release date: Jan. 24, 2025
format: 2lp vinyl (gatefold)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,64]
producer: self-produced
label: Hvalfugl Music (self-released) - nationality: Denmark
Studio album by Aarhus-founded Danish trio Hvalfugl consisting of guitarist Jeppe Lavsen, bassist Anders Juel Bomholt, and keyboardist Jonathan Fjord Bredholt is a double vinyl self-released album. The album is in both a genuine studio release and a compilation of sorts as it builds on the combination of four individually released eps: the 5-track ep Bag vore øjne (Nov. 2022), the 7-track ep Strømmer (Sep. 2023), the 7-track ep Drømme (Jan. 2024), and the 7-track ep Sagte forbi (Sep. 2024); however, it's not a direct summation of these. The album here count 25 tracks, the sum of the 4 eps is 26 but 'only' 16 tracks are taken from the eps with tracks scattered well around on the album, which means there are 9 new compositions on this album when comparing with the eps. Another interesting thing is that the trio plays much on improvs. On three of the four eps you'll find a composition titled "Kaskader af glemsel" with the addition of a number indicating three various versions. That specific track is not found on the album but it basically shows how the trio plays with improvs to create new unique moments, which in many ways also speaks for a certain natural coherency throughout the album.
Stylistically, this is contemporary instrumental Nordic jazz with strong influence from traditional folk and folklore - perhaps we should refer to it as jazz folk. I knew absolutely nothing about the band before attending a concert this year at my local town, so I showed up with no expectations at all, but it was clear from the start that these three were more than competent instrumentalists as they understand the art of musical interaction and the difficult act of complementing one another to create rare powers of pure synergy. Their sound reeks simplicity and beauty in harmony.
Definetely recommended.
[ Gaffa.dk 5 / 6, Allaboutjazz 4,5 / 5 stars ]
