Nils Økland — Glødetrådar

Nils Økland is a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player, and the brother of Torbjørn Økland of the Norwegian folk/rock band Vamp, who just so happens to play trumpet and mandolin on the album. The Hardanger fiddle is similar to a violin, although it has 8 or 9 strings, 4 of which are plucked or bowed whilst the others resonate under their influence, thus giving it its unique sound. 

Glødetrådar is Økland’s seventh solo album, he also has a number of collaborations under his belt with the likes of Lumen Drones, Linus and Sigbjørn Apeland, who also happens to appear on this album. Other musicians include saxophonist/composer Rolf-Erik Nystrom, guitarist Per Steinar Lie, Mats Eilertsen on double bass, Ørland Haaland on drums and Håkon Mørch Stene on percussion. 

Glødetrådar features eight songs mixing traditional music with jazz, opener "Blankt Vatn", is a relaxing affair with Økland’s Hardanger fiddle taking centre stage, while the other instruments add nothing more than is necessary to such a beautiful noise. "Rull", on the other hand allows for the other musicians to shine a little, as each musician gets a chance to show their skill and virtuosity through an ever-changing piece that echoes Scandinavia’s rich music heritage. "Linja", has a beautiful melancholy about it that I absolutely love. While Økland takes lead one can’t help but praise the understated way in which the other instruments create a base on which the hardanger fiddle is able to tell its story. The title track "Glødetrådar" is up next, jazzy drums and bass lay the foundation for a more uptempo and dare I say progressive sound. All the while electric guitar and saxophone wrestle with the fiddle for the upper hand in the virtuosity stakes. "Vals" takes a very different route, slow and mournful, while feelings of sorrow or sadness permeate every note. It’s a beautiful song but with a very downbeat feel to it. "Glør" is another beautiful melancholy slice of jazz/folk and a perfect partner to "Vals", the interplay between the musicians is perfect as the whole band continue to prove their skills. Every musician is chosen for what they bring to the whole picture and that is evident throughout the eight songs featured here. "Sjanti" adds massed vocal chants to the formula, with just a hint of traditional Indian music added to the equation before "Tråd" closes the album with its subtle folk-infused jazz bringing things to a perfect end.

Glødetrådar is a superb album, mixing folk, jazz and proggy elements to create a melancholy masterpiece. The musicianship is stunning, every player adds something quite unique to the album’s sound, yet they never show off, it always seems understated, and any flourishes are necessary in progressing the album’s story forward. The album comes beautifully packaged in a rather impressive gatefold digipak designed by Aslak Gurholt. 

Overall, the whole package is stunning, beautiful melancholy music wrapped up in a great cover. If you like your jazz so chilled it’s almost ambient, then this will blow your mind.