Natsukashii

Personnel: Helge Lien (piano); Knut Aalefjær (drums).
Audio Mixer: Jan Erik Kongshaug.
Recording information: Rainbow Studio, Oslo, Norway (09/24/2010-09/26/2010).
Photographer: Christian Mordre.
Pianist Helge Lien both exemplifies and breaks free from stereotypes of Scandinavian jazz on Natsukashii. While Scandinavian jazz has a tendency for darker scales and more experimental instrumentation, Lien opts for a straightforward piano trio and plenty of Western melodic elements. At the same time, he delves into more contemplative territory, akin to much of the Scandinavian piano scene -- when he wanders through the scales solo (as in much of "Bon Tempi") or with the rhythm section acting primarily as extra force (as in "E"), he takes time to explore ideas, circle in on motives, and add more emotion to his playing. At other times, Lien is happy to tinker with new musical ideas -- some mimicry of a shamisen in the way he approaches the keys in the title track, a dark milonga-like evolution in "Sceadu." The album is constantly searching within itself, and produces interesting, evocative results. ~ Adam Greenberg