NKM016
Christian Meaas Svendsen
New Rituals
Artist: Christian Meaas Svendsen, Nakama and RZS Oslo
Album title: New Rituals
Label: Nakama Records
Catalog number: NKM016LP / NKM016CD
Release: 24th May 2019
Formats and pricing:
- 3x vinyl + 3x CD from €30
- 3x CD from €12
Shipping:
- From Norway to Norway
- From Slovenia to EU and rest of the world
Press
New Rituals is exploring the relation between form and freedom, between modern Western culture and traditional Eastern culture, and between written and open musical material. The piece is written in three parts for (1) ensemble and a chant-choir, (2) ensemble, and (3) solo bass.
The three parts are all rooted in and based on the same source material: 10 ancient Zen Buddhist sutras, or chants. The music is presenting Buddhist philosophy in a nutshell: What we experience as an independent self is in reality inseparable from everything else and is always changing. Furthermore the music is questioning the necessity of form as a means to experience freedom. This might hold true for music as well as other aspects of our lives.
New Rituals is a huge offering (…) its spiritual nature and creative performance makes it more than worth it
- Can This Even be Called Music?
After having played this record a couple of times, it is obvious that the pieces are connected and that they have a strength in being inseparable.
- Chris Monsen Klassekampen
There is so much power licking through the channels here that every esoteric accusation flies away at once (…) very impressive, and in combination even more so
- Karsten Zimalla, Westzeit
The best recording of contemporarty jazz/music I’ve heard so far this year. Grandios work!
- Wolfgang Kbach, Musik an sich
Artist bio
Christian Meaas Svendsen is an innovative bass player and composer from Norway. He performs both as a solo artist and in collaboration with various musical groups, engaging across diverse musical genres ranging from free improvisation to contemporary music. His playing style is characterized by a bold expression, unpredictable, dynamic shifts and a vast array of traditional and extended techniques. He stands out as a unique figure in Norway's music scene and beyond.
Credits
Nakama:
Agnes Hvizdalek – voice
Adrian Løseth Waade – violin
Ayumi Tanaka – piano
Andreas Wildhagen – drums
Christian Meaas Svendsen – bass, compositions
Choir:
Lead singer (Ino) – Peter Davami
Drummer (Mokugyo) – Kreg Viesselman
Others – Karoline Ruderaas Albrigtsen, Susanne Monka, Kjetil Jerve, Hilmar Fredriksen, Petter Lohne, Aris Kaloudis, Pål Jakob Walstad, Caroline Jacobsen, Leni Torvbråten, Anne Rolfsen, Nora Kremer, Aleksandra M. Søderlind
Recording - Rainbow Studio Oslo, Peer Espen Ursfjord
Mix and master - Peer Espen Ursfjord
Cover design - by Mikkel Cappelen Smith
