a week in the life…. of Trondheim

I realised the other day that there are probably some people who don’t live in Trondheim, which then lead me to think that maybe there are some people who didn’t know how awesome it is. This made me sad. So seeing as last week was a particularly creative and love filled week (with a little help from our Swedish friends), I thought I’d take the opportunity to send a little bit of Trondheim to the masses. The masses of people that read this blog that is. So here’s the run down (with informative video examples) of what we got up to.

Wednesday kicked of with a double-double concert evening. First up, MoHa! were playing Klubb Kanin at Rockheim with support from Rema Tøsen (Rema being the Norwegian Tescos, and Tøsen being a slut). MoHa! were brutal, aggressive math rock being paired with near blinding synchronized lighting, quite an assault of the senses. In a good way. I was one third of Rema Tøsen, along with Ole Mofjell (drums) and Eirik Havnes (electronics), it was our first gig and hopefully not our last, I believe we played a psychedelic electronic improvisation, but feel free to correct me if that’s wrong… Here’s a vid of MoHa!, you’ll need to watch until 1:22 to get a good idea of what they sound like. And one of us.

The same night there were two performances at a new improvised music night run by Henrik Munkeby Nørstebø. The first act was a solo performance by Swedish sax player Anna Högberg, I unfortunately missed this, but I have seen her play a concert in a sauna in middle Sweden, so I can assume that it was great! Next up was Henrik (trombone) with Finn Loxbo (guitar), and Frøydis Dahlø (flute), they gave us a good dose of extreme and intense minimalism. Which leads me smoothly onto the Thursday night, where Dahlø/Loxbo/Nørstebrø played another performance with Frøydis on electronics this time, they were followed by a debut performance from the melodic and energetic Ebb and Tide, which was made up of Anna Högberg, Matilda Rolfsson (drums) and Elsa Bergman (bass). The night took place in small gallery called Artnest, and most imprtantly, coffee and cake was provided. Here’s a vid of those two bands.

Finally, on Friday night, Matilda Rolfsson, Erlend Albertsen and myself made a performance/installation at a Gallery Blunk. The artwork, Terra Incognita, was a slowly changing video installation and the artist was Rasmus Brinch. It was a really inspiring installation space to play in, and again, most importantly, beer, coffee and waffles were provided ;-)

Thanks to everyone involved, I’m looking forward to more weeks like this one!

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Band on the Wall, Manchester

Beats & Pieces launch their brand new live EP at Band on the Wall in Manchester, where it was recorded in June. For more information click here – for tickets click here.

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Kings Place, London

Beats & Pieces participate in a series of gigs at the London Jazz Festival celebrating talented emerging artists from across the UK, Europe and USA – alongside Robert Glasper, Gretchen Parlato, Nik Bartsch and Rory Simmons’ Fringe Magnetic. Part of the Efpi November Showcase Tour. For more information and tickets click here.

HAQ + Claire James Trio + Trio Riot @ The Forge, Camden

HAQ, the Claire James Trio and Trio Riot join forces for a special evening of music by Efpi artists at the London Jazz Festival. Part of the Efpi November Showcase Tour. For more information click here.

Trio Riot @ Yardbird, Birmingham

Trio Riot continue the Efpi November Showcase Tour. For more details click here.

HAQ + Trio Riot @ Matt & Phred’s, Manchester

HAQ + Trio Riot @ Taylor John’s, Coventry

HAQ and Trio Riot team up as part of the Efpi November Showcase Tour. For more details click here.

Trio Riot @ RNCM, Manchester

Trio Riot’s first ever UK date at the RNCM Saxophone Day. Part of the November Efpi Showcase Tour. For more details click here.

Sam Andreae + Anton Hunter @ Fuel Cafe Bar, Manchester