Kari Bremnes Svarta Bjørn

Fiddler and composer Bjørn Kåre Odde has written new music for mixed choir and fiddle, and now he has recorded it together with the renowned choir Schola Cantorum under the direction of Tone Bianca Sparre Dahl. The music is strongly inspired by Norwegian folk music, but at the same time this production blurs the line between classical music and folk music. This is an exciting musical landscape where gentle and melodious fiddle tones are framed by the powerful choral sound of the Schola Cantorum.

Bjorn Schmelzer and his ensemble provide their special vision in this Josquin Desprez anniversary. With the conviction that Josquin, during his late years, produced works in sight of his own death, Graindelavoix renders compositions included in Tielman Susatos 1545 Antwerp print (Septiesme livre de chansons, published 24 years after the composers life ended).

At the time César Franck was born in Liège, Belgium, on 10 December 1822, Beethoven had not yet composed his 9th symphony, or his last string quartets. When Franck died at the age of 67 in 1890, Claude Debussy had already made his mark with works including the Cinq poèmes de Charles Baudelaire; it is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that a composer whose life spanned such extremities, had trouble finding his own voice.

You are PRE-ORDERING a signed copy of my new album. Orders will be processed once stock has arrived. Release date is 11th April. I CAN NOT guarantee that you will receive your copy in time for release.

The approach of the trio is about thorough attentive, synergistic and dynamic interplay. The focal point is always at how to redeem the material at hand in the strongest possible way - regardless of genre. Over time they have developed a deep mutual understanding and - in the words of some listeners - telepathic playing style. As if all in the group breathes through the same lungs - and create transparent elastic music. This is a place of thorough, respectful, curious listening and musical talks.

The background for this release is that I have previously released two guitar trio records; LOS 130-2 Poinciana (2014) and LOS 175-2 But Not For Me (2017), both on Losen Records. This music is inspired by the American pianist Ahmad Jamal and especially his trio in the late 1950s with drummer Vernel Fournier and bassist Israel Cosby. Their trio sound has been a great inspiration for me, with their elegant swinging cool jazz, beautifully arranged with playful spontaneity – pure magic!