Kristin Asbjørnsen is one of the most original and acclaimed voices in Norwegian jazz, pop and world music; and also a treat to experience live. Through two decades she's distinguished herself as a genuine performer of African-American spirituals, where the particular presence of her voice, vocal improvisation and groove are prominent.
Her latest album, I'll Meet You in the Morning (2013), just like Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook from 2006, is based on a collection of spirituals which Asbjørnsen inherited from the African-American singer Ruth Reese back in 1990. These traditional songs - created by African slaves in America - house life issues that are always relevant. Kristin has embraced the material, both as a singer and as a songwriter, and with her supreme ensemble we're assured a particularly powerful and beautiful concert at Moldejazz 2014.
In addition to the ensemble itself, the stage will also be set for a reunion of Asbjørnsen and the South African a capella group Ladysmith Black Mambozo. They're previously toured together, back in 2010, under the direction of Rikskonsertene and the National Arts Council of South Africa. Asbjørnsen was invited to join as a guest-vocalist on a tour of different townships in South Africa. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, originally founded by Joseph Shabalala, has exited for more than 50 years; and it's one of the best-selling groups in South Africa. They've collaborated with a host of great artists, among others they contributed to Paul Simon's success album Graceland in 1986.
- It's exciting that we can make this happen during this years Moldejazz, as we've wanted to continue this cooperation for a long time, says Asbjørnsen to Moldejazz.no
- I look forward to a new musical journey with singers and people as great as these. The setting will be quite different than [it was] in South Africa, where we exclusively sang a capella. This time the group will be much more incorporated into my ensemble and repertoire, and as such this is both a resumption and new development.
- It makes sense that this happens through African American spirituals; songs of life which in themselves are lit by hope, power and reconciliation, says Asbjørnsen.
Ladysmith operate within two traditional vocal-directions that has emerged among Zulus in South Africa, known as isicathamiya and mbube. Like Asbjørnsen, Ladysmith has worked with music rooted in the African American culture, but where Asbjørnsen utilizes instruments and draws inspiration from the same musics roots in western Africa, Ladysmith is anchored in the a capella tradition from another part of the continent. - We're based in two highly different musical traditions, but we also share a lot.
- I look forward to hearing the sound of our voices in union again. Our expressions will both unify and create contrast, says Asbjørnsen.
- Moldejazz has been an important arena for me throughout my entire career. My first visit was in 1992, when I played with Tord Gustavsen. We were let on stage even though we hadn't even attended college yet. Molde has been with me ever since, and as such it reflects nicely upon my own musical development.
About I'll Meet You in the Morning, Dagbladet wrote "beautiful, beautiful, and completely without antics. Those not touched by this music should look into obtaining a new heart."
With a South African song-group, an intense band, and Asbjørnsens goosebumps-producing voice, this concert at Bjørnsonhuset is an experience you just don't want to miss.
