Eyolf Dale - The Space Between Two Notes (2024) [Hi-Res]

Eyolf Dale, the renowned Norwegian pianist and composer, releases his latest album, The Space Between Two Notes, his 7th album released under Edition Records. This new album elegantly reimagines selections from Dale's celebrated trio albums, Being and The Wayfarers, with rich orchestral arrangements featuring the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, conducted by fellow Edition artist, Miho Hazama.

The Space Between Two Notes explores a mesmerising blend of jazz and classical music, harmoniously integrating the intimate dynamics of a trio with the grandeur of an orchestra. The album is an exploration of musical intervals—the nuanced spaces between notes—which shape the auditory landscapes of Dale’s compositions. This approach sets it apart from traditional jazz tropes, which often emphasize vertical structures, like chords and melodies. Dale, however, crafts his music horizontally, focusing on the relationships and distances between sounds.

Eyolf Dale’s approach to music is profoundly influenced by his rich musical upbringing and an early fascination with the varied textures of sound: from the intricate works of Pat Methany to the vibrant tones of Norwegian jazz. This diverse background informs his unique musical language, which is not confined by genre but instead resides in the intriguing liminal space between established musical traditions.

The album features not only Dale's pianistic finesse but also the empathetic interplay of his trio, including Audun Kleive on drums, whose sensitive accompaniment ensures the music's purity of expression. As Eyolf points out "One of the most challenging aspects, in my opinion, of blending classical and jazz elements lies in the delicate balance of the drummer's cymbals.” Together, they achieve a unity of sound that transcends the sum of its parts, further enriched by the poised bass playing of Per Zanussi and the orchestral collaboration. This synergy allows the music to unfold naturally, each note and silence carefully articulated to communicate more than mere melody.

Eyolf Dale’s compositions are a dialogue in sound, emphasizing the importance of each musical element and the space it occupies. As Dale himself notes, "It’s voice leading all the way. It's about articulating an idea both in the form of music and in the execution of tone and sound." This philosophy resonates throughout the album, inviting listeners to engage with the music on a contemplative level, encouraging a moment of pause and reflection amidst the busyness of life.

The Space Between Two Notes is not merely a collection of songs but a thoughtful exploration of the possibilities of sound, inviting us to listen more closely to the world around us and the spaces within. This album promises to captivate listeners across diverse cultural landscapes, from Norway to the UK, and beyond, offering a fresh perspective on the confluence of jazz and classical music traditions.

Eyolf Dale continues to redefine musical boundaries with each project. The Space Between Two Notes is a testament to his evolution as an artist and a profound statement in today’s global music scene.