Sverre Gjørvad - Voi River (2019) [Hi-Res]

«Voi River» is a saying, an expression of amusement, amazement or even excitement. «Voi River» might also be an expression of exhaustion.
The expression is used primarily in Tana, a small town in the northernmost reaches of Norway. The town takes its name from a river, one of the greatest North Atlantic salmon rivers in the world, which runs through it. My wife is from Tana. Our little family lives in Hammerfest, another small town in the high north.
I like to think that the music on this album resembles a river. The music floats, with playful currents appearing now and then. Occasional waterfalls, bright and shady colours, depending on both weather and topography. Melodies and arrangements giving room for imagination and even contemplation. The dry sound, I hope, makes the music clear and transparent, giving attention to trickling details.

Sverre Gjørvad, August 2019

Stylistically, most of the music on Voi River reflects the fact that Sverre has lived in Hammerfest, a small town in the high north of Norway, for more than a decade.

It is tempting to describe the music as minimalistic, but it is perhaps more correct to call it transparent, or “not saturated”. The titles of the compositions give room to the listener’s imagination, and the music is characterized by melodic lines and riffs, dressed suitably with harmony and colour.

Besides the original compositions, the album also include George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun” and “Langt igjen”, the latter honouring the legacy of Gjørvad’s friend, the late Geggen Mauno.

Sverre Gjørvad (born 26th of October 1966 in Stathelle, south in Norway) studied jazz at the University of Trondheim. Many years later, he did a Master Degree at the University of Tromsø.

He has played and recorded albums with such bands as “Storytellers” and “Dingobats”, as well as numerous other Norwegian musicians.

As a regional musician in Nord-Trøndelag, Gjørvad taught music and composed the work “Jazz Pathetique” for the SoddJazz festival in 1999.

In 2001, Gjørvad debuted as a solo artist on the album, “Denne lille pytten er et hav”. Ten years later, he released his second solo album “Patience For The Little Things”, recorded in Cape Town, South Africa, partly with South African musicians.

After some years in Oslo, Sverre Gjørvad moved to Hammerfest, Northern Norway in 2006, where he works as a freelance musician, as well as a producer for the Arctic Cultural Centre.

Kristian Olstad holds a Master Degree from the University of Tromsø. He teaches guitar at the Tromsø Cultural School, as well as playing and recording with bands like “Leagus” and musicians like Petter Carlsen, Anneli Drecker and Benjamin Mørk. He has a distinct and recognizable style, mixing tradition and innovation in a flawless manner.

Herborg Rundberg also holds a Master Degree from the University of Tromsø. It is hard to say what goes on musically in her mind, but what comes out is brilliant. It is not in the “jazz tradition”, but it is beautiful and it always feels right.

Herborg Rundberg also teaches music at the Tromsø Cultural School. Together with Kristian Olstad, she plays in “Leagus”.

In fact, bassist Dag Okstad also holds a Master Degree from the University of Tromsø, and he teaches music at Tromsø Cultural School as well. His great rhythm, beautiful sound and attention to harmonics, makes him a much sought after bass player in Northern Norway.

A long time ago, he played in the band “Kaniner til salgs” (Rabbits For Sale).

01. Sverre Gjørvad - Vi ser (2:57)
02. Sverre Gjørvad - Here Comes The Sun (5:17)
03. Sverre Gjørvad - The Year Of The Lemmings (that ruined everything) (8:32)
04. Sverre Gjørvad - Halvor (3:59)
05. Sverre Gjørvad - Do The Math! (3:11)
06. Sverre Gjørvad - Tinkle (3:32)
07. Sverre Gjørvad - Haèja With A Tablecloth (6:18)
08. Sverre Gjørvad - Langt igjen (5:53)