Lifelines

Album Description

"Lifelines," the fourth album by Norwegian jazz bassist and composer Arild Andersen, is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, recorded in July 1980 and released on ECM Records in March 1981. This 43-minute masterpiece features eight tracks that showcase Andersen's exceptional talent and his unique approach to the genre.

The album opens with "Cameron," a track that immediately draws the listener in with its intricate basslines and the swirling keys of Steve Dobrogosz. The ensemble, which includes the legendary Kenny Wheeler on trumpet and Paul Motian on drums, delivers a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. Each track on "Lifelines" offers a different facet of Andersen's musical vision, from the contemplative "Prelude" to the energetic "Landloper" and the poignant "Dear Kenny."

Recorded at Talent Studio in Oslo, "Lifelines" benefits from the crisp, clear production that ECM is known for, allowing every note and nuance to shine through. The album's genres are free jazz, and contemporary jazz, and it is a testament to Andersen's skill as a composer and performer. Whether you're a longtime fan of Arild Andersen or a newcomer to his music, "Lifelines" is an essential addition to any jazz collection. The album's intricate compositions and stellar performances make it a standout release in the ECM catalog.

March 1, 1981

℗ 1981 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Arild Andersen

Arild Andersen is a Norwegian jazz bassist and composer, renowned as one of Europe's leading figures in the genre. Born in Strømmen, Norway, in 1945, Andersen's career spans over five decades, marked by his distinctive warm tone and innovative approach to the double bass. He began his musical journey as a guitarist but transitioned to the bass, becoming a pivotal figure in the international jazz scene. Andersen's discography is extensive, with over fifty albums as a sideman and twelve as a leader on the prestigious ECM Records. He has collaborated with jazz legends such as Don Cherry, Jan Garbarek, Chick Corea, and Sonny Rollins, among many others. Known for his ability to blend traditional Norwegian folk music with improvised jazz, Andersen's work is a testament to his versatility and creativity. His ensembles, including the Arild Andersen Group, continue to captivate audiences with their dynamic performances and insightful compositions. Andersen's contributions to jazz have solidified his status as a true master of the double bass.