Between the silence of the North and the depths of the ocean – music in which melancholy carries light.
On 6 November, In The Mood Jazz Club presents Espen Eriksen Trio in two exclusive concerts – a special international highlight in the club’s programme and an opportunity to experience this exceptional Norwegian ensemble up close. Sofia is part of their European and Asian tour introducing their new eighth album, Almost There, released on 25 September.
“One of the most unified, individual and recognizable group sounds in European jazz”
– Jazzwise
Pianist and composer Espen Eriksen, double bassist Lars Tormod Jenset and drummer Andreas Bye create a musical world in which melody, harmony and improvisation exist in a natural balance. Their sound reveals qualities characteristic of Scandinavian jazz – lyricism, folk influences, melancholy and a sense of spaciousness. Their understated approach leaves room for the resonance of their acoustic instruments, for pauses and for the subtle shifts that give the music its depth and sincerity. Their compositions have clearly defined shapes and memorable themes, while each improvisation remains closely connected to the distinctive character of the melody.
Born in 1974 in Haugesund, Norway, Espen Eriksen has a diverse musical background spanning jazz, pop and work as a church organist. He has performed with Norwegian musicians including Bendik Hofseth, Mats Eilertsen and Jarle Vespestad, and contributed as pianist, songwriter and arranger to singer Christina Bjordal’s international solo debut for Universal Music. In 2007, he formed his trio, whose debut album, You Had Me at Goodbye, was released in 2010 on Rune Grammofon. Composition lies at the heart of his work as a bandleader – the ability to craft a distinctive melody and give it space to develop through each musician’s creative sensibility.
“Superb musicians at the top of their game”
– BBC
After 19 years together and tours across four continents, the trio has developed an exceptional rapport and an almost telepathic level of interplay. Their longstanding partnership allows the three musicians to respond effortlessly to the subtlest shifts in performance, develop ideas together and bring fresh nuances to their established repertoire.
On Almost There, Espen Eriksen Trio returns to its original line-up with eight compositions by Eriksen. The album continues the ensemble’s characteristic melodic clarity and emotional immediacy, with melancholy often coexisting with light and a sense of hope. The pieces focus attention on the theme, its development and the nuances of ensemble playing. Titles such as Sepia Sky, Winter Is Coming, A Dream in Black and White and The Atlantic enrich the album’s evocative world, leaving room for the listener’s own associations.
“With its own superb reevaluation and reinvention of the piano trio tradition”
– All About JazzOn 6 November, the intimate atmosphere of In The Mood will offer an opportunity to experience this music up close – with all its nuances, inner dynamics and emotional power. Two exclusive concerts with Espen Eriksen Trio and the musical world of Almost There.