Christian Wallumrød & Silke Eberhard at: Ironworks Innovation Series (by kp)

Innovation 2013 (by kp)

June 26^th, 2013 – The Ironworks – 9pm

Christian Wallumrød Ensemble

I first became aware of the Norwegian pianist Christian Wallumrød through his work with Close Erase – an incredible piano / keyboard trio (producing both acoustic and electric) work in the late 90’s, early 2000’s with bassist Ingebrigt Haker-Flaten and drummer Per Oddvar Johansen – a band that was maybe a little ahead of the curve, never receiving wider recognition or touring opportunities that might have come their way. That was around the time we were beginning to present bands with Mats Gustafsson (Gush) and Atomic among others. By the time Close Erase was finally gaining notoriety the band had unfortunately disbanded. Ingebrigt jokes that they'll need to reform for a reunion tour.

 Fast forward a decade – Christian Wallumrød now has a recording history with the legendary ECM beginning with a trio date from 1998, four recordings with his Ensemble (2001 to 2009) the most recent of which is the wonderful Fabula Suite Lugano plus two albums with Dans les Arbres. He's also recorded for numerous other labels including the fine Norwegian Jazzland Label - notably the chamber trio Merriwinkle in 2003 with the legendary vocalist Sidsel Endresen and electronics specialist Helge Sten.

Although he rarely plays in North America, Wallumrød did perform at the Portland Jazz Festival a few years ago to some critical acclaim and we’ve been trying to get him to Canada ever since. Last summer I attended the Kongsberg Festival in Norway and had a free night (in transit) in Oslo and took the opportunity to meet with Christian. We hatched this tour (with Ottawa and Rochester) on that night. His six-piece ensemble includes Per Oddvar Johansen (drums), Espen Reinertsen (tenor sax), Tove Törngren (cello), Eivind Lønning (trumpet) and Gjermund Larsen (strings).

The Ensemble music is very different than that of the Close Erase of the 90’s. Exploring quiet sonorities that seem to shimmer with a vivid luminosity while holding the space in a purposeful manner that is NOT in any way meandering or new age– this music has intention - rigorously composed and demanding of intense listening from each member of the ensemble (and listener).  Influenced at turns by Paul Bley (with jazz/improv connections), but possibly more so by early -medieval music, modern minimalist music exemplified by Estonia’s Arvo Pärt and contemporary classical music - this music is clearly not raving ecstatic jazz – more to the point this music makes for a meditative (melancholy) deep listening experience that is not at all predictable. To quote John Kelman, “they temper their interpretive approach without losing the delicate sense of surprise that makes Fabula Suite Lugano one of Wallumrød’s best albums to date”. 

His next Ensemble release is in the pipeline "Outstairs" (ECM) featuring the touring lineup with an official release date of August - although he might have some copies to bring with him on the tour.

This multi dimensional ensemble should hold great appeal for fans of early music, contemporary chamber music, Arvo Pärt (and the modern spiritual school), post Cage / Feldman avant garde and some of the less raucous more cerebral forms of chamber jazz and improvised music. Christian Wallumrød quietly goes about his business – the embers slowly burn, the story unfolds with deliberation- ultimately the emotion contained within the sound overwhelms. This is the Wallumrød story.

 Christian Wallumrød

Pling – Oslo – August 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OoQnVX-c3w

March 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCzSCwHhaIs

Review – John Kelman – Fabula Suite Lugano http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=35451#.UbZLIOukA3Y

Festival Info: http://www.coastaljazz.ca/artist/christian_wallumrød_ensemble

Thanks to: Arts Council Norway, Norwegian Jazz Forum, Music Norway

June 28^th, 2013 – The Ironworks – 9pm

Silke Eberhard Trio

Three German women have risen to prominence on the “new jazz/improv” scene in recent years on the saxophone: Ingrid Laubrock, Angelika Niescier and Silke Eberhard. All contemporaries - Ingrid and Angelika performed at the festival in 2011 and 2012 respectively – the Vancouver debut of saxophonist / clarinetist Silke Eberhard is now upon us.

Berlin based Silke Eberhard has a number of projects on the go including duos with pianists: Dave Burrell (Darlingtonia on Jazzwerkstatt), Ulrich Gumpert (Peanuts & Vanities on Jazzwerkstatt) and Aki Takase (a duo album of Ornette material on Intakt) plus a brass quartet, her trio and a quartet. In 2011 she joined the Scottish trio NeWt (that performed at the festival last year) for a recording and a UK tour.

 

I’ve been fortunate to hear some of her projects performed live in recent years – for example her saxophone and brass quartet - Potsa Lotsa (The Complete works of Eric Dolphy) in Bremen and the fantastic duo with Aki Takase mentioned above at the Molde Jazz Festival in 2010.

My first opportunity to hear her mind-altering classic trio setup live was at also at Jazz Ahead in Bremen a couple of years ago. Her avant bop trio includes bassist Jan Roder (who played the fest with Alex Schlippenbach’s Monk’s Casino) and drummer Kay Lübke - they’re traveling to Canada for a small tour that that takes them to jazz festivals in Vancouver, Victoria and Ottawa.

With roots in the 60’s “new thing” as exemplified by Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Eric Dolphy, John Tchicai and Marion Brown, Ms. Eberhard has carefully crafted a hard edged incisive sound that is reminiscent of the late Jimmy Lyons (whose tenure with CT lasted from the mid 60’s to his death) an influence not heard in many younger saxophonists (excepting Rob Brown – who isn’t that young anymore). Last year Silke and I spent some quality time together in Bremen hatching touring plans, discussing music and life in general –a wonderful time and memorable on so many levels but particularly to experience her quick wit and infectious sense of humour. I was suitably impressed when after covering a wide range of topics she confirmed that indeed she was a huge Jimmy Lyons fan. Nice to hear – now that’s a big plus in my books! 

Get ready for a great Silke Eberhard Trio concert at the Ironworks.

Live alto: http://silkeeberhard.com/sounds/

Live clarinet: http://silkeeberhard.com/sounds/

Live in Krakow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ENymdklRc

Website: http://silkeeberhard.com/

Festival Info: http://www.coastaljazz.ca/artist/silke_eberhard_trio

Supported by The Berlin Senate Cultural Affairs