The 11 non-original pieces explored on this disc were recorded in Oslo in January 2006, and showcase the trio's collective approach to standards. On the first piece, Lasse Färnlöf's "Grandfather's Waltz," Lien's harmonies reference Bill Evans' version. Jerome Kern's "Look For The Silver Lining" and Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" foreground the trio's by now intuitive interplay and, though minimalist, get deep into the essence of the melodies.
The covers of Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower," Wayne Shorter's "Penelope," Carla Bley's "Ida Lupino," Tony Williams' "Love Song" and Hampton Hawes' "Sonora" feature the trio as colourful interpreters. "Little Sunflower" is shaped by Aalefjær's idiosyncratic sonic palette, while the haunting "Penelope" is performed as a modern piece with dark arco bowing by Berg. The deliciously lyrical "Ida Lupino" receives a minimalist interpretation that references the composer's own impressionistic recordings, and the deceptive simplicity of the moving waltz, "Love Songs," touches lightly on Herbie Hancock's exploration of the tune. Another waltz, "Sonora" is more understated than Hawes' own versions of the piece.
Two surprising inclusions are a playful and lighthearted version of Joseph LeCalle and Albert Gameses' pop song "Amapola," and an impeccably performed spin on Hans Eisler's beautiful and optimistic "To The Little Radio" (possibly better known now as "The Secret Marriage," after Sting set new lyrics to the melody). (by Eyal Hareuveni)
The covers of Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower," Wayne Shorter's "Penelope," Carla Bley's "Ida Lupino," Tony Williams' "Love Song" and Hampton Hawes' "Sonora" feature the trio as colourful interpreters. "Little Sunflower" is shaped by Aalefjær's idiosyncratic sonic palette, while the haunting "Penelope" is performed as a modern piece with dark arco bowing by Berg. The deliciously lyrical "Ida Lupino" receives a minimalist interpretation that references the composer's own impressionistic recordings, and the deceptive simplicity of the moving waltz, "Love Songs," touches lightly on Herbie Hancock's exploration of the tune. Another waltz, "Sonora" is more understated than Hawes' own versions of the piece.
Two surprising inclusions are a playful and lighthearted version of Joseph LeCalle and Albert Gameses' pop song "Amapola," and an impeccably performed spin on Hans Eisler's beautiful and optimistic "To The Little Radio" (possibly better known now as "The Secret Marriage," after Sting set new lyrics to the melody). (by Eyal Hareuveni)
Personnel:
Knut Aalefjaer (drums)
Frode Berg(drums)
Helge Lien (piano)
Tracklist:
01. Grandfathers Waltz (Färnlöf) 5.14
02. Look For The Silver Lining (Kern) 5.17
03. Chelsea Bridge (Strayhorn) 4.19
04. Little Sunflower (Hubbard) 5.39
05. Penelope (Shorter) 6.14
06. Ida Lupino (Bley) 5.35
07. So In Love (Porter) 4.47
08. Love Song (Williams) 4.43
09. Amapola (Gamse) 4.04
10. Sonor (Hawes) 5.30
11. To The Little Radio (An den kleinen Radioapparat) (Eisler) 6.44
