Erlend Albertsen Basspace - When Light (2025) [Hi-Res]

As a follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut 'Name of the Wind' from last year, the multi-instrumental ensemble Basspace is now releasing its second album, 'When Light'.

Releasing on May 16th, 'When Light' is a compilation of recordings from a chapel, a community house and a church during a tour on the east side of Oslo in October 2023, and the music is based around compositions by Erlend, ranging from jazz to modern chamber music to Norwegian folk.

'Into' reports from the jazz-campfire, where leftovers from previous excursionists whose traces are reminiscent to those of Walter Smith III, Chris Potter, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Wynton Marsalis are eagerly digested. As the meal is finished and the fire slowly dies, the rising smoke points to the next destination:

‘Cassini-Huygens’ refers to the satellite that left earth in 1997, travelling for seven years to reach its destination, Saturn. This mission gave stunning documentations of what it is like to be floating in space, not to mention of the planet Saturn itself and its moons, which conditions bear resemblance to our own habitat. Could there have been living beings on the moon Titan in the past? Did they leave the planet, or did they go extinct? Did they have language and digestion systems? What possible forms of life might we hope to find?

‘Shikhakhane’ is a balladic hymn to the South-African musician Linda Shikhakhane, who Erlend heard in Oslo in June 2023. Linda's sincerity and dedication are altogether inspiring, and the composition’s opening phrase is the echo of his spirit.

‘When Light’ traverses on a trail through a continuously transforming landscape and gives a glimpse of the multi-instrumental ensemble’s way of democratic navigation.

Reviews:
“From moment to moment, from tune to tune, the balance leaves you with the impression of something magnificent.” Christopher Monsen, Klassekampen

‘It is an entirely joyful experience. Erlend Albertsen Basspace come bursting out of the traps, fully formed and playing with a sophistication that makes it remarkable they are not better known outside Norway.’ Tom Bolton – The Quietus