El Aaiun - Across the Border - Mathilde Grooss Viddal

Album Description

Mathilde Grooss Viddal's captivating album, El Aaiun - Across the Border, is a masterful blend of improvisational jazz, showcasing the artist's innovative spirit and creative flair. Released on 31 October 2014 via Giraffa Records, this five-track masterpiece features the talented Friensemblet, with contributions from esteemed musicians such as Gunnar Halle and Per Willy Aaserud.

The album's tracklist, comprising Night Song, Morning Song, Diagnossisten, Kali & Vossavatn, and the titular El Aaiun - Across the Border, takes listeners on a sonic journey through a diverse range of emotions and textures. With its unique soundscapes and intricate instrumentation, El Aaiun - Across the Border is an aural treat that will resonate with fans of contemporary jazz.

Recorded by Yngve Høyland at Vossajazz in Oslo, the album's production quality is exceptional, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the nuances of Mathilde Grooss Viddal's compositions. As a testament to the artist's skill and the ensemble's chemistry, El Aaiun - Across the Border has become an institution in Norwegian contemporary jazz, with critics praising its beauty and depth.

With a duration of 54 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a rich and immersive experience for those who appreciate the art of improvisational jazz. Mathilde Grooss Viddal's El Aaiun - Across the Border is a must-listen for anyone seeking to discover new and exciting sounds in the world of jazz.

November 8, 2014

(P) 2014 Giraffa

About Mathilde Grooss Viddal

Mathilde Grooss Viddal is a captivating Norwegian musician and composer, renowned for her mastery of the saxophone and clarinet. Born in Oslo in 1969, Viddal's musical journey is as diverse as it is impressive, with a background that includes studies in musicology, composition, and even television and radio program engineering. As the leader of Friensemblet and a member of bands like Lucky Loop and Eick/Viddal Duo, she has carved out a unique space in the music world, blending elements of folk, jazz, and soul to create a sound that is distinctly her own. Her compositions, such as the evocative "Tri vendur blés ho i den høgaste sky," often explore themes of dreams, longing, and conflict, inviting listeners into a richly textured sonic landscape. Viddal's work is not just about music; it's about creating an experience, a journey that resonates deeply with those who engage with her art. Beyond her performing career, Viddal is also the founder of Giraffa Records, a label dedicated to releasing high-quality music with a personal touch. With her innovative approach and profound musicality, Mathilde Grooss Viddal continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.