Svein Gjermundrød - Kitten on the Funkies (2013)

Following a lifetime working as a professional trumpeter, I am proud to present my very fi rst album.

Dressed in my grey confi rmation suit at 16, I made my debut as a musician with the band Twilights in the Town Hall Theatre in my hometown, Kongsvinger. Two years later the band changed its name to Christopher Bean, a band that toured Norway playing R&B, soul, jazz, fusion and funk music throughout the 70’s. After graduating from music college in Arvika, Sweden, I moved to Oslo where I played in jazz clubs, theatres, recording studios and national radio and television (NRK).

Making KITTEN ON THE FUNKIES has been a very inspiring process that was realised thanks to an initiative from two of my co-musicians on the album, Hanna and Erik. We recorded the album in the renowned Ocean Sound Recordings, in spectacular surroundings outside Ålesund, Norway, May 2012.

The music refl ects some of what I have been doing over the last forty years. You’ll hear funky grooves and latin inspiration as well as poetic ballads and open ideas. One of the songs was composed back in 1974, while others evolved spontaneously in the studio.

The recording session was characterised by good vibes and communication. In “Mdaisaa” we stopped playing for a few seconds during the improvisation and started playing again at the exact same moment – without visual contact. Magical! Steinar composed Grinder, a song that demonstrates his remarkable ability to create amusing and interesting rhythmical pieces.

It has been immensely inspiring to play with these young and talented musicians. They have really helped to create a unifi ed and defi nite universe with gunpowder in it!

Svein Gjermundrød trumpet, fl ugelhorn
Hanna Gjermundrød vocal, sampling, percussion
Steinar S. Nickelsen hammond B3, synthesizers,
wurlitzer
Erik Nylander drums, percussion

1.01 - Svein Gjermundrød - Grinder (4:40)
1.02 - Svein Gjermundrød - Double Spring Blues (3:15)
1.03 - Svein Gjermundrød - Mdaisaa (3:11)
1.04 - Svein Gjermundrød - Mindful (4:04)
1.05 - Svein Gjermundrød - Full Fight (3:37)
1.06 - Svein Gjermundrød - Aroec (5:08)
1.07 - Svein Gjermundrød - Kitten on the Funkies (3:14)
1.08 - Svein Gjermundrød - Idun (3:36)
1.09 - Svein Gjermundrød - Traktor Med Tilhenger (4:33)
1.10 - Svein Gjermundrød - Traktor Med Trommer (4:30)
1.11 - Svein Gjermundrød - Fuzzy Bear (4:09)