Michael Bloch Trio - Circular Changes (2017) [Hi-Res]

The trio had their album debut in 2015 with "First Light", which has received good reviews.

With "Circular Changes", the trio has now moved away from a traditional jazz approach to a more groove-based and melody-focused approach, creating a unique style of expression.

The title suggests that we sometimes move in circles during our lives, but we still make progress and change. We return to places we've been to before, but things have changed. This is reflected in the character of the music. Several of the melodies suggest a sense of retrospection and light melancholy, while at the same time, their innovative freshness confirms that we live in the present and have moved on. The music can be categorized as modern, melodic jazz, influenced by both classical and pop music. Many of the compositions appear to have simple harmonies, but underneath, there is a subtle complexity.

Michael Bloch received a lot of attention when he, at the age of 16, was already playing with well-known musicians. It was expected that he would make a great career as a jazz pianist, but instead, he started playing saxophone, deeply influenced by the music of John Coltrane. With two instruments to handle and a self-critical attitude, he stayed in the shadows for some years. During this time, he worked hard to develop a virtuoso technique and a unique style of playing, utilizing the qualities of both instruments to form his style. With this trio, he is now coming back to the limelight.

Frode Berg is currently working as a bass player at the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, but he is also a renowned jazz musician. He is especially known from his work with Helge Lien Trio and Adam Baldych.

Anders Thorén is a freelance musician and producer, with a diploma from LACM in Los Angeles. He has studied privately with Peter Erskine, Marcus Gilmore and Dave Weckl and is playing with several internationally renowned musicians, such as Lars Jansson, Seamus Blake, Anders Bergcrantz and Helge Lien.

Michael Bloch - piano, Frode Berg - bass, Anders Thorén - drums

Tracklist:
01. Michael Bloch Trio - Waking Up (5:33)
02. Michael Bloch Trio - Are We Alive? (2:13)
03. Michael Bloch Trio - Our Song (5:05)
04. Michael Bloch Trio - Past and Present (2:39)
05. Michael Bloch Trio - Superlative (6:46)
06. Michael Bloch Trio - I Hear a Rhapsody (5:25)
07. Michael Bloch Trio - Agape (4:42)
08. Michael Bloch Trio - Moving in Circles (6:06)
09. Michael Bloch Trio - Dystopia (4:13)
10. Michael Bloch Trio - Back Again (6:25)