps between jazz, classical and a more adventurous eccentricity with relative ease. With Tuva on violin, the piano of Benjamín Gísli Einarsson and the trumpet of Oscar Andreas Haug offer a whirlwind of accompaniment that is supported in a lively manner by the bass of Gard Kronborg and the drums of Øyvind Leite.
Although the compositions are all Tuva’s, she doesn’t hog the limelight and the trio are a powerful combination, drawing each other on in the more introspective pieces and trying to settle one another when things blow
a little hotter. Meanwhile, the rhythm section is urgent when necessary and more languid at other points. Middle Eastern tinges hint at continents to be explored and the choral spirituality of the ethereal vocals on “Contemplation” tie nicely into the classical yearning.
Across the album, the thoughtful, measured shapes of the violin are carefully released and there is an air of subtlety to the support, with even the warm caress of the bass providing a sense of solace. The arms around the shoulders allow space for these musical tales to unfold from the vocal, piano and trumpet reflecting a concerto melancholy on “Sorryrow” to the far more playful “Acquaintances” with its modern percussive swing and
nebulous meandering bass. In fact, they move from lively to introspective with ease and on “Consideration” the duet between violin and piano is bordering on telepathic, the unison perfectly natural.
The folky inflections of the violin on “Duet” open up sunny vistas, its slow process and gradual unfolding an easy companion; while the bass leads the way on “Gard”, its process undulating in the distance. You never really know which combination is going to take precedence from track to track, with the melancholic piano of “Confusion Illusion” paired with silvery cymbal wash; whereas the piano on final number “Close” is more enigmatic, its slow movement offering a sense that they would like to move further with a desire for more.
As an opening gambit,
Reconnection is a thoughtful,
intelligent and enjoyable album that bodes well for the quintet’s future.
-Mr Olivetti-
The variety with which Norwegian violinist Tuva Halse‘s quintet approaches her compositions belies their relative youth, filling in gaps between jazz, classical and a more adventurous eccentricity with relative ease. With Tuva on violin, the piano of Benjamín Gísli Einarsson and the trumpet of Oscar Andreas Haug offer a whirlwind of accompaniment that is supported in a lively manner by the bass of Gard Kronborg and the drums of Øyvind Leite.
