Henrik Mukeby Norstebo - Solo [Creative Sources]

Henrik Munkeby Norstebo - trombone

Creative Sources Recordings 2011

Henrik Norstebo played in recently in Krakow with two fellow countrymen Adrian Myhr and Tomas Jarmyr. Non-musical circumstances didn't allow me to fully absorb the music but the playing was undeniably intriguing and Henrik Norstebo's contribution to music that evening was really inspiring. 

I always say a solo album is a risky thing. Too often it's a vain statement of virtuosity, an awe-inspiring performance (on given instrument) which is appreciated only by other musicians (who play on the instrument). This is definitely not the case.

Norstebo / Myhr / Jarmyr at PIEC'Art (19.10)

Tomas, Adrian, Henrik. from the band's archive

This is going to be a somewhat sweet-sour post. I've had been to PIEC'Art a number of times already and most recent visits had to do with Adrian Myhr's returning to Krakow (first concert with Trabant trio was a surprise, the second one with Vojtech Prochazka trio even more so). While focused on more mainstream jazz, there's a spot or two every now and then in PIEC'Art for something more unconventional. And that's a good thing, obviously.

The music was great, the playing creative, musicians in tune with each other and their instruments, in constant dialogue, interraeaction. While the presence of trombone brings sometimes a jazz-rooted sound, but a whole other world of sonic realities is right there - hushed and semi-audible, filled with details, micro-textures, timbral explorations. The last track strikingly meditative, Tomas playing with bare hands on plates to achieve a zen, sustained, echoing gong sounds. An aura taken immediately upon by Adrian and Henrik. Music that vibrates with positive energy within the soul.