Nenad Giorgevski´s brilliant review of the world premiere performance at Skopje Jazz Festival, October 2023:
"After the Wildfire" demonstrated a level of artistry and craftsmanship that was not hastily thrown together but carefully considered. It showcased the remarkable skills and emotional depth of the musicians involved, creating a rich and textured sonic landscape that captivated the listener from start to finish."
The 42nd edition of the Skopje Jazz Festival opened in exquisite fashion at the National Opera and Ballet with the world premiere of "After the Wildfire," a composition specially commissioned for this occasion. This piece, a musical collaboration between acclaimed Norwegian jazz musicians Jan Bang and Arve Henriksen, conducted by Džijan Emin, set the stage for what was to come during the festival.
"After the Wildfire" turned out to be an innovative work, a suite consisting of 8 parts written for trumpet, samplers, orchestra, percussion, kaval, zurla, and vocals. It's a symphony of diverse elements, and during the evening, the authors themselves, Jan Bang and Arve Henriksen, stood as soloists in the limelight. Joining them were Norwegian percussionist Ingar Zach, the FAME’S Institute orchestra, as well as several renowned Macedonian vocalists and kaval and zurla players.
Jan Bang, a prominent Norwegian musician, composer, and producer, best known as the artistic director of the renowned Punkt Festival, once again demonstrated his reputation. This marked his fifth performance at the festival over the years, starting as part of Nils Petter Molvaer’s band that closed the SJF Festival in 2003. This time he was joined by the fantastic Arve Henriksen, the master of the trumpet with a unique and individual sound, with whom Bang also performed at the SJF Festival in 2009, sharing the evening with the late great Jon Hassell (Bang was also part of his band).
The work had a long, introverted introduction, gradually building up the drama and pace, keeping the audience engaged in hushed anticipation. It created an ethereal and ambient atmosphere, beautifully supported by a backdrop of subtle harmonies from the orchestra, and delicate percussions by Ingar Zach. It was akin to cinematic music, with Arve's trumpet echoing like the wind. The orchestra's presence grew more pronounced, and Bang's understated samples and sounds added an extra layer of depth to the composition. Arve's trumpet played harmoniously with the kavals, and the orchestra entered with soft harmonies. The addition of Vera Miloshevska on vocals, of Ljuboyna fame, including her students, created a captivating atmosphere.
Arve Henriksen's performance throughout the album was a standout. His pacing was impeccable, every note he played carried profound emotion, and his ability to exercise restraint when needed added a unique dimension to the music. One of the remarkable aspects of this performance was the constant variation in the combination of musicians, tailored to meet the diverse textural and expressive requirements of each piece. This flexibility and adaptability showcased the remarkable talent and collaboration between the artists, all under the baton of Džijan Emin.
Even though there were quiet and introspective moments, the music was arranged in different stages, each with its own character. There were dynamic moments that reached a crescendo, transitioning into a cacophonous blend of zurla, drums, and vocal yells, where Arve Henriksen playfully teased both the orchestra and the audience. This section was a joyous and unexpected contrast to the otherwise introspective atmosphere. Henriksen even engaged in duets with other instruments in the orchestra, like the oboe or the female vocals. I particularly liked his improvisation at the end of the performance when he encouraged the traditional percussionist on the tapan to join him.
The overall impression of "After the Wildfire" was that of atmospheric ensemble work. Bang, Henriksen, Zach, while all accomplished in their own right, mostly played a coloristic background role, contributing to the overall tapestry of sound. This approach created a layered and immersive listening experience, where every element served a purpose in the intricate musical mosaic.
In summary, "After the Wildfire" demonstrated a level of artistry and craftsmanship that was not hastily thrown together but carefully considered. It showcased the remarkable skills and emotional depth of the musicians involved, creating a rich and textured sonic landscape that captivated the listener from start to finish.
-Nenad Giorgevski