"Come Closer," the second album from Mathilde Grooss Viddal and Friensemblet, is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, recorded live at Belleville in 2007 and released in 2010. This 40-minute exploration features nine tracks that showcase the ensemble's penchant for free improvisation and unrestrained expression. Mathilde Grooss Viddal, a versatile musician, contributes on bass clarinet, clarinet, and soprano saxophone, leading the band with a distinctive and frilynt (free-spirited) approach.
The album opens with "Free Little Song," setting the tone for the improvisational journey that follows. Tracks like "Spectre" and "Zauberlicht II" highlight the band's ability to create atmospheric and introspective soundscapes, while "String Room" and "The Last Note" offer moments of delicate interplay and subtle dynamics. "Come Closer: Meet the Children..." and "Måkebiler" showcase the ensemble's collective improvisational skills, with each member contributing to the evolving musical narrative. The album concludes with "Afterthought," a reflective piece that ties the journey together.
Recorded and mixed by the renowned Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio, "Come Closer" benefits from a rich and immersive sound that brings the live performance to life. Fans of free jazz and improvisational music will find much to appreciate in this album, which stands as a testament to the creative vision of Mathilde Grooss Viddal and the talented musicians of Friensemblet. The album is released under the Giraffa label, known for its commitment to innovative and boundary-pushing music."
