Two of the most distinctive lyrical voices in Norway’s thriving jazz scene, both ECM artists, come together to explore works by J. S. Bach.

Trygve Seim and Tord Gustavsen create unique musical spaces filled with radiant stillness, lyrical beauty and far-reaching expressive power. Their starting point is chorales by Bach or works attributed to him. The concert features pieces such as “Jesu, meine Freude”, “Auf meinen lieben Gott” and “Befiehl du deine Wege”, approaching them with equal measures of deep respect and artistic freedom.

The timeless melodies serve as mantras and starting points for improvisation. They reveal the broad range of stylistic influences behind Trygve’s and Tord’s individual approaches to jazz: Impressionism, Persian scales, Egyptian playing traditions, Norwegian folk dances, gospel and “classical” Bach interpretation. All these elements merge into a truly distinctive musical amalgam. The programme also features original compositions by both artists, as well as pieces drawing on traditional Irish melodies.