One of the most innovative violinists of his generation,
Nils Økland has made the Hardanger fiddle, a
traditional Norwegian violin, his instrument of predilection.
Although he often works on traditional musical themes,
he has transformed Norwegian folk music far beyond recognition
by incorporating elements of classical, contemporary
and improvised music. Bris, Økland’s third
album, his second for Rune Grammofon, presents a strong
collection of instrumentals, progressively weaving an
emotional canvas on which he builds up wonderfully evocative
and melancholic soundscapes.
Although born in Norway, Økland studied music
at the Budapest Academy of Music before studying the
work of Bohemian composer and violist Heinrich Ignaz
Franz Von Biber (1644-1705). He later became director
of the Ole Bull Academy in Voss, Norway before joining
a variety of ensembles, including the jazz formation
headed by Christian Wallumrød.
Recorded with Sigbjørn Apeland, who already featured
on Blå Harding and Straum, Økland’s
previous two albums, as well as Per Oddvar Johansen
and Mats Eilertsen from Food,
all three bringing some jazz textures and influences,
and Håkon Stene, last spotted playing with Jono
El Grande, Bris is an extremely delicate
piece of work, handled with grace and dexterity by Økland
and his ensemble. Unlike on previous records where he
was partly using traditional pieces, Økland is
responsible for writing the almost entire album. The
twelve songs presented here demonstrate his truly respectful
approach to both the instrument, and the music, which
was born from the necessity to convey religious messages
in the most remote corners of the land at a time when
communication was mostly done either through spoken
words or music. On Bris, which translates as
‘breeze’, Økland creates some incredibly
dense musical moments, allowing for melodies to emerge
from sonic clouds, only to disappear again as mysteriously,
creating an often unsettling, yet fascinating, feeling
all the way through, from the intensity of tracks such
as Gjenmon to the vast open spaces of Bønn
or Grålys.
This third album by Nils Økland further establishes
him as one of the great folk musicians of his generation.
Yet, the folk tag appears almost too restrictive to
describe the scope of this record as Bris references
far wider influences and proves a superbly defined platform
for Økland to develop his beautiful emotional
soundscapes.
4.8/5 |
