Eivind Austad Trio – Northbound (Losen Records, 2019)
Eivind Austad Trio’s Northbound album, features Eivind Austad on piano, Magne Thormodsæter on bass, and Håkon Mjåset Johansen on drums. This is their second album, following Moving in 2016. Austad contributes several exquisite, faultless and articulate compositions, which are refined through collaborative efforts. Additionally, the album includes a reimagined rendition of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
Austad reflects on the homage to Bowie, stating his late appreciation for the artist’s musical depth. He maintains the essence of “Space Oddity” while infusing it with dissonant harmonization and a chromatic ending. Regarding his original compositions, Austad draws inspiration from various genres including film music, baroque, soul, and jazz. He emphasizes the importance of exploring each song’s mood during rehearsals, allowing the trio’s improvisational journey to dictate the direction.
Although Austad acknowledges influences like the Bill Evans Trio, there is also a shift towards a more European aesthetic in Northbound. Despite minimal rehearsal time due to conflicting schedules, the trio entered the studio with one song rehearsed and completed the album in three days.
Austad values the input of his bandmates, preferring a collaborative approach over predetermined arrangements. He emphasizes the importance of vitality and spontaneity in their performances, welcoming challenges and surprises as integral to their musical dialog.
Buy Northbound.