Just two albums, released in less than five years, and already a Grammy won in the crowded Norwegian jazz scene. Thanks to the brilliant debut, “Velkommen Håp”, an irrepressible journey between jazz and jazz-rock.
After concerts played in every corner of the planet, saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg (Finity, Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra, GURLS, Hanna Paulsberg Concept, Torstein Ekspress, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra), guitarist Marius Klovning (Bogue Chitto, Hullyboo, Skadedyr, Sound Horn Ok Please), bassist Bárður R. Poulsen (Espen Berg Trio, Ingi Bjarni Trio, Karl Bjorå's Aperture, Øyvind Brække Sextet, Lauv, Wako) and drummer Hans Hulbækmo (Atomic, Bjørn Marius Hegge Trio, Broen, Eirik Hegdal/ Følk, Fenomenolodic 4, Finity, Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra, Hanna Paulsberg Concept, Hulbækmo & Jacobsen Familieorkester, Marthe Lea Band, Midtnorsk Ungdomsstorband, Moskus, Musicus, Reolô, Sharaka Ensemble, Skadedyr, Snøskred, Torstein Ekspress, Your Headlights Are On) have decided that jazz was the right direction to go.
Hence the self-titled second album, “Flukten”. A new beginning. Much more dense and focused than the celebrated debut. The quartet has achieved a degree of harmony not present on their previous work. A handful of songs from the new album were captured live, complete with a cheering audience (“Monica fra Svolvær”). “It has become an album that feels a lot like us. The uniqueness of Flukten lies in the strong interaction we have developed over time,” wrote guitarist Marius Klovning
The lineup is solid and has clear ideas. Two soloists: saxophone and guitar. Plus rhythm section: bass and drums. Written parts are still predominant compared to improvisations, which are increasingly present in the quartet's music. Influences are around every corner. Kloving cites two masters such as John Scofield and Bill Frisell. Hulbækmo adds: “It's difficult to pinpoint the sources of inspiration. I'm probably inspired by Ornette Coleman, Henry Threadgill and Paul Motian. I'm inspired by the atmosphere that their music creates, or maybe by my perception of them. Often the songs come about while I'm humming them. Often while we're walking, sometimes with the help of a piano or synthesizer. I make music pretty much all the time and it usually fits Flukten. I'm more focused on the melodies than the chords.”
06/29/2024
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM