Different Rivers represents Norwegian saxophonist Trygve Seim's inaugural release for ECM, as the artist has performed and recorded with a legion of notable Euro-jazz musicians and forward-thinking modernists. Here, Seim garners steadfast and altogether sympathetic support from an aggregation of like-minded musicians, featuring trumpeter Arve Henriksen and accordionist Stian Carstensen, as the leader's 14-piece band melds prismatic horn and string-based arrangements with medium-tempo flows. On pieces such as the opener, "Sorrows," the ensemble renders solemn dirge-like melodies, although the soloists ultimately convey an alluringly beautiful sonic soundscape. Basically, Seim's debut is a relatively impressive one, while the band also integrates two-step waltz motifs, semi-austere classicism, and quaint melodies into its arsenal. However, there are a few superfluous interludes consisting of extended-note harmonies and minimalist-style themes that tend to plummet the often vibrant and, at times, lilting proceedings down to a snail's pace. - Glenn Astarita
Tracks
01. Sorrows
02. Ulrikas Dans
03. Intangible Waltz
04. Different Rivers
05. Bhavana
06. The Aftermath / African Sunrise
07. Search Silence
08. For Edward
09. Breathe
10. Between
HÂRVARD LUND bass clarinet, clarinet
TRYGVE SEIM tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
ARVE HENRIKSEN trumpet, vocals, trumpophono
HILD SOFIE TAFJORD french horn
DAVID GALD tuba
NILS JANSEN bass saxophone, sopranino saxophone
BERNT SIMEN LUND cello
PER ODDVAR JOHANSEN drums
ØYVIND BRAEKKE trombone
STIAN CARSTENSEN accordion
MORTEN HANNISDAL cello
PAAL NILSSEN-LOVE drums
SIDSEL ENDRESENvoice actor [recitation]
All music composed by Trygve Seim
Recorded 1998-1999 at Rainbow Studio, Oslo
ECM Records