This Norwegian trio take their name from a valley just north of Oslo. The title of this, their third album, refers to an island in the fjord of Oslo where it was recorded in a cabin.
The three accomplished musicians are Jonas Kilmork Vemøy (trumpet), Anders Hefre (tenor saxophone, clarinet, piano) and Andreas Haga (double bass, saxophone). Guest contributions come from Erland Dahlen (Percussion, saw, dulcimer) and Emil Brattested (Pedal steel).
Since this is essentially monophonic music, the emphasis is on a uniform jazzy textures without any showy flourishes.
Unusually for an instrumental album of this type, none of the thirteen tracks are very long. Mysig is the only track that lasts more than 5 minutes.
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The melodic pieces morph together with the composite effect being to create a very laid-back mood.
There are three singles - Landkjenning, På havets bunn and Innrønt - although none of these are distinguished by any catchy hooks nor obvious improvisation.
The result feels understated, contemplative and disciplined; like soundtracks to short picturesque scenes rather than to dramatic narratives.
Maridalen’s website
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