Detailed Reviews [Leagus - 2023 - "Flora Eallin"]

Prolusion. Norwegian duo Leagus can trace their roots back to 2013, when this project was formed by composer and musician Herborg Rundberg while she was studying in northern Norway town Tromso. Alongside fellow composer and musician Kristian Svalestad Olstad the twosome have three albums to their name at the time of writing. "Flora Eallin" is the most recent of these, and was released through Norwegian label Is It Jazz? records in the spring of 2023.

Analysis. It would appear that one of the aims for the label Is It Jazz? Records is to release the material of artists that in some manner or other challenges the borders and conception of what jazz is, either in a lesser or a greater manner. At least that is my conclusion after the first handful or so of the albums that this label have backed so far. This 12 piece creation, commissioned by The North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble who wanted material written for a 10 member jazz orchestra, is one that comes where some automatic associations will be to ask exactly the question that makes up the name of the label that has released the album. Is It Jazz? Yes, probably. For me the material here is really one that defies boundaries and categorizations more than anything else. The jazz music tradition is something of a staple throughout of course, and possibly to the point of being a defining feature too, but for many of the compositions here one would also get the comments from people that don't like jazz along the lines of "these are interesting landscapes indeed, it's just too bad about those jazzy bits here and there". One distinct feature in many of the compositions is the use of subtle sounds that at least sounds like they have been produced by some form of electronic instruments, used to create borderline defragmented patterns that adds a subtle chaotic tinge to the landscapes traversed here. Careful noise details is otherwise a recurring feature throughout, and while not present in all the compositions this does create a tension filled and subtly unnerving effect, and both of these aspects does demand a lot of attention from the listener. These are elements that by chance or design become something of an enthralling element for the intent listener, straining the mind and the ears to try to capture and understand what these sounds actually are. Many of the compositions revolve around a similar fragmented form of execution, with gliding and flowing sections and more broken up, expressive and chaotic passages alternating in ebb and flow cycles, often becoming gradually more defined towards the end. The piano, the rhythm section and the saxophones all have vital roles to play throughout, in both the flowing and more broken up parts, and the ebb and flow between the elegant and melodic on one hand and the expressive and challenging aspects on the other will be a captivating feature for many fans of jazz music in general and contemporary jazz music in particular. Other just about as important pieces of the puzzle here is the use of world music and folk music elements, both of which are vital ingredients to establish the mood and the atmosphere of most of the songs here. This may range from clear cut folk melodies used for both instrument and vocal melody lines to cases of an instrument playing a motif with a folk music melody and folk music flavored tones and timbres, but with notes and patterns making use of jazz traditions. The world music elements tend to be more subtle and careful, and when used adds the expected exotic sheen to the landscapes in question. That we also get an example of electronically treated vocals in a section with more of a hip-hop orientation also merits a quick mention here, as while an outlier on all levels for the album as a whole this is also an indication of just how inclusive the music here can be at times.

Conclusion. This is a high quality albums containing high quality compositions, performed in an excellent manner by skilled musicians, and every aspect of the material here has been given the proper amount of polish in the studio so that all details and nuances are retained for the pleasure of those who really like to savor all of the details present when listening to an album. The material as such is probably best defined inside of a contemporary jazz tradition, but for my sake I believe that describing this album as a good example of high quality, experimental and contemporary music that defies a specific categorization will be just as describing. But, of course, that jazz elements is a vital presence throughout. A solid album with many fine moments of brilliance for those who like their music to be adventurous, boundary-defying and who appreciate that jazz is used as a foundation in a venture of this kind.

Progmessor: April 2023
The Rating Room