Rymden: “Valleys & Mountains” (Jazz, Norway / Sweden)

On October 3, Scandinavian jazz will wash over Paliesius Manor—do not miss the opportunity to hear Rymden and the mesmerizing music of their new album, “Valleys and Mountains”!

After journeys into deep space—with the highly acclaimed studio albums “Reflections and Odysseys,” “Space Sailors,” and the powerful live album “RYMDEN+KORK”—Rymden returns to Earth with a new album, “Valleys and Mountains”. Of course, as one might expect from the trio of Bugge Wesseltoft, Magnus Öström, and Dan Berglund, their music cannot quite be called earthly—inner space, dreams, and visions invite us to explore new dimensions, embarking on pastoral journeys and hikes. Instruments and techniques vary once again, and there is more than one style at play—yet all of this is unmistakably the music of Rymden.

There is a palpable sense of both nostalgia and hope for the future, a feeling of discovery replacing that of loss. It is an understanding of nature and our place within it, the role of nature in our lives, and the realization that our lives are part of something greater than ourselves.

The tributes to the natural world in their music possess a sense of childlike, joyful enthusiasm and freedom, unconstrained by our materialistic, digital world and the endless stream of unnecessary (dis)information. “The Hike” (Wesseltoft) conveys the varied moods evoked by excursions into nature—moments of revelation and wonder, exhaustion and recovery; it features John Scofield on guitar, wandering intentionally wherever the path may lead. “A Walk in The Woods” and “The Mountain” (both by Öström) share a brisk lightness reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi. This music does not seek to imitate the grandeur of nature, but rather expresses a sincere and humble admiration for it. “Ro” (Wesseltoft) is a meditative ballad, swaying gently, sparingly adorned, and full of the tranquility that its title implies.

The journeys into the inner world are marked by much quieter compositions—mostly (and quite intentionally) more abstract. “Song From The Valley” (a joint composition by the trio) creates a new musical topography of atmospheric and textural elements, abstract yet familiar, meditative, dramatic, and peaceful. “Milam Bardo” (also a joint composition) leads into a melodic dreamscape grounded by a steady staccato double bass line. “Himmel” (a composition by Berglund) is a contemplative, slightly melancholic piece driven by Berglund’s double bass, with each member of the trio playing very softly until the work finally reaches an evocative, atmospheric culmination that slowly dissolves into silence.

How did Rymden come to be? Award-winning Norwegian pianist Bugge Wesseltoft had long desired to play in a piano trio. A strong advocate for “European jazz as an independent art form” (to quote Wesseltoft), he sought to create music that resonated with his own feelings and approach to musical expression. He thus invited two friends, Magnus Öström and Dan Berglund—two pioneering figures in the European jazz scene.

With their groups e.s.t. (Esbjorn Svensson Trio) and Wesseltoft’s New Conception Of Jazz, these three like-minded artists wrote parallel histories of music dating back to the mid-nineties. The music of both internationally touring groups stood out with a fresh, new sound, full of an openness to experimentation and bold, innovative thinking. This gave birth to an international musical movement that became a source of inspiration for future generations.

Through his artist platform and record label Jazzland, Wesseltoft became a pioneer and remains to this day a vital driving force behind the modernization of Scandinavian jazz.

The group e.s.t. was the first band to perform in rock and jazz clubs as well as in classical music concert halls and on the largest music festival stages around the world.

The music of the new trio, Rymden, is founded on three elements: melancholic and atmospheric songwriting, dramatic rhythms, and virtuoso jazz performed at the highest level.

In the sound of this new trio, the influences of modern jazz, Bach, cinematic scores, and even rock music are clearly heard. All of this weaves together into a mature, natural, and immersive concert experience.