Hanna Paulsberg Concept - Eastern Smiles (2016) FLAC

Hanna Paulsberg Concept is the first new band to appear on the legendary and recently revived Norwegian jazz label ODIN. From 1981 to 1993 ODIN was one of the most active and influential labels for Norwegian jazz, with a catalogue featuring many of the best releases in Norwegian jazz history. The most well known of these is probably Radka Toneff’s “Fairytales” from 1982.

Saxophonist and composer Hanna Paulsberg has, in an impressively short period of time, made a name for herself both in Norway and abroad as one of the great stylists of the newer generation of jazz musicians. She has gathered a group of four powerful musical voices of her own generation to join her. On their third album, clearly the band’s best so far, we encounter an inspired and playful band on their path forward.

Balancing a love of tradition with a desire for innovation is a demanding task. It is impressive when a group of young musicians master this art so skilfully from the very beginning. It is obvious that it is “here and now” that counts, and Paulsberg and the band present the music with overwhelming energy, great authority, charm and personality.

Since the band’s inception in 2010, Hanna Paulsberg Concept have released two critically applauded records: “Waltz for Lilli” and “Song for Josia”. They have toured extensively and have given nearly 100 concerts in Norway and abroad, including performances in Estonia, Finland, England and Germany as well as at major festivals such as the Stockholm Jazz Festival, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and Festival Jazzkaar.

“Eastern Smiles” was recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound in Halden, which is famous for its outstanding recording studio, superb acoustics and large collection of new, old and venerable equipment. This proved to be the ideal setting for the quartet’s new recording. The album was mixed by Morgan Nicolaysen at Propeller Studio in Oslo.

Playfulness, openness, vibrant original compositions and an intense interplay remain at the core of “Eastern Smiles”, but the band is even more on the offensive this time. They aim high and do so successfully, and take greater chances in driving the music to new heights. Hanna Paulsberg is behind the six powerful new compositions offered to listeners this time, and she also produced the album.

Hanna Paulsberg – saxophone/compositions
Oscar Grönberg - piano
Trygve Waldemar Fiske - bass
Hans Hulbækmo - drums