Today, jazz is an international language – or an interplanetary one according to Sun Ra – and, Scandinavian jazz has long been defined by its own cultural history. Naturally, like any deep rooted scene, it has its cliches, one being Nordic jazz is overflowing with cool toned, introspective artists. Not so for Liv Andrea Hauge. Hailing from Olso, Hauge writes for a variety of ensembles across differing genres, as well as her own trio and septet.
Hva nå, Ekko? (“What now, Ekko?”) follows the titular Ekko as she explores her disillusionment resulting from a relationship with Narcissus. It’s the ideal narrative for this large ensemble to explore their free thinking impulses whilst they coalesce around Hauge’s piano and vocals.
The mood moves from sombre New Orleans funeral march through to synth inflected funk, stopping off for some wonderfully unorthodox balladry. Throughout, Hauge’s beguiling voice provides a poetic serenity and stark juxtaposition to the improvised instrumentation.
A visionary project from an artist to watch.
