1982 (trio)
A/B (Hubro Music; 2014)
Nils Okland (violin, fiddle)
Sigbjorn Appland (harmonium, piano)
Oyvind Skarbo (drums)
Fredrik Ljungkvist (clarinet),
Erik Johannessen (trombone)
Sofya Dudaeva (flute)
Matthias Wallin (sax)
Hanne Liland Rekdal (bassoon)
Stian Omenas (conductor)
You know when you stumble into that artist or group that seems to do no wrong with each release? Well, 1982 are that group. A/B is another sold chamber masterpiece deserving every minute of your attention. With the addition of writing material for a much large ensemble 1982 have enlisted a strong cast to help re-develop and expand on their vision.
Track 1, "18.06" is a shimming work of cinematic orchestration which is both beautiful, and extremely engaging. Rich in bassoon tones and bombastic drum patterns provide an exciting new glimpse of 1982 that we have not heard to this point in their history.
Delving deeper and broader in scope with A/B, the trio have develop an atmospheric tone reminiscent of Michael Brook and Jon Hassell. The second half of the session features percussive elements wrapped in the soft coils of the wind ensemble that handles each of the remaining piece with delicacy.
A/B is melodic and emotionally effective. A solid re-imagination for 1982. And probably the best the record to date. Yes, at this point they seem be able to do whatever they want with their compositions and instrumentation. Highly Recommended.
1982 (trio)
1982+BJ Cole (Hubro Music; 2012)
Nils Okland (violin, fiddle)
Sigbjorn Appland (harmonium)
Oyvind Skarbo (drums)
BJ Cole (pedal steel guitar)
The trio 1982 formed through various collaborations and duo sessions each of the members has previously done is now what appears to be a fully functional and consistent trio. Their style weaves between atmospheric, minimal and classical chamber trios. 1982 is all about the structure of sound, creating the image for the listener. This is enhanced by the absence of song titles.
On their newest release, they are joined by pedal guitarist, BJ Cole for the simply titled, 1982+BJ Cole. Cole's addition gives the trio a more dynamic and expansive structure. The first two pieces "9:03" and "4:22", both illustrate a new, full vision for the group. "9:03" inhabits the similar ethereal nature the group constructed over its previous two albums with shifting patterns and harmonics that are breath-taking and enchanting. "4:22" is a nice balance of experimentalism and Cole's swirling sense of lonesome guitar.
"5:21" is touching, with Okland and Skarbo standing out with excellent repetitive lines and calculated percussion. This is augmented wonderfully by Cole and Appland, creating a lovely and steadied melody. "4:00" emotes a minimalism that is reminiscent of Steve Reich. It reverberates in a humble and subtle fashion that becomes more beautiful as the piece moves forward.
Again, 1982 has put together a brilliant set of soundscapes that are magnificent to hear but also intriguing once you dig deeper into it on repeated spins. This collaboration with BJ Cole only highlights the skill of this trio once more. Another strong reason why 1982 is one of those unheard groups that needs to be heard. A real must have album. And a highly recommended one from me. And one of my albums of the year!
