New Release september 28th: Minimal, AMP Music&Records

Sondre Ferstad Ensemble is an eight piece band combining a classical string quartet and a jazz quartet, led by Sondre Ferstad; one of the few professional jazz harmonica players on the European music stage. The music on “Minimal” reflects Sondre’s influences from choral traditions from church music and Norwegian contemporary jazz music. After recording the album in September 2017, the project took an unexpected direction as Norwegian author Lars Saabye Christensen became involved. Poesiscena has commissioned him to write poems for the music on “Minimal”, which will be performed by him together with the band, at Poesiscena in collaboration with Høstscena Teaterfestival in Ålesund, September 2018. Christensen will also join the band on its release tour.

“Minimal” is the ensemble’s debut album - a solid statement from a young harmonica player who is bringing out a big and warm sound from his small instrument. The compositions unify calmness and friction by a sophisticated way of surrounding melodies with a strong harmonic signature. The music is presented by a highly competent ensemble, which has developed a strong inner connection that unifies the classical and jazz sections into one band. As they often play in quiet dynamics, the musicians create tension in the music, although the album also features more outgoing and energetic tunes such as “Pianomute” and “Danijelu”. 

Norwegian violinist, composer and producer Ola Kvernberg has produced the album, who has maxed out the potential of the music. “Minimal” is recorded in Sørgården Studio in Ler, Norway, September 2017, by Pål Brekkås. The album is mixed by Kyrre Laastad and mastered by Morten Stendahl.  

Sondre Ferstad (harmonica)
Vegard Lien Bjerkan (piano)
Morten Berger Stai (double bass)
Wilhelm Westerman (drums)
Stefan Penjin (violin)
Oliver Leonhard Bailey Dyb (violin)
Björn Guo (viola)
Astri Hoffmann-Tollaas (cello)

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