Moskus - Papirfuglen (March 18, 2022 Hubro)

Moskus conveys their perspective of the world with vivid improvisation in a genre-free universe.

In their most recent release, “Papirfuglen”, the ensemble further solidifies their position as one of the most cutting-edge and transfixing voices in the newest generation of both Norwegian and international jazz. They have a unique musical approach, with a combination of infectious playfulness and a headstrong penchant for experimentation. And with these tools Moskus takes yet another step into unexplored musical territory. They go deeper into the woods, further into the cave and higher into the air. Their rich sonic palette is conveyed with lightness and transparency, by way of sweeping improvisation that stretches as wide as the largest wingspan. Just as a bird can be folded from a blank sheet of paper, Moskus has animated musical paper birds from blank sheets of silence and invited the listener into a world populated with them.

The album was recorded in Ugla Studio (with Morten Qvenild behind the mixing board) where a fleet of instruments was at the disposal of Anja Lauvdal: synths, and electronics for use with the piano, grand piano and harpsichord. Hans Hulbækmo contributes further to the soundscape with his creative use of a drum machine and recording machine together with percussion, glockenspiel and jew's harp. These elements are finally sewn together by Fredrik Luhr Dietrichson who effortlessly alternates between mandolin, cello and bass.

All of the music was recorded live in the same room; this is an integral part of Moskus’s musical philosophy which focuses on capturing the music in the now. Kyrre Laastad mixed this album as well as the last two. His previous experience with Moskus’s musical approach and expression give this album a sensitivity to the living idea; the paper bird motif, which runs through the whole piece. “Papirfuglen” was mastered by Helge Sten, whose top-class craftsmanship can also be appreciated in their earlier album “Mirakler”.

From the debut album “Salmesykkel” (2012) to “Mestertyven” (2014) followed by “Ulv Ulv” (2016), “Mirakler” (2018), “Live på Victoria” (2020) and finally “Papirfuglen” now in 2022, Moskus has established itself as one of the most engaging and present bands in Norwegian jazz and improvised music. With fundament, future and continuity ever present, Moskus has released six albums, been nominated for the Spellemannprisen four times and made a deep and lasting impression on the scene over the past decade. 

1. Visket ut av regnet

2. Hjorten i skogen

3. Lokk til Eurydike

4. Å, var jeg en sangfugl

5. Hortus Delicarum

6. Hildegard

7. Papirfuglen

8. Ville kombinasjoner

9. Den første dagen i mai

Music by Moskus

Anja Lauvdal: synths, cembalo, vocoder, piano and samples

Fredrik Luhr Dietrichson: cello, mandolin and double bass

Hans Hulbækmo: drums, percussion, jews harp (with vocoder), drum machine, glockenspiel and recorder

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Flukten - Velkommen Håp (September 10, 2021 ODIN Records)

What happens when you put four of the most creative musicians from the Norwegian jazz scene in lockdown? They create.

In march 2020, when the corona pandemic forced Norway into lockdown, Flukten found their oasis. Flukten springs out of one thing – the will to create music.

Flukten consists of musicians from some of the most critically acclaimed jazz groups in Norway: Hanna Paulsberg Concept, Atomic, Moskus, GURLS, Wako, Espen Berg Trio, Hullyboo, Skadedyr and Trondheim Jazz Orchestra.

After Flukten´s debut concert last year one music critic wrote: «if there is one band debut that really has left their mark in soul and heart, it is this».

With a musical reference library filled with the likes of John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Per «Texas» Johansson, Salif Keita and Paul Motian, they take detours through hip hop, soul and folk music from all over the world. Here, all spontaneous whims can be cultivated and explored. Flukten gives you dirty jazz that makes you move, and soft, fine tuned jazz that makes you think. This is music that celebrates life and embraces the unbelievable.

In February 2021, the four musicians entered the recording studio with the same open attitude as when they first jammed together. On Flukten`s debut album you hear saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg´s eternal vocabulary and multifaceted tone unfold completely without compromises. You hear guitarist Marius Klovning somewhere in the middle of John Scofield, sharp soul, western and Norwegian folk music. Hans Hulbækmo´s drumming is tempting to compare with the playing of a solo pianist in his melodic repertoire. Bassist Bárður Reinert Poulsen drives everything with his punchy, hard swinging hand, but also provides us with emotional solos.

Together, Flukten are an explosion of joyful playing from some of Norways most talented musicians.

The songs of Flukten´s debut album span from playful melodies to dissonant harmonies. Sometimes it´s a composition based on a voice memo of someone humming. Other times we hear snapshots from improvisations in the vivid studio atmosphere. The music dances, other times it is like a soft caress. Suddenly they fly into ecstasy. This album is the sonic equivalent to jumping from a hot sauna and into cold water. The music wakes you up.

This is music that could only appear this exact moment from these exact musicians.

Maybe you spend hours lying on the floor, lost in a book. Maybe you get drunk, or you run into the woods? We all need to escape now and then. 

1. Velkommen håp

2. Budeie boogie

3. Framsyning

4. Barneblues

5. Mellomspill

6. Jonas og hvalen

7. Tennis med Torstein

8. Bleik myrk legg

9. Pave Toten Totten

10. Blomstrene

Flukten:

Hanna Paulsberg - saxophone

Marius Hirth Klovning - guitar

Bárður Reinert Poulsen - double bass

Hans Hulbækmo - drums

Produced by Flukten

Recorded by Mike Hartung and Andrea Louise Horstad at Propeller Music Division, Oslo, February 5th and 6th 2021

Mixed by Mike Hartung at Propeller Music Division

Mastered by Morgan Nicolaysen at Propeller Mastering

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