Arild Andersen, Frode Alnæs og Stian Carstensen - Vårslapp

Many years have passed since the trio Frode Alnæs, Stian Carstensen and Arild Andersen last released a record together. At regular intervals they have released the seasonal albums “Sommerbrisen” (Summer Breeze) (1998), “Julegløggen” (Christmas Brew) (2003) and “Høstsløv” (Autumn Weary) (2006). Is languidness of spring the reason why we have been left waiting for this album? We can only wonder, but the fact that they actually called this year’s release “Vårslapp” (Languid Spring) may suggest something along those lines...

With “Vårslapp” the trio has completed their project covering the four seasons that they started 25 years ago. The new release offers in turn playful, powerful, potent and lightly laidback improvisations of such familiar spring songs as “Vårsøg” (Longing for Spring), “April Love”, “Kom mai du skjønne milde” (“Komm Lieber Mai und mache“ by Mozart) and Grieg’s “Våren” (The Spring).

Arild Andersen (double bass), Frode Alnæs (guitar) and Stian Carstensen (accordion) each have their highly versatile careers in the music world. Arild Andersen, bass player and composer, is a legend in Norwegian and international jazz, with innumerable releases and published works and many varied band constellations behind him. Frode Alnæs, composer, guitarist and singer in pop, rock and jazz, has been part of the popular band “Dance With a Stranger”, and also has a thriving solo career. Stian Carstensen is a composer and performer who defies categorization, a virtuoso accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, including steel guitar, which he also plays here and there on the new release.

Mixing a brew with such diverse ingredients gives an exhilarating taste. As with the three preceding albums in the series, we are pleased to report that the innovation has a wonderful flavour. Filled with sweetness and small dashes of salt and bitterness, the end product is quite simply sparkling.

On the “Vårslapp” album the three musicians have playfully made the arrangements together during some inspiring days in February at Rainbow studio with Martin Abrahamsen recording and mixing and with Erik Hillestad as the producer.

FXCD 496 “Vårslapp”

Frode Alnæs, Arild Andersen and Stian Carstensen

KKV  2023