The Norwegian jazz scene has been incredibly prolific over the last four decades and the constant emergence of creative young musicians who manage to carve a niche for themselves on the international stage is further evidence of its dynamism. Comprised of Anja Lauvdal on piano, Fredrik Luhr Dietrichson on acoustic bass and Hans Hulbækmo on drums, Moskus is a young Norwegian acoustic jazz trio without a leader, all members contributing equally to compositions.
Already playing in separate indie rock bands, the musicians initially met at the Trondheim Conservatory of Music. Their début album Salmesykkel was released in August 2012 on the Norwegian Hubro label.
Introducing themselves as a chamber jazz outfit, Moskus alternate between energetic improvisations and slower melodic pieces. A quiet, introspective and cinematic ballad like the superb self-titled track brings the band’s music closer to post-classical ambient minimalism than a “classic” jazz trio. But in the context of Norwegian jazz, who’s to say what a jazz trio should sound like?
Comments
It´s really strange how norwegian scene has exploded the last fifteen years or so. Tord Gustavsen, Helge Lien, Espen Eriksen, In the country etc etc, there´s nothing like it nowhere else. Truly amazing.
Yes Martin, I have to agree with you, great music coming out of Norway. It’s even hard to keep up with it…which is not a bad thing!