Gnus

Asmundsen & Co's latest release gives center stage to its 67 year old saxophonist VIdar Johansen, one of the finest composers and arrangers in Norwegian jazz. Since he came onto the scene as a teenager, he has quietly gained a reputation among fellow musicians and fans for his creativity as a player and composer of memorable songs, songs that are often quite mysterious and evocative. The art of the composer is often overlooked in the history of jazz music. Improvisations, technical facility, the virtuoso aspect of the music is more revered and noticed by critics and audiences. With this recording, some of the hidden gems of Norwegian jazz composition have come to the surface, songs that have been lost in stacks of handwritten manuscripts for decades, kept alive only in the memory of a few aficionados, including VIdar Johansen. Vidar´s true greatness lies in his personality, the originality of his thoughts and the sheer beauty and warmth of his playing, instantly recognizable by its big tone and phrasing. And likewise, his composi-tions show a deep connection with the great names of jazz history; Thelonious Monk, Charles Min-gus, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and many others. Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone - Vidar Johansen; Trumpet, Flugelhorn - Magnus Aannestad Oseth; Double Bass [Upright Bass] Tine Asmundsen; Drums Terje Engen; Piano - Rune Klakegg.