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Nils ?kland Band: Gjenskinn

By Karl Ackermann
April 11, 2024
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Norwegian

Nils Økland

violin

" data-original-title="" title="">Nils ?kland is known for his versatility in exploring various musical styles and string instruments. He is renowned for his virtuosity on the Hardanger fiddle, a Norwegian violin with eight or nine strings. His style often incorporates elements of Nordic traditional music, classical, jazz, and world music, creating a unique blend of original and unusual sounds. ?kland has been playing with his namesake band for a decade, and they have released their third album, Gjenskinn, another wide-ranging collection of innovative and experimental music.

The ?kland quintet includes saxophonist

Rolf-Erik Nystrøm

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Rolf-Erik Nystr?m,

Sigbjorn Apeland

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Sigbjorn Apeland on harmonium, percussionist

Håkon Stene

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">H?kon Stene on percussion, and bassist

Mats Eilertsen

bass
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Mats Eilertsen. Eilertsen and Apeland may be familiar to regular ECM label listeners. The roster is unchanged from the two previous releases, Kj?lvatn (ECM, 2015) and Lysning (Hubro, 2017).

The album features musical inspirations and melodies from the band's touring dates. "Kairo" is the most fascinating piece on Gjenskinn. Master Egyptian flutist Ahmed El Arnab taught the piece to ?kland when the group performed in the Egyptian capital. Its Middle Eastern flavor is powerful. "Framover" exemplifies ?kland's talent for seamless amalgamation. There is a trance sequence and more Middle Eastern suggestions, but then the band walks the piece to a Celtic reel before moving on to jazz. "Tilley Plump" is derived from a traditional Norwegian fiddle tune, and the band cinematically shifts the piece from barn dance to a psychedelic experience and back. Standing in contrast to ?kland's other nine compositions on Gjenskinn is "Kraft," knotty and abrasive in places but still at home in this collection.

Though deeply influenced by Norwegian folk music, ?kland continues to primarily perform his own works, which draw from a diverse range of styles and genres. His band performs impressively, whether executing with precision or free improvisation, as they convey an array of feelings in subtle distinctions. Gjenskinn, is full of dazzlingly conceived ideas that ?kland holds together with his distinctive composing and playing.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Minimalvals; Framover; Svevn; Kairo; Lys; Morgenvist; Kraft; Gjenskinn; Tilley Plump; Silhuett.

Personnel

Nils Okland

violin

Rolf-Erik Nystr?m

saxophone

Sigbjorn Apeland

keyboards

H?kon Stene

percussion

Mats Eilertsen

bass

Additional Instrumentation

H?kon M?rch Stene: vibraphone and electronics.

Album information

Title: Gjenskinn | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Hubro

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