Aske og Jord
Apollon, 2021
8/10
A multi-instrumentalist and composer who has played in bands like Superlynx and Skitliv, among many others, on this debut solo album Ole Teigen births a very unique and comforting version of modern jazz and neo-classical sounds with the help of Christian H. Svendsen, Frode Berg, Monica Boroni and Anita Antal.
“Barndom” starts the listen with a quivering display of firm keys, atmospheric strings and much attention to detail as classical and jazz ideas meet with much skill, and “Aske Og Jord” follows with mature melody thanks to the graceful keys, frisky drumming and some prog-rock nods amid the sophistication.
In the middle, “Det uvisse” moves softly with much beauty, while “Magician In Despair” showcases a light and airy landscape where a flute is met with tumbling percussion and twinkling piano. “Fugl”, the last track and one of the best, then relies solely on Teigen’s piano that rumbles, glides and flows with a fluid, timeless execution.
Unfortunately inspired by the untimely passing of his big brother, Teigen balances both haunting and beautiful textures on this very intimate but also adventurous first record on his own that’s as heartfelt as it is imaginative.
Travels well with: Wudewuse- Northern Gothic; Brudini- From Darkness, Light