Keith Jarret/Jan Garbarek - Belonging (1974)
Very influential album that in many ways was the soundtrack of my late teens. Positive, spiritual, clever and spontaneous music!
Jøkleba - Jøkleba! Live (1996)
Hearing this trio live back in the early 2000s changed the way I thought of music. Spontaneous composing, no rules, except that everything must count. Such appealing spirit in this band.
Sidsel Endresen - So I Write (1990)
The interplay between vocalist extraordinaire Sidsel Endresen and pianist Django Bates is really out of this world. The compositions as well; highly original. The drumming of Jon Christensen is also amazing on this record
Arne Nordheim - Epitaffio (1963)
Nordheim is a very influential Norwegian composer, and his piece Epitaffio made a huge impression on me when I first experienced it. The more I dig into his works, the more greatness I find.
Veslefrekk - Valse Mysterioso (2004)
I moved to Oslo in 2005, and had just bought this album. To me personally, it represents the feeling of moving to a new place - starting a new life in the big city, studying music and opening new doors. Musically, it’s quite haunting and mysterious - and it’s so deliciously produced sound-wise.
Terje Rypdal - Chaser (1985)
Jazz-rock guitarist Terje Rypdal is a true Norwegian hero of mine. And, the drummer in this trio, Audun Kleive, has been a hero since my early teens. A fantastic rock-ish trio with a loose and energetic vibe. The drum intro on the first track is worth the purchase alone!
Edvard Grieg - Peer Gynt suites (1875)
Written to Henrik Ibsens play, Peer Gynt, this music is as Norwegian as it gets..! Even though there are links to European classical music in its time, it feel truly original and romantic. And, I love it!
Geirr Tveitt - Op. 150, 50 Folk Tunes from Hardanger
Some of the greatest Norwegian classical piano music written.
Jon Balke - Diverted Travels (2004)
Jon Balke is one of a kind, and combines the genius composer and original improvisor. And, he has the grooviest 16th’s lines I know. You can really hear that HE hears everything he does, and really means it!
Alpaca Ensemble & Eirik Hegdal - Skråpanel (2007)
This music makes me gasp for air every time I hear it.

Being, Eyolf Dale's new album, is out now on Edition Records. It is emotive and highly personal, serene and beautiful, blending subtle groove with intense lyricism. Worldwide family members can get 10% off the release.

Gondwana Records: Matthew Halsall // 13-01-21

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