Republic of Jazz: Wako & Oslo Strings - Modes for All Eternity (AMP Music & Records 2017)

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Wako & Oslo Strings - Modes for All Eternity (AMP Music & Records 2017)

«Modes for All Eternity» is a daring new conceptual album by the nordic jazz quartet Wako in collaboration with string ensemble Oslo Strings. It will take the listener on a journey through ancient times; featuring chilling suspense and drama, introducing a five-part suite and honor truly remarkable persons such as the great Greek lyrists Sappho and Emily Dickinson.

Wako & Oslo Strings consists of seven young established musicians, whom received much praise doing various projects both on the Norwegian and the International scene in 2016. They are known from bands such as Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Espen Berg Trio, Megalodon Collective, Trondheimsolistene and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.

The music is written by composer and saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen, and strives to incorporate everyone’s individual voices into a fulfilling and unique ensemble sound. Approaching the prospect of adding three string instruments to a quartet, and not just let them have accompanying roles but rather be active members of the group. It reflects various composers such as Messiaen and Stravinsky, but also finds inspiration in modern chamber jazz projects like Christian Wallumrøed Ensemble and Alpaca Ensemble.

Recorded by Marc Casanovas at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in June 2016. Mixed and mastered by Karl Klaseie at Greener Mastering, Trondheim.

01. King of Kings 6:22

02. Sappho's Theme 3:47

03. Carla 4:55

04. I. Eternal 4:42

05. II. I died for beauty 1:58

06. III. Africanus 6:02

07. IV. Intervallic Nightmares 1:15

08. V. Rejoice 4:58

09. Song for All the Annettes 4:21

10. Cold days, Warm Hearts 5:16

Martin Myhre Olsen - saxophone/composer

Kjetil André Mulelid - piano