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Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: Skarkali

By Budd Kopman
October 26, 2016
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Prediction: pianist/composer

Ingi Bjarni Skúlason

piano
b.1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Ingi Bjarni Skúlason and his music will eventually end up on ECM. This is not because he is from Iceland, but rather that he, even at his young age, has a fully developed, recognizable style.

Skarkali, which literally means "loud noises," is a piano trio recording that is anything but noise, and is delicately intense (or intensely delicate) rather than loud. Supported by bassist Valdimar Olgeirsson and drummer ?skar Kjartansson, Skúlason's compositions unfold as dramatic stories, mixing the feel and harmonies of Icelandic folk music with that of jazz improvisation and modern driving rhythms.

The result is completely unpredictable not only from track to track, but also within each track. The arrangements show that Skúlason knows what he is doing as he builds architectural structures that rise up, grow and expand only to shift and dart in a different direction when least expected. This music is paradoxically enigmatic while being direct, intimate while feeling wide open and superficially beautiful while exploring harsh landscapes.

His playing is clear and crisp, with each note given deep meaning.

Bobo Stenson

piano
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobo Stenson comes naturally to mind in the space given each note. This deep, clear sound is echoed by the harmonies chosen, which sound simple, but are full of ambiguity. Although his music is highly emotional, it is constrained by a deep intelligence which produces a wonderful sense of playful control. Olgeirsson and Kjartansson enhance, support and develop the inherent tension in Skúlason's compositions in that the bass is melodic and grand as it underpins the piano's left hand, while the drums are full of energy and high spirits, always driving the music forward.

The extremely focused, direct and dry sound of the record is perfect for this music in that the clarity allows the music to speak for itself.

Skúlason is already a masterful musician, and Skarkali is a remarkable document of what is going to be a career to watch closely.

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Track Listing

Virkar ("It works"); Fals ekki vals ("False not waltz" - dedicated to people who don't dance waltz); ? hálum ís ("On slippery ice"); Erfi?leikum g?ddur ("To have troubles"); Hollands Spoor (a train station in the Netherlands); Hug minn allan ("With all my mind"); ? innsta hring ("In the innest circle"); Smásagnasafn á repeat ("Short story collection on repeat"); Heyra meira ("Hear more").

Personnel

Ingi Bjarni Skúlason

piano

Ingi Bjarni Skúlason: piano; Valdimar Olgeirsson: bass; ?skar Kjartansson: drums.

Album information

Title: Skarkali | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced

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