Tøyen Sessions

Although all the compositions on this new album by Norway’s Larsen Trio were apparently written by Larsen himself, you might think that both his colleagues contributed significant ideas – at least towards the way each piece was arranged.

In fact, the first notes we hear are of Andreas Utnem’s softly tinkling grand piano. Later, when double-bass player Sondre Meisfjord bows his bass for dramatic effect through ‘Sankthansvals’, the impact is startling.

Tøyen has quite a different feel to 2013’s Reise, relying less on achingly melancholic melodies that worm their way into your ear. The general tone here is more joyful, with the key track in this respect being ‘April’, which commemorates the month Norway’s 2020 COVID-19 lockdown ended, and Larsen’s four children were able to return to school. The title refers to the church Tøyenkirka where the entire album was recorded; their rehearsal space since 2005. This means the musicians are all relaxed, and the rich tones of their leader’s fiddle are clear.