Ketil Bjornstad - Apning (1993)

“Åpning” is Ketil Bjørnstad´s debut album from 1973 and would become the start of an incredible recording career – spanning some 70 albums (many on ECM) and several genres – already possessing the qualities that would become Bjørnstad´s trademarks; strong melodies and a fluid and confident touch. The album sees the 21 year old pianist leading the stellar line-up of a young Jon Eberson (guitar, 20) and the more seasoned Arild Andersen (bass, 28) and Jon Christensen (drums, 30). This rhythm section was well on their way to become legendary after making their mark alongside Jan Garbarek and Terje Rypdal on the seminal “Afric Pepperbird” album (ECM, 1970). Jon Eberson would soon become a strong force on the Norwegian music scene, with numerous solo and group projects and recordings. To complete the circle, in later years he would become Hedvig Mollestad´s main teacher at the music academy.
Born in Oslo in 1952, Bjørnstad soon became a prodigy, leaving primary school to study piano in Oslo, London and Paris. He made his debut at 16, playing Bartok´s Piano Concert nr. 3 with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. But soon other pathways beckoned, discovering Miles Davis´s “In a Silent Way” and meeting poets, painters and jazz musicians around the creative music spot “Club 7” in Oslo. Amongst these were Svein Finnerud Trio, and he would spend late nights with their bassist Bjørnar Andresen, discussing music and life at lenght. Keith Jarrett´s “In Your Quiet Place” would occupy the turntable and there would be excursions to Henie Onstad Art Center for free music concerts. Encouraged by his new friends he soon developed an urge to create his own music. Demo tapes were recorded, acquaintances made and a deal secured with the Philips imprint. Considering the gap between the classical world and jazz (especially at this time), we find it amazing that a young artist could take the leap in such a short time, both as a player and composer (all eight tracks being originals), and with such a successful result.