Continuum BRIDGES

• 1 Introduction 01:33
• 2 The Clues 05:28
• 3 Andromeda 08:22
• 4 Slightly Behind 06:18
• 5 Two 03:10
• 6 The Jupiter Line 08:15
• 7 Mareel 04:56
• 8 No Road for Readers 07:41
• 9 Fanfare 03:27
• Total Runtime 49:10

Info for Continuum

BRIDGES is a modern, Nordic jazz project that has a vision to construct musical bridges between Norway and other parts of the world.

After releasing the successful debut album BRIDGES with Seamus Blake in 2016, and after two years of touring and playing concerts around Europe, it was clear that the ensembles constructive musical bridgework had to be continued. This album is the result.

Continuum is BRIDGES second studio album. An album that summarises the musical progress of the ensemble and showcases a musical dialogue of greater depth. It encapsulates an expression that has been created over time, where the synergy between five unique musicians has strengthened and where musical interplay has matured.

The combination of Seamus Blake and Hayden Powell’s horns create a layer of both lyrical beauty and strong intensity. It sails smoothly on top of Espen Berg’s harmonic dexterity and virtuosity and rests comfortably on a solid yet playful foundation created by Jesper Bodilsen and Anders Thorén.

"This is top drawer, acoustic jazz with an introspective and quietly joyful edge. This set has joined the band’s first release near the top of my playlist."

Seamus Blake, saxophone
Hayden Powell, trumpet
Espen Berg, piano
Jesper Bodilsen, bass
Anders Thorén, drums

Seamus Blake
New York based saxophonist/composer Seamus Blake is recognized as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz. His music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations and “sheer swagger". John Scofield, who hired Seamus for his “Quiet Band,” called him “extraordinary, a total saxophonist.” Throughout his 24 year career, Seamus has garnered critical praise for his masterful playing, his fine compositional skills and for his facility as a leader.

Since moving to Paris in February 2018 Seamus has been invited to perform the music of his recent CD, "Superconductor" with a number of European Jazz Bands. Beginning with the Latvian Radio Jazz Band early in 2018, Seamus has performed with the Trondheim Big Band and The Sibis Alumni Big Band (Sibelius Institute , Helsinki),in September. He is scheduled to perform his music with The Tuesday Big Band (Amsterdam) on November 6/7, and The Subway Jazz Orchestra on November 14.

In 2017 Seamus assembled a new quartet, The French Connection. The band ( Seamus, Tony Tixier piano, Florent Nisse, bass, and Gautier Garrigue, drums) recorded their first CD in Paris in November, 2017 and have toured in France and Spain. The CD will be released on the Whirlwind label. Three promo videos will be available on Youtube in January. Seamus has a busy schedule in Europe in 2018. Check the Performance page for details.

Superconductor is Seamus’ most ambitious project to date and was released in December 2015. The talent includes Nate Smith, Matt Garrison, Scott Kinsey, a 7 piece orchestral ensemble as well as special guest appearances by John Scofield and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The album marks the debut of Seamus on EWI (electronic wind instrument). Seamus plays on the 2015 Grammy nominated Camino by pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Seamus Blake was born December 1970 in England and raised in Vancouver, Canada. At age 21, while still a student at Boston's prestigious Berklee College, he was asked to record with legendary drummer Victor Lewis. After graduation, he moved to New York, where he rapidly established himself on the New York jazz scene. In February 2002, Seamus took first place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in Washington D. C. As the winner, he performed with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.

As a leader/co-leader, Seamus has released 16 albums. He is featured as a sideman on over 70 CDs.

Seamus has played on six of of the Grammy nominated Mingus bands’ albums. He continues to play and record with Bill Stewart, Kevin Hays, David Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin. Seamus is frequently featured as a guest artist. In 2010 he was guest of honor at the International Saxophone Symposium in Washington hosted by the US Navy Band. Seamus was a member of John Scofield’s Quiet Band and toured and recorded with Dave Douglas. Some of the many other artists he has worked with include Eric Reed, Ethan Iverson, Chris Cheek, and Matt Penman.

This album contains no booklet.