Helge Lien Trio "natsukashii"

A little nation with a big jazz tradition is the land of fjords and trolls. Fascinating new artists and acts sporting a huge zest for playing and an irrepressible urge for experimentation keep pushing out of Norway to conquer the rest of the jazz world. The Helge Lien Trio, who have already won a large circle of fans in Scandinavia and Japan with their albums and inspiring live concerts, are especially significant. They maintain the balance between jazz traditions and the avantgardist art of improvisation like hardly any other classic piano trio.

This album is a rare moment to cherish and enjoy every second of. Awarded Norwegian pianist Helge Lien and his band developed their very own, distinctively nordic, jazz trio sound, brought to perfection on their latest, highly acclaimed release “Natsukashii”. The ten new compositions are exploring new ways for the reflexive and experimental, as well as the playful, groove orientated side of the trio’s music. After 13 years, Per Oddar Johansen takes over from Knut Aalefjær on drums, bringing new ideas and power to the band. It’s the world class songwriting and musicianship, as well as the stand-out production that make “Badgers and other Beings” an unmissable experience for both jazz fans and audiophiles.