"Towards Language," the ninth solo album by Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen, is a mesmerizing journey into the realms of ambient, avant-garde jazz, and electronic fusion. Released on May 5, 2017, under the Rune Grammofon label, this 38-minute masterpiece is a testament to Henriksen's unique ability to blend genres and create atmospheric soundscapes that captivate the listener.
Henriksen is joined by his long-time collaborators, Eivind Aarset on guitar, and Jan Bang and Erik Honoré on electronics. Together, they craft a sonic landscape that is both intimate and expansive, with Henriksen's trumpet weaving through the electronic textures and subtle effects. The album begins with a slumbrous murmur of bass and an unfurling trumpet theme, setting a mesmeric register that never wavers throughout the nine tracks.
"Towards Language" is a nu jazz album that showcases Henriksen's signature style of combining horn, voice, and electronic manipulation. Tracks like "Vivification" highlight his ability to create deeply personal and revealing moments, while the collaborative efforts of the quartet result in a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
This album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary jazz, electronic music, and avant-garde compositions. Henriksen's collaboration with Bang, Aarset, and Honoré has resulted in a work that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the traditions of jazz and electronic music. "Towards Language" is a testament to the enduring creativity and artistry of Arve Henriksen and his collaborators.
This LP was released in 2017.
