Hayden Powell - Roots and Stems (2013) [Hi-Res]

Two years after the success of his debut album The Attic, trumpeter Hayden Powell is ready to release its sequel, Roots and Stems. The album is an intimate encounter with a captivating trio, putting pianist Eyolf Dale and bassist Jo Skaansar alongside Powell. Recorded in Rainbow Studio by Jan Erik Kongshaug and featuring excellent artwork by Jens Carelius, this album is worth looking out for.

Roots and Stems consists of ten songs that might be described as melodic, acoustic chamber jazz. Most are initially composed by Powell and then further developed by the band through numerous concert performances. Having worked with a number of guests on the previous album, Powell is now stripping away everything but the trio, giving each musician more space and responsibility. The result is a transparent, open sound with a wide dynamic range and original arrangements.

The band wasted no time and recorded the entire album in just one day. To ensure the very best sound, this was done at Jan Erik Kongshaug’s legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, Norway. Towards the end of the session, friends and colleagues were invited to an intimate in-studio concert. The resulting special energy led to the band using almost exclusively these recordings on the album.

The trio is now looking forward to its release concert at the Norwegian National Jazz Scene Victoria on 30th October. This is the largest and most important stage for jazz in Norway, and the group’s last album release two years ago filled the hall to the brim with 450 spectators. The album will be the first to be released on Powell’s new label, Periscope, and is distributed through Musikkoperatørene. The cover was designed by musician/designer Jens Carelius and reflects the balance between freedom and control found in the music.

"Throughout Roots and Stems, there's the sense that this is an album that couldn't have been made anywhere but Norway, and yet bears redolence of at least some aspects of an American tradition long gone global. With little muss or fuss, Powell and his band mates have fashioned an album whose touchstones may be broad, but whose underlying adherence to traditional precepts make Roots and Stems an album with undeniably broad appeal."

Hayden Powell, trumpet
Eyolf Dale, piano
Jo Skaansar, double bass

Tracklist:
01. Hayden Powell - Roots and Stems
02. Hayden Powell - Bassclarinetteblues
03. Hayden Powell - Skysailing
04. Hayden Powell - Maysong
05. Hayden Powell - Self-Calibration #3
06. Hayden Powell - Intro
07. Hayden Powell - Cuestions
08. Hayden Powell - Fougner
09. Hayden Powell - Folk
10. Hayden Powell - Quiet Exit