TRICK039
ESPEN JØRGENSEN On the great alkali plains
Classical/Acoustic
Released August 2006
ESPEN JØRGENSEN On the great alkali plains
Classical/Acoustic
Released August 2006
Release info/Press release
Espen Jørgensen is an acoustic guitarist and composer. Wait; that is too modest. Espen Jørgensen is a virtuoso.
He started out playing drums at the age of nine, making the switch to electric guitar at fifteen, and beginning a professional career five years later. In 1995 he won a Norwegian Grammy with his rock band Green Cortinas, and a # 2 spot hit single on the national radio charts. He did not like the razzle-dazzle of the music business and walked out of the band two years later. He joined songwriter Unni Wilhelmsen for a four-year stint, whilst immersing himself in the music of John Adams, John Cage, Hieronimus Kapsberger, Arvo Pärt, Robin Schulkowsky, Brian Eno as well as the Canadian Daniel Lanois. In 1999 the two made it to New Orleans to cut an album with long-time Lanois collaborator Malcolm Burn. A crossroad to Espen, who at this point decided to leave the rock behind and walk into the desert.
"On the Great Alkali Plains" is the result of the seven years since. The pieces were there, but not the master. It has been a long road. On his own.
This is Espen Jørgensen's music.
Recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio Oslo, with five fine mics and straight to analogue tape. One man and his instrument, no overdubs, no appendage, except the distinguished guest, percussionist Terje Isungset [ECM], famous for crafting his own instruments out of Norwegian nature: Arctic birch, granite, slate, sheep bells and even ice.
Forget folk and let new age be. The Church City Mission has already ordered 300 copies to be handed over to Oslo's many street junkies, along wih clean needles and a hot cup of coffee. A little comfort in times of distress.
Espen Jørgensen is an acoustic guitarist and composer. Wait; that is too modest. Espen Jørgensen is a virtuoso.
He started out playing drums at the age of nine, making the switch to electric guitar at fifteen, and beginning a professional career five years later. In 1995 he won a Norwegian Grammy with his rock band Green Cortinas, and a # 2 spot hit single on the national radio charts. He did not like the razzle-dazzle of the music business and walked out of the band two years later. He joined songwriter Unni Wilhelmsen for a four-year stint, whilst immersing himself in the music of John Adams, John Cage, Hieronimus Kapsberger, Arvo Pärt, Robin Schulkowsky, Brian Eno as well as the Canadian Daniel Lanois. In 1999 the two made it to New Orleans to cut an album with long-time Lanois collaborator Malcolm Burn. A crossroad to Espen, who at this point decided to leave the rock behind and walk into the desert.
"On the Great Alkali Plains" is the result of the seven years since. The pieces were there, but not the master. It has been a long road. On his own.
This is Espen Jørgensen's music.
Recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio Oslo, with five fine mics and straight to analogue tape. One man and his instrument, no overdubs, no appendage, except the distinguished guest, percussionist Terje Isungset [ECM], famous for crafting his own instruments out of Norwegian nature: Arctic birch, granite, slate, sheep bells and even ice.
Forget folk and let new age be. The Church City Mission has already ordered 300 copies to be handed over to Oslo's many street junkies, along wih clean needles and a hot cup of coffee. A little comfort in times of distress.
Reviews
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Musique Machine October 2006
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It Is A Trap January 2007
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Sea Of Tranquility February 2007
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Textura April 2007
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Heathen Harvest April 2007