Norwegian bassist and composer Eivind Opsvik merges an interest in early fusion with a characteristically Nordic sensibility. The music on Overseas is atmospheric, full of shifting, dark pastel textures. The rhythms underpinning the sounds always seem to be on the verge of finding a groove, yet remain fluid, almost to the point of formlessness. On "Punchball," for example, seemingly random sounds emerge from a void, peeps and pucks and blips looking for a context. Yet, Opsvik keeps it rooted with a four-note funk phrase every few bars. The sound grows fuller, though not focused until an insistent groove emerges in the closing minutes. The early fusion connection comes through most strongly on "Ivandovich," a trio of acoustic bass, Jesse Davis' drums, and Wells Hanley's Fender Rhodes electric piano. The piece could be an outtake from Miles Davis' In a Silent Way. Opsvik does mix in some characteristically European pop-folk sounds, notably on "Redford" and "Italian Movie Theme." Tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby delivers some urgent, passionate tenor on the latter and on "Prelude." Also contributing strong solo voices are Hanley, with some floating, evasive acoustic piano on "Overseas," and Craig Taborn, who colors several tracks with swirling Hammond organ lines. Opsvik's own bass has an aching sound, with his lines plumbing the depths to find almost folk-song-like melodies. ~ David Dupont, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Foxtrot
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Redford
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Punchball
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Ivandovich
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Italian Movie Theme
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Twelve Days
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Quickstep
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Earthly
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Hertzian Waves
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Indian Summer
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Prelude
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Overseas
Eivind Opsvik
Eivind Opsvik
Credits
Tony Malaby (Sax (Tenor)), Craig Taborn (Organ (Hammond)), Gerald Cleaver (Drums), Loren Stillman (Sax (Alto)), Jeff Davies (Drums), Jacob Sacks (Piano), Jason Rigby (Clarinet (Bass)), Jason Rigby (Sax (Soprano)), Dan Weiss (Percussion), Wells Hanley (Fender Rhodes), Eivind Opsvik (Bass)
