Helge Lien Trio - Natsukashii (2011) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

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Helge Lien Trio - Natsukashii (2011) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

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Helge Lien Trio - Natsukashii (2011)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/192 kHz | Time - 52:24 minutes | 1,94 GB
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/96 kHz | Time - 52:24 minutes | 1012 MB
Studio Master, Official Digital Download | Artwork: Digital booklet

Pianist Helge Lien both exemplifies and breaks free from stereotypes of Scandinavian jazz on Natsukashii. While Scandinavian jazz has a tendency for darker scales and more experimental instrumentation, Lien opts for a straightforward piano trio and plenty of Western melodic elements. At the same time, he delves into more contemplative territory, akin to much of the Scandinavian piano scene – when he wanders through the scales solo (as in much of "Bon Tempi") or with the rhythm section acting primarily as extra force (as in "E"), he takes time to explore ideas, circle in on motives, and add more emotion to his playing. At other times, Lien is happy to tinker with new musical ideas – some mimicry of a shamisen in the way he approaches the keys in the title track, a dark milonga-like evolution in "Sceadu." The album is constantly searching within itself, and produces interesting, evocative results.

The Japanese term Natsukashii describes how intense memories can suddenly be triggered by something as trivial as an old shoe. Norwegian pianist Helge Lien has dedicated his latest trio-CD to these moments, when reality is replaced by reverie and a simple chord can reveal innermost secrets.

Aptly, "Natsukashii" was recorded in just three days. The sense of spontaneity and subcutaneous tension this has awarded the sessions is palpable on the album, which is pierced by dark metaphors as well as a slow-simmering eroticism and channels the entire breadth of the trio's influences - from classical to jazz and from folk to progressive rock.

To Lien, music has always been about building narratives and the ten stories contained here are among the most alluring and atmospherically dense he's composed. These compositions never just feed from nostalgia, but always explore the magic of the current moment as well – and, in doing so, take their audience on a veritable trip.