BRIDGES with Seamus Blake BRIDGES

• 1 Heart in Hand 02:52
• 2 Bridges 05:47
• 3 Song for Karla 04:27
• 4 Frozen 03:20
• 5 Tredje 05:07
• 6 Dear Old Stockholm 03:58
• 7 Extranjero 06:51
• 8 Step Song 03:26
• 9 Effervescence 03:55
• 10 Jali 04:14
• Total Runtime 43:57

Info for BRIDGES with Seamus Blake

BRIDGES is a Norwegian jazz project with a clear vision; a vision to create an expression that is unique by constructing new musical bridges between Norway and other parts of the world.

The idea is that the construction of these musical bridges will link different worlds of jazz together and bring the opportunity to explore differences, similarities, and ultimately lead to the creation of a new and unique musical expression.

This debut album features one of the worlds leading tenor saxophonists, New York based Seamus Blake. Winner of the illustrious Thelonious Monk Prize and considered by many as the saxophonist of his generation.

BRIDGES moves Seamus Blake from the strong intensity of New York into a nordic context; with a norwegian ensemble of high caliber. This opens up for a musical meeting of great depth.

Freedom meets structure as the ensemble explores intricate compositions as well as open landscapes of free improvisation. The music can be described as crisp, multi-layered and complex with a strong rhythmic presence and great soloist performances. The majority of the compositions are written by a large part of the ensemble to achieve musical diversity and to better represent the identity of the project.

BRIDGES with Seamus Blake was recorded, mixed and mastered by the highly acclaimed norwegian sound engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio earlier this year, and it will be released on AMP Music & Records November 4th, 2016.

"A new and important recording project led by drummer Ander Thorén. One of the more impressive albums I’ve heard in a long time, and highly recommended." (Peter Erskine)

"A thoroughly enjoyable listen which fulfils its remit with style" (Peter Bacon, JazzWise UK)

"Playing is of the highest order, a quite beautiful album feat. the excellent Seamus Blake" (Dave Jones, Jazz Journal UK)

"A real slow-burner of an album" (Tim Stenhouse, UKVibe UK)

"A very potent album, high-class "bridge-building" (Terje Mosnes, Jazznytt NO)

"A successful album, Seamus Blake brings his burning saxophone." (Per A. Rinses, DN NO)

Seamus Blake, saxophone
Hayden Powell, trumpet
Espen Berg, piano
Ole Morten Vågan, bass
Anders Thorén, drums

Seamus Blake
New York based saxophonist/composer Seamus Blake is recognized as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz. His music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations and “sheer swagger". John Scofield, who hired Seamus for his “Quiet Band,” called him “extraordinary, a total saxophonist.” Throughout his 24 year career, Seamus has garnered critical praise for his masterful playing, his fine compositional skills and for his facility as a leader.

Since moving to Paris in February 2018 Seamus has been invited to perform the music of his recent CD, "Superconductor" with a number of European Jazz Bands. Beginning with the Latvian Radio Jazz Band early in 2018, Seamus has performed with the Trondheim Big Band and The Sibis Alumni Big Band (Sibelius Institute , Helsinki),in September. He is scheduled to perform his music with The Tuesday Big Band (Amsterdam) on November 6/7, and The Subway Jazz Orchestra on November 14.

In 2017 Seamus assembled a new quartet, The French Connection. The band ( Seamus, Tony Tixier piano, Florent Nisse, bass, and Gautier Garrigue, drums) recorded their first CD in Paris in November, 2017 and have toured in France and Spain. The CD will be released on the Whirlwind label. Three promo videos will be available on Youtube in January. Seamus has a busy schedule in Europe in 2018. Check the Performance page for details.

Superconductor is Seamus’ most ambitious project to date and was released in December 2015. The talent includes Nate Smith, Matt Garrison, Scott Kinsey, a 7 piece orchestral ensemble as well as special guest appearances by John Scofield and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The album marks the debut of Seamus on EWI (electronic wind instrument). Seamus plays on the 2015 Grammy nominated Camino by pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Seamus Blake was born December 1970 in England and raised in Vancouver, Canada. At age 21, while still a student at Boston's prestigious Berklee College, he was asked to record with legendary drummer Victor Lewis. After graduation, he moved to New York, where he rapidly established himself on the New York jazz scene. In February 2002, Seamus took first place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in Washington D. C. As the winner, he performed with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.

As a leader/co-leader, Seamus has released 16 albums. He is featured as a sideman on over 70 CDs.

Seamus has played on six of of the Grammy nominated Mingus bands’ albums. He continues to play and record with Bill Stewart, Kevin Hays, David Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin. Seamus is frequently featured as a guest artist. In 2010 he was guest of honor at the International Saxophone Symposium in Washington hosted by the US Navy Band. Seamus was a member of John Scofield’s Quiet Band and toured and recorded with Dave Douglas. Some of the many other artists he has worked with include Eric Reed, Ethan Iverson, Chris Cheek, and Matt Penman.

This album contains no booklet.