Flora Eallin
Is It Jazz?, 2023
8/10
An experimental and highly creative duo fron Norwy, Leagus balance structured moments with improvisation across these very diverse 12 pieces that never sit in one place very long.
“Kime” begins the listen with soft piano, where a chilling atmosphere unfolds with mystery, and “Flor” follows with unpredictable drumming and percussive sounds complementing the playful key acrobatics.
In the middle, “Nihkui” welcomes dreamy, poetic singing to the gorgeous climate, while “Vind” unfolds with frisky bass and bowed strings that illuminate the intimate textures.
Close to the end, “Eallin” births a mesmerizing display of subtle, reflective song craft, and “Hyperion” exits upbeat and rowdy, where wild brass is met with furious drums and a free jazz appeal you can’t help but admire.
A body of work that came to be due to the North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble commissioning Leagus to pen music for a ten member orchestra, the pair’s 10+ years playing together make for a very dynamic and unique listen, as the pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad impress us from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Soft Ffog- Soft Ffog; Datadyr- Woolgathering