MUSIC REVIEW: Norse Myths

The SNJO brings us Norse Myths – a collaboration between composers Florian Ross, Geoffrey Keezer and Bill Dobbins, and Norwegian jazz musician and composer Øyvind Brække – which pairs Norse mythology and contemporary jazz. Taking centre stage for this concert are European jazz masters Arild Andersen on bass, Patrice Heral (replacing Paolo Vinaccia) on drums and percussion, and SNJO director Tommy Smith on saxophone.

Each piece was composed around a Pagan God or Goddess. There are three pieces for Frigg, the sky Goddess of love, marriage and foresight, and the wife of Odin. There are also three pieces for Loki, widely known as an anti-hero and God of mischief, and three pieces for the father God Odin. My favourite was the captivating score for the hammer wielding God Thor.

It’s an interesting concept to write modern jazz music around these Gods, and I think it works. You can almost see and smell the landscapes of the North. The trio of highly experienced musicians at the centre of this performance really make it work, and the melodic piano adds softness. There are plentiful myths and stories from which the music takes its inspiration and it reflects at once folktale elements of the Nordic countries, and great soaring drama befitting the Gods.

With its varied elements this music is playful, sometimes intimate, yet at other times belting it out like rock anthems. There is perfect interaction between Patrice Heral on percussion and drums and Arild Andersen’s haunting notes on base. Surreal moments pepper what at times feels like a film score, and the skilled percussion goes from atmospheric to funny and back again. This jazz is wild and lyrical with a distinct Celtic and Nordic theme.