MP3: Kornstad - Oslo
I'd like to think that all of my regular readers have investigated Håkon Kornstad by now considering how often I talk him up, but just in case, here's yet another chance. "Oslo" is what I'd guess you call the single off his new solo album "Dwell time" (out now on Jazzland Records), that is, if jazz albums had singles anymore. Thematically, it's very much in line with his acclaimed Ingebrigt Håker Flaten collaboration "Elise": organic and spiritual, calm and focused. Unlike his previous (also excellent) solo outing "Single engine", the material here is purely performed solo, though helped along with loop pedals and such. On this piece Håkon effortlessly layers phrases on top of one another in a way that never calls too much attention to itself; it ebbs and flows naturally rather than with a clever wink. He also wisely holds back, maintaining a consistent mood throughout even at the peak and through to the end when he lets it taper off into silence. Also, no matter how many times I hear it, this is a piece that always seems to end far too soon despite its near five-minutes runtime. Easy to listen to, easy to enjoy. Hope you'll agree.
Kornstad - Oslo