Harald Lassen Balans

Some use the expression "music you didn't know you needed" about strong musical experiences that have the ability to surprise. Others use with a positive sign: "jazz for those who are not so fond of jazz". Both apt descriptions in the case of Harald Lassen's Balance Sheet.

The words belong to Arild R. Andersen's review of the album Balans, which was released in March 2023. It is his fourth release under his own name, and has caused critics as well as colleagues to roll multiple eyes - on dice, and in the back of the head with euphoric approval. In Tidens Ånd, Audun Vinger wrote that it "is in its most inspired moments the most beautiful Norwegian music this season."

In the past, Lassen has garnered good reviews, including for the Spellmann-nominated Human Samling (2020). On the latest release, Lassen shows a significant maturation as a composer, band leader and musician, expressed through more vulnerability and honesty, but also clear security. He takes more risks, is searching, doubting in an articulate way. One could almost compare it to a kind of sensuous academic text. Musical philosophy in the literal sense.

Balancing is not static solidity, but constant and active movement. The optimal and fastest interaction between relaxation and tension. Redemption and contraction. Like breathing. Good breathing – which is also essential for good musicianship. As tears spill out, as laughter pours in. Like the undulating being of the tide, like spring and autumn, like life and death. From the completely microscopic to the completely astronomical particles, existence requires balance. And it can look – and sound – so different than what we expect.

In addition to his roots in Norwegian jazz, we also know Harald Lassen from the pop band No. 4, collaboration with Cassandra Jenkins, Frida Ånnevik, Sondre Lerche and many more. With him he has musicians who leave their mark on artists such as Fieh, Daniella Reyes and The Switch. The band is characterized by an unassailable agility, a playful mastery that is tactile on the sound fixation, and at a concert, if possible, will make the air vibrate with para-corporeal energy.

Harald Lassen – saxophone, flute, piano, Solveig Wang – synth, Sander Eriksen Nordahl – guitar, Stian Andersen – electric bass, Tore Flatjord – drums