DUG012
Julian Haugland ft. Seamus Blake, Bjørn Vidar Solli & Jon Wikan
Julian Haugland
Artist: Julian Haugland ft. Seamus Blake, Bjørn Vidar Solli & Jon Wikan
Album title: Julian Haugland
Label: Dugnad rec
Catalog number: DUG012
Release: 23rd November 2018
Formats and pricing:
- CD from €6
Shipping:
- From Norway to Norway
- From Slovenia to EU and rest of the world
Press
With roots in the traditional American jazz tradition and a deep fascination for the harmonic language of both contemporary and classic pop, Julian Haugland’s music reaches for the blurred boundary where the two worlds meet—building a personal bridge between pop immediacy and jazz freedom.
The lineup features three world-class musicians: Bjørn Vidar Solli, Jon Wikan, and Seamus Blake. This album—Haugland’s debut as a leader—opens with a brief bass introduction, “Vorspiel,” before unfolding into a second-line–infused groove driven by Wikan on drums. Solli’s soulful guitar and Blake’s commanding tenor present the melody, and the tune carries a hint of John Scofield’s unmistakable spirit.
Next comes “Hipster Vibes”: a strange, shadowy riff paired with an equally off-kilter melody that, in a split second, pivots into a straight-ahead pop feel—an intriguing tightrope walk between two musical languages. “United” was written to highlight the power of standing together, moving between information-dense lines and melodies that feel instantly singable. The improvisational foundation could easily belong to a singer-songwriter tune, but it’s interpreted—especially by Blake—through a bebop-leaning jazz lens.
“Day One” is dedicated to the first day of change: the beginning of a journey, a relationship, or a new year—perhaps even the first day of a festival. “The Festival” captures that heightened intensity and the wide emotional spectrum that can emerge during celebration. The album closes with the ballad “Stay Here,” a lyrical reminder to cherish the present moment.
“Leader Haugland must surely be in the frame when it comes to the newer bassists and, assuming the seven extended tracks are his compositions, he's no mean hand with a digital pen either. Sympathetic drumming - what more do you want?” - Bebop Spoken Here Blog
Credits
Double bass, composer - Julian Haugland
Tenor saxophone - Seamus Blake
Electric guitar - Bjørn Vidar Solli
Drums - Jon Wikan
Recording, mix, mastering - Espen Gundersen at Audiopol Studios
Photos and cover design - Morten Bjerk
