Christian Wallumrod Ensemble
A Year From Easter
ECM

Pianist Christian Wallumrod has assembled an unorthodox quartet to create a pastiche of dreamy, reflective and moody works. While not easily definable, this music veers in and out of jazz, folk and liturgical music to evoke visceral images with the eclectic mix of instruments and melodies.

Using Nils Okland's violin with Arve Henriksen's muted and breathy trumpet as a "front line", the band creates haunting and eerie effects o such pieces as "Lichtblick" and the dirge like "Eliasong." Accompanying these pieces is Johansen's percussion, either adding to the somber mood with tom toms, or scratching out mysterious effects on cymbals. In contrast are the pieces which have Wallumred in the forefront. Most of these songs are quite reminiscent of Eric Satie; accessible, slightly idiosyncric and imply more than they reveal. Throughout this creative disc, Henriksen's yearning trumpet and Okland's moorings create a hymnlike effect throughout the hour of listening. This is not a collection of songs, as much a completion of a mood. Thought-provoking and reflective music for a foggy day.


-George W. Harris