Elegant jazz covers with classical music as standards, that's what Trio X excels at. In 2003 they released their first cd (In dulci jubilo). It was an immediate hit. During their 17 years together, they constantly search for renewal of their repertoire. Also in their latest musical adventure Veni Veni Emmanuel they display their trademark; piano, bass and drums flirt via intriguing jazz improvisations with classical and traditional songs.
Trio X Of Sweden
In 2002, pianist Lennart Simonsson, double bassist Per V Johansson and drummer Joakim Ekberg decided to form a jazz ensemble together. They have grown into one of the most prominent contemporary Swedish improvisation groups. Trio X is a musically adventurous trio that constantly seeks inspiration in other genres. The combination of pushing boundaries and building bridges is their trademark. Their versatile character is expressed both in their oeuvre and in their choice of venues. You can hear them on cd, in concert halls, at festivals and in jazz clubs, but they also know how to warm both young and old with their music in classrooms and in care and welfare institutions.
Contemporary Post-Fusion
Contemporary Post-Fusion or "Post-Fusion Contemporary" is a hyperonym for various jazz trends that emerged in Northern Europe during the 1970s. The reinvention of the modern jazz piano trio (of which Trio X is an example) was one of the characteristic innovations. This trio consists of a pianist, double bassist and a drummer — who usually plays with brushes. The pianist typically takes the lead and the ensemble is therefore often named after him/her.
Trio X belongs to the subcategories Contemporary. This movement is characterized by clear rhythm and a mix of typical jazz harmonies and the traditional harmony of classical music. The link with classical music sets Trio X apart. The jazz standards on which they build their improvisations are mostly from the classical repertoire. The remaining standards on the cd are drawn from Swedish and German traditional music.
Jazz & Classical: A Flirtatious Relationship
Jazz and classical are two different styles that make different demands on their performers. Yet jazz and classical music, as radio presenter and classical music expert Fred Brouwers puts it, "have always had a somewhat flirtatious relationship.". The word flirting from this quote is an apt description for this Trio X cd. Their jazz "covers" of classical music are elegant and their sources of inspiration are diverse. The melodies come from different countries and date from different centuries: from an 18th-century Italian hymn to Adolphe Adams Cantique de Noël (1847) and from Julpolska (1895) by Swedish composer Johanna Ölander to the German Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (14th century).
After an introduction, pianist Simonsson always presents the melody. A first time in its original form, sometimes a second time in this form but enriched with jazz harmonies and from the third time onwards various improvised transformations follow. With this cd, Trio X demonstrates a plurality of interpretations ranging from the melancholic virtuosity in Veni Veni Emmanuel, to the dreamy Stjärngosser and the lively (and almost sing-along) Personent Hodie.
Medeltida Mariavisa is based on the folk song Det lyser en stjärna whose melody comes from the Urshults parish in Småland. In comparison with the other songs on this cd, this intro is relatively long (just over half a minute). After the piano presents the theme, the improvisations follow. The double bass provides the first improvisation and plays virtuosic pizzicato, after which the piano improvises with unusual rhythm and harmonies. Finally, the drummer also comes to the fore with unexpected rhythms and surprising cymbals. After the improvisations follows a dreamy resolution with thematic references to the standard.
The exception to the rule is Karl-Bertil Jonssons julafton. This is the only standard that does not come from the classical or traditional repertoire. It is based on the soundtrack of the short film Sagan om Karl-Bertil Jonssons julafton. Jazz pianist Gunnar Svensson composed the original theme for saxophone, piano, double bass and drums. The theme starts from the first note that sounds. The saxophone plays this mainly a capella while the other instruments. The Trio X version sounds fuller and warmer than the original. It begins with its own, improvised introduction before the piano introduces the saxophone melody. From beginning to end all three instruments are present. The drums with brushes softly marking the beat, the double bass providing harmonic depth and playing chromatic runs between the variations, and the piano complementing the harmony and (re)playing the melody.
The theme that brings all these melodies together is Christmas, yet this is not typical Christmas music. Even in songs such as Personent Hodie and Veni Veni Emmanuel, Trio X manages to completely transform the atmosphere and make it their own. Veni Veni is played in a low and dark register with minor chords and cymbal sound effects, which gives this piece a mysterious and almost melancholic quality. But the more upbeat tempo of Hodie also brings no Christmas atmosphere with it. The shuffle improvisations of the piano, the bass lines of the double bass, the rhythmic pulse and the drummer's riding of the cymbals, create the impression of a jazz bar where people are dancing. In short, Trio X seeks out the defining musical value of the standards, independent of their context, in order to reinterpret them and push musical boundaries.
Information
Who: Trio X Of Sweden
What: Veni Veni Emmanuel
Releases: Prophone 10352825
Photos: © Urban Jörén
Spotify: Album Veni Veni Emmanuel
Order: JPC
