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![Angles & Elle-Kari with Strings: The Death of Kalypso [VINYL 2 LPs] (thanatosis produktion) Angles & Elle-Kari with Strings: The Death of Kalypso [VINYL 2 LPs] (thanatosis produktion)](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/34630.jpg)
The 12th album from Martin Küchen's Angles ensemble is expanded and developed with notations and string arrangements from Alexander Zethson, and the voice of Elle-Kari Sander, in an engrossing album of powerfully compelling jazz rhythms & soloing, orchestral swells and emphatic songs pivoting around the mythology of the nymph Calypso, woven into contemporary concepts; sensational!
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Martin Kuchen-composition, libretto, wind arrangements, percussion, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Elle-Kari Sander-arrangements, trumpet, synth, glockenspiel
Alexander Zethson-arrangements, piano, synth, organ
Raed Yassin-voice
Magnus Broo-trumpet
Mats Aleklint-trombone
Johan Berthling-double bass
Konrad Agnas-drums
Mattias Stahl-vibraphone, glockenspiel
Fredrik Ljungkvist-baritone saxophone, clarinet
Anna Lindal-violin, octave violin
Eva Lindal-violin, viola
My Hellgren-cello
Brusk Zanganeh-violin
Click an artist name above to see in-stock items for that artist.
UPC: 7320470268735
Label: thanatosis produktion
Catalog ID: THT32LP
Squidco Product Code: 34630
Format: 2 LPs
Condition: New
Released: 2024
Country: Sweden
Packaging: Gatefold Double LP
Recorded at Atlantis Studios, in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 6th and 7th, 2022, by Niclas Lindstrom.
"After eleven albums with a varying ensemble size, Martin Küchen's Angles returns with The Death of Kalypso, its most ambitious statement to date: a jazz opera for our times. Joining forces with vocalist Elle-Kari and Angles pianist Alexander Zethson, who wrote the string arrangements and band notations, Küchen adds another volume to the band's sizeable, yet coherent catalog, which merges infectious free jazz grooves with tumultuous emotional cadences that reflect both human and political concerns.
Musically, the project is rooted in Küchen's urge to work with Sander and a string quartet. As is often the case recently, the pandemic - which Küchen refers to as "...that period when making music suddenly became this absurd, almost suspicious idea and polarization seemed to reach an all time-high" - provided the creative trigger. Starting with "Une certaine paix" (a special kind of peace) as a working title, Küchen provided Zethson with home-recorded demos, containing layers of saxophones, rhythmical ideas and, in some cases, the most basic ideas for the strings, recorded on a Casio-synth. Later, the band leader also sent both Zethson and Sander versions with vocals, to share his ideas about the relation between melodies and lyrics.
The foundation for the opera was laid in 2021. Except for "A Campaign of Tragedy" (which was devised around a decade ago), all the songs were created around the conception of the work as a whole. This "jazz opera" that was to become The Death of Kalypso was already present in Küchen's mind when writing these songs. Occasionally, his personal life also seeped in: "Kalypso in Karlsbad, Haunted by Dreams" came to him in the hot summer of 2o21, with the memory of his father's recent passing still raging in his head.
The libretto was written from scratch in the summer of 2022, with a vague but strong idea about its content and direction. The ancient myth of Kalypso, expanded with some of Küchen's trademark concerns, merged with a family tragedy. Zethson and Küchen worked on the opera, its instrumentation, arrangements and shape. After a mere three days of rehearsals, the band - an 8-piece Angles, Elle-Kari Sander and a string quartet - entered the studio with Niclas Lindstrom. Küchen, Sander (who also did some vocal overdubs in her home studio) and Zethson were all present during the multiple mixing sessions, while Lindstrom came up with several ideas that were incorporated into the mixes, particularly on "Fetus of Dawn".
The result is a baffling tour de force, that Küchen refers to as "an archaic pantheon reflecting a self-indulgent, modern humanity". Angles' work has always been infused with indignation and sorrow (as well as some of the most spirited themes and arrangements in modern jazz), yet rarely has it been elaborated this extensively, covering the past and the present, myth and allegory, metaphor and reality. With Sander as a commanding high priestess, leading the 13-piece ensemble through the opera's various guises, sizes and shapes, it becomes evident how intense the process of interpreting the melodies and lyrics must have been.
The libretto is densely packed with ideas, as it refers to the mythological figure of enchantress Kalypso, as well as Odysseus and Hermes, while offering new variations on familiar tropes such as human hubris, religion, war, family, love, legends, fantasy and fate. Combining different layers of time, moving from the ancient period to modern prison camps, humankind's eternal struggle with the Gods (and attempt to become Gods) and the inevitable downfall, The Death of Kalypso is that rare exception that touches upon a myriad of things without becoming lost in them.
While previous Angles albums usually offered a few interpretations of earlier tunes as well as new compositions, the music on The Death of Kalypso stands on its own and is striking in its opulence. Previous recurring references - Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath, Carla Bley's Jazz Composers Orchestra and Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra - might still apply, but there can be no mistake about the signature of Küchen, whose solo work often focuses on sparse intimacy and monochrome textures, but infuses Angles' music with those trademark turbulent themes, exuberant grooves and lush melodies. Add to this the weight and elegance of Zethson's iridescent string arrangements, and the sum is supremely immersive music that feels familiar and new at the same time.
From the sweeping grandeur of opener "Messieurs-dames", the crushing emotionality of "Fetus of Dawn" and ebullient, nearly abrasive blowfest of "Cutting the Woods" to the breathtaking theatricality of "Kalypso in Karlsbad, Haunted by Dreams" and the many moments that will make you single out motifs, details, strings and other instruments; there is a fitting duality running through this vital magnum opus, merging the grandiose gestures of the Gods with humankind's limitations. Soaring above it all while standing at its very center, is Elle-Kari Sander, a bewitching presence with the gravitas and commanding flexibility that a band like Angles demands. Ambitious plans require outsized capacities and that's exactly what you get.
We'll never learn. Words that stay relevant. Since the album's completion, another war, another atrocious tragedy, has started in the Middle East. It would be a reduction to claim The Death of Kalypso is (only) about war, but even with allegorical and personal layers present, it's hard to avoid the message/warning this jazz opera contains. At the same time, it might provide solace, just like previous works in world literature and music provided us not only with a mirror, but with a key to that most valuable trait: compassion.-thanatosis produktion"
Also available on CD.
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Artist Biographies
• Show Bio for Martin Kuchen "Born 1966; saxophones. Martin Küchen has been active on the Swedish free improvised/free jazz scene since the mid-1990s. He has composed for larger groups, participated in dance projects, performed with different poets and created the music for experimental films. He now collaborates with improvisors all over Europe and USA/Canada. His current collaborations include: Angles - a new trio with Ingebrigt Håker- Flaten, doublebass, Kjell Nordeson, drums and Martin Küchen, saxophones. Exploding Customer - a free jazz quartet with Tomas Hallonsten trumpet, Benjamin Quigley double bass and Kjell Nordeson drums, which plays mainly original compositions. Sound of Mucus - a trio with the stringchordist Herman Müntzing and Andreas Axelsson, percussion. Unsolicited Music Ensemble - a trio with Tony Wren, double bass and Raymond Strid, percussion. a duo with guitarist David Stackenås. UNSK: Birgit Ulher, Martin Küchen, lise-Lott Norelius and Raymond Strid. Looper - a trio with Greek cello player Nikos Veliotis and Norwegian percussionist Ingar Zach." ^ Hide Bio for Martin Kuchen • Show Bio for Elle-Kari Sander Ellekari Sander aka Ellekari Larsson and Elle-Kari Sander is a Swedish singer and pianist, born February 20, 1977 in Högalid's parish. She is known as a member of the group The Tiny. ^ Hide Bio for Elle-Kari Sander • Show Bio for Alexander Zethson "Alexander Zethson has completed the bachelor performance programme in jazz at KMH and is currently studying at the second year of the master's programme with Lisa Ullén as his primary instrument teacher. Alexander has participated in extensive concert and tour activities and has participated in fifteen record productions. The ensembles include: • Niklas Barnö's free jazz group Je Suis!• A number of tours in Europe with Martin Küchen's group Angles 9 Alexander is also active as arranger and pianist in collaboration with the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, a cooperation which began in 2011. Zethson, Sofia Jernberg and Lene Grenager has arranged music from Hallingdal and Røros performed by the TJO with Zethson, Jernberg and violinist/Hardanger fiddler Olav Luksengård Mjelva." ^ Hide Bio for Alexander Zethson • Show Bio for Raed Yassin "Raed Yassin (born 1979, Beirut) is an artist and musician. He graduated from the theater department at the Institute of Fine Arts in Beirut in 2003, and since then has developed his conceptual practice through multiple mediums such as video, sound, photography, text, sculpture and performance. Yassin's work often originates from an examination of his personal narratives and their position within a collective history, through the lens of consumer culture and mass production. He was a resident artist at De Ateliers, Amsterdam (2008-2010), the Delfina Foundation, London (2010 & 2014), Akademie der Künste der Welt, Cologne (2015), and is a recipient of the Abraaj Group Art Prize (2012). As a musician, he is one of the organizers of the Irtijal Festival for Experimental Music (Beirut), and has released several solo music albums, as well as part of groups such as "A" Trio and PRAED. In 2009, he founded his independent music label Annihaya. Raed currently lives between Berlin and Beirut." ^ Hide Bio for Raed Yassin • Show Bio for Magnus Broo "Magnus Broo (born 27 June 1965 in Husqvarna, Västervik, Småland, Sweden) is a Swedish jazz musician (trumpet) known from own recordings and collaboration with Norwegian jazz musicians like in the band Atomic. Broo is the son of trumpeter, raised in Västervik, and participated in Visby big band before he attended musical training at North Texas State University (1984-1990). Back in Sweden, he was incorporated into Fredrik Norén Band (1991-1999), and also collaborated in the orchestra of Lennart Åberg. Broo's expression is a continuation of free jazz and Ornette Coleman's style from the 1960'th, and he is central in the Norwegian/Swedish band Atomic (1999-). He also leads his own 'Magnus Broo Quartet with Torbjörn Gulz on piano, Mattias Welin on bass and Jonas Holgersson on drums. They released the albums Sudden Joy (1999), Levitaton (2001), Sugar Promise(2003) and Pain Body (2008). Moreover, he also collaborates in Fredrik Nordström Quintet." ^ Hide Bio for Magnus Broo • Show Bio for Mats Aleklint "Mats Aleklint is a freelance trombone player, born 1979, that lives in Stockholm, Sweden. I work mostly in the fields of improvisation and jazz, but also blues, soul, theater music, pop and rock. I have been working as a freelance since the year 2000, and touring in Sweden, Norway, Canada, Slovenia, Portugal, England, Germany, and many other countries. Toured with/Recorded with: Alberto Pinton Quintet, YunKan10, Torbjörn Zetterberg Octet, Norrbotten Big Band, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Dave Holland, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Goran Kajfes Subtropic Arkestra, The Thing XXL, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Brus Trio+2, Big Band Splash, Per-Henrik Wallin, Harmonica Henry, Lisa Ullén Quartet, Blacknuss, Angles, Je Suis!, All Included, LED, and many many others. I also have a band of my own, Mats Äleklint Kvartett." ^ Hide Bio for Mats Aleklint • Show Bio for Johan Berthling "Johan Berthling (* 1973 in Stockholm ) is a Swedish jazz and improvisational musician ( contrabass , electric bass , also piano ). Berthling studied at the Royal Music College in Stockholm from 1996-1998 . Since then, he has worked in the Swedish and international jazz and improvisation scene in various ensembles including David Stackenäs , Raymond Strid , Fredrik Ljungkvist , Sten Sandell , Paal Nilssen-Love , Akira Sakata , Mats Gustafsson , Jonas Kullhammar and the Christer Bothén Acoustic Ensemble. In the field of jazz, he was involved in 23 recording sessions between 1996 and 2014. He also worked with folkmusicist and songwriter Nicolai Dunger ( roasting och herren , 2007)." ^ Hide Bio for Johan Berthling • Show Bio for Konrad Agnas Konrad Agnas is a Swedish drummer, son of Urban Agnas. He is known for the groups Agnas Bros., Johan Lindstršm Septett, Alberto Pinton Noi Siamo, and Swap Babies. ^ Hide Bio for Konrad Agnas • Show Bio for Mattias Stahl "Mattias is born 1971 in Oskarshamn, Sweden and lives in Stockholm. Have the latest 15 years performed at stages around Sweden and elsewhere, focusing on jazz and improvised music. Released two album of his own with his former quartet Ståhls blå ("Ståhls blå" 2001 and "Schlachtplatte" 2004), which achieved great attention from reviewers all over the world. He also composed all the music for this group. As a sideman he contributes in a lot of exciting groups, from projects with the legend Georg Riedel to collaborations with the swedish indie wonder Emil Svanängen aka Loney Dear. Also: Cecilia Persson Quintet, Martin Küchens group Angles, IPA with Magnus Broo/Atle Nymo/Håkon Mjåseth Johansen/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Daniel Buner Formos Formo Tre&Metall and different projects with Trondheim Jazzorkester. Other groups where he contributed during the years are Eirik Hegdals Team Hegdal, Joakim Milders Takeaway, Lennart Åberg:s big and small orchestras, Nils Berg 5 (Jazz in Sweden Award 2007), Alberto Pinton Quintet, Yttling Jazz (with Bjorn Yttling from "Peter, Bjorn and John"), Fredrik Nordström Quintet (Jazz in Sweden Award 2002), Klaus Holm Kollektif. He has been the vibist of the swingtronica-duo Koop since 2001, touring all over the world. He has also played with groups as Jet Set Sweden och Sven Berggrens Alea. He recieved the Swedish Radio Award 2002 as newcomer of the year for his album "Ståhls blå"." ^ Hide Bio for Mattias Stahl • Show Bio for Fredrik Ljungkvist "Håkan Fredrik Ljungkvist (born 29 November 1969 in Kristinehamn, Sweden), is a Swedish jazz musician (saxophone and clarinet), the son of saxophonist Håkan Ljungkvist and married to the jazz singer Lina Nyberg. Ljungkvist was raised in Lidköping, and studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (1989-93). As jazz student he played with jazz bands in Stockholm, like Fredrik Noren Band, Lina Nyberg Group and Per "Texas" Johansson band. In 1993 he formed his own Quartet with whom he released two albums. In 2000 he composed a 30 minutes long piece for the Pipeline project, a collaboration between 16 Swedish and American musicians on initiative by the Svenska Rikskonserter. The piece was performed in Chicago and Sweden." ^ Hide Bio for Fredrik Ljungkvist • Show Bio for Anna Lindal "Anna Lindal, violin, studied in Sweden and Switzerland. Lived and performed in Switzerland and France for many years, played in the string trio Trio des Lyres specialized in mixed programs with barock and classical music on original instruments as well as contemporary works. During this time the film "Livsstråk" was made which is a musical portrait of Anna Lindal. From 1983 to 2001 concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Stockholm and from 2002 Professor of violin at the Royal college of Music in Stockholm. Currently Professor in Music att Stockholm University of the Arts and free lance violinist. Engaged in artistic research on interpretation/improvisation and tradition/convention versus contemporary expressions. Performs regularly as soloist, as chamber musician, in experimental theatre and in different groups for free improvisation. Collaborates with a large number of contemporary composers and has had many new compositions dedicated to her. Made several recordings, among others two solo records with works by John Cage and Christian Wolff together with related composers. Has also been performing instrumental Argentine Tango in the quintet Tango Libre for several years." ^ Hide Bio for Anna Lindal • Show Bio for Eva Lindal "Eva Lindal grew up in Stockholm, Sweden. She studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (1973-76), with further studies in Switzerland and Banff (Canada). In 1998 she met and began studying improvisation with Connie Crothers and continued the association for almost a decade. During 1986-2000 Eva was a member of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Since then she has been a freelance musician, with a special focus on improvisation, and contemporary music, as well as the baroque era. Eva is a member of Katzen Kapell ("One of Sweden's best bands"-Camilla Lundberg, Expressen), Rebaroquerebaroque.se and also the contemporary groups MA and KammarensembleNkammarensemblen.com. She regularly performs in a trio with Bill Payne (clarinet) and Carol Liebowitz (piano), in a duo with Anna Lindal (violin), in the trio WE with Mattias Windemo (guitar), Jonny Axelsson (percussion), in the trio Filip Augustson/Viva Black: Filip Auguston (bass), Christopher Cantillo (drums) as well as collaborations with Connie Crothers (piano), Oskar Schönning, Barriärorkestern Stockholm, Cullberg Ballet, Ensemble Recherche (Freiburg), Bit 20 (Bergen), Sonanza, Karlsson Barock and Drottningholm Theatre." ^ Hide Bio for Eva Lindal • Show Bio for My Hellgren "My Hellgren lives in Göteborg, Sweden, and works as a cellist in many different contexts. She is mostly active in the scene of contemporary music and is a member of Curious chamber players, ensemble Mimitabu and the text/sound trio MonoMono. She is occasionally working with other ensembles like Gageego! and Scenatet and as a substitute in several symphony orchestras such as GSO and the Gothenburg opera. My likes to work close with composers and has premiered solo and chamber music pieces. She has participated in different temporary innovative projects and recieved grant and support from Konstnärsnämnden, Statens musikverk and others. My is educated at the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen and at the Academy of music and drama at the university of Gothenburg." ^ Hide Bio for My Hellgren • Show Bio for Brusk Zanganeh "Brusk Zanganeh, born May 1, 1986, raised in Gothenburg, is a Swedish violinist of Kurdish descent. Zanganeh is educated at the University of Theater and Music in Gothenburg (2006-2009) as well as at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm (2009-2011) and Zurich Hochschule (2011-2013). Since 2020, Zanganeh is the Uppsala Chamber Soloist and Concertmaster in the Uppsala Chamber Orchestra. Zanganeh was during the years 2013-2019 a member of Norrbotten NEO and concertmaster of Norrbotten Chamber Orchestra. He was also a violin teacher at Luleå University, Piteå Academy of Music and assistant to Professor Rudolf Koelman at Zurich Hochschule. during this period." ^ Hide Bio for Brusk Zanganeh
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Track Listing:
SIDE A
1. Messieurs-dames (stuck in the arching caverns of Hermes' court) 6:17
2. Une certaine paix 8:49
SIDE B
1. A campaign of tragedy (String Quartet) 1:38
2. Fetus of dawn (Kalypso talks to her son Nausithous and sings to the gods)8:43
3. A campaign of tragedy (Aria) 3:46
SIDE C
1. Cutting the woods 5:27
2. The caves of Ogygia I 1:59
3. The caves of Ogygia II 1:56
4. Kalypso in Karlsbad, haunted by dreams 9:19
SIDE D
1. A campaign of tragedy 9:12
2. Outro andouverture 6:19
3. The death of Kalypso 1:43
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