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Nils Okland Band: Kj?lvatn

By David Bruggink
July 2, 2020
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A seasoned solo performer, sideman and leader,

Nils Økland

violin

" data-original-title="" title="">Nils ?kland is a frequent ECM Records contributor capable of playing expressively across multiple styles. His hardanger fiddle and violin can range from poised and elegant—see Lys?en -Hommage �� Ole Bull (2011), his collaboration with pianist

Sigbjorn Apeland

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Sigbjorn Apeland—to raucous, as on the Dirty Three-esque Lumen Drones (2014).

For Kj?lvatn, he assembles a quintet capable of evocative textures as well as hushed austerity. ECM mainstay

Mats Eilertsen

bass
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Mats Eilertsen plays double bass; Sigbj?rn Apeland is on harmonium rather than piano for this outing; and

Håkon Stene

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">H?kon Stene contributes distinctively resonant percussion. Rolf-Erik Nystr?m takes an unconventional approach to timbre with his alto and baritone saxophones. His presence might lead to expectations of a more conventional jazz ensemble, but he rarely takes the lead, instead contributing well-timed squeals, grainy pulsations or subtle background colors.

"Start" reflects the enthralling, if precarious, sea journey suggested by the album cover. Nystr?m's percussive breaths do little to imply a saxophone as their source, bringing to mind waves buffeting a ship's hull. ?kland's fiddle initially seems optimistic, circling a concise folk melody, but adopts a menacing quality as Stene's drumming grows more urgent. Though Kj?lvatn was recorded in a medieval church, one could just as easily accept that it was captured on the lower deck of a historic schooner.

Nautical associations aside, the album's interspersing of invigorating and placid compositions keeps the listener engaged. For example, the creeping dread of "Drev" is followed by the hopeful balm of the title track. "Puls," the album's eight-minute centerpiece, finds the quintet pared down to one or two performers for prolonged stretches, but still manages to create a compelling atmosphere throughout its duration.

Kj?lvatn may not be a stereotypical ECM release—it is difficult to think of it as traditional jazz—but it is an excellent reminder of the label's dedication to blurring the lines between jazz and other genres. Though its performances feel thrillingly uninhibited, it is still highly accessible and even arrestingly beautiful at times ("Amstel"). ?kland's quintet has created a spirited journey well worth taking.

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Track Listing

Mali; Undergrunn; Drev; Kj?lvatn; Puls; Fivreld; Start; Skugge; Bl? harding; Amstel.

Personnel

Nils Okland

violin

Additional Instrumentation

Nils ?kland: viola d��amore, hardanger fiddle, violin; Rolf�CErik Nylstr?m: saxophone; Sigbj?rn Apeland: harmonium; H?kon M?rch Stene: percussion, vibraphone; Mats Eilertsen: double bass.

Album information

Title: Kj?lvatn | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: ECM Records

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