Close Erase - reinventing fusion
With their third release, Oslo-based trio Close Erase have managed to stun critics and audience alike. “Dance This” was met with ecstatic reviews in Norway, and now international media is picking up interest. The Wire, a publication regarded by many as virtually a modern music bible, praises Close Erases qualities in their September issue.
The trio comprises some of Norway’s most accomplished jazz performers: keyboardists Christian Wallumrød has received wide acclaim for his ECM solo-debut No Birch. Per Oddvar Johansen’s drumming is featured on countless cutting edge jazz releases while Ingebrigt Håker Flaten is one of Norway’s busiest bass players, performing with among others Bugge Wesseltoft, Atomic and Scorch Trio. Together they form a collective that’s as competent and energetic as any.
The Wire is held in high regard by many in the field of new jazz, electronica and contemporary sounds. Being subjected to such a positive review as the one written by The Wire’s John Cratchley is not an everyday occurrence for Norwegian jazz performers. Says Cratchley: “Their music juxtaposes a sense of exotic surrealism with an alienating ambience, while its impressive tonal fluctuations are invested with ideas of captivity and segregation. They have a capacity for absorbing influence and styles, and then reinterpreting them as high energy fusion.”
“Dance This” is released on Norwegian independent jazz label BP.
In celebration of Norwegian talent and the inaugural of the Fertiliser festival, the latest issue of Wire features a free compilation CD made up of Norwegian artists – naturally Close Erase is among the selected group of performers. The Fertiliser festival takes place in London October 9 – 13 and among such Norwegian talent as Jaga Jazzist, Wibutee, Xploding Plastix and Spunk we find Close Erase.
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