A1: Innocence (5:07) A2: Polarity (4:53) A3: The Elder (6:43) A4: Revamp (4:37) B1: Within (6:00) B2: Justice (4:51) B3: Euphoria (2:41) B4: Home (5:50)
Description:
Polarity by Hoff Ensemble, released 24 March 2023.
This version of Polarity comes as a 1xLP.
The vinyl is pressed as a opaque disc. -
Recorded in Sofienberg Church, Norway September 2017
20?23 Lindberg Lyd AS, Norway.
Housed in a gatefold cover.
"POLARITY - an acoustic jazz project" is an audiophile LP that unites three outstanding Scandinavian jazz musicians: Norwegian pianist and composer Jan Gunnar Hoff, Swedish bassist Anders Jormin and Norwegian drummer/percussionist Audun Kleive. In an intimate acoustic trio setting, the album explores the tension between lyrical, Nordic melodies and free, interactive improvisation - the very "polarity" that gives this recording its title. Delicate piano lines, deeply resonant bass and a wide palette of percussive colors create a sound world that is at once spacious, melodic and full of subtle rhythmic energy. The music moves organically between quiet, contemplative passages and powerful, expressive peaks, always with a strong sense of communication and listening between the players. Recorded and produced with the characteristic transparency of 2L, this LP offers a wide dynamic range, natural room ambience and finely detailed instrumental timbres, making it particularly attractive for high-end vinyl and jazz enthusiasts.
Jan Gunnar Hoff has long been a central figure in Norwegian jazz, known for his melodically rich compositions and his ability to combine Nordic lyricism with modern jazz language. He has collaborated with a wide spectrum of Scandinavian and international artists and has released numerous highly regarded albums as a leader. Anders Jormin is one of Europe's most respected double bass players, valued for his deep tone, harmonic sophistication and poetic improvisations, and has appeared on many influential recordings in contemporary jazz. Audun Kleive is a creative and versatile drummer whose work ranges from acoustic jazz to more experimental, textural projects; his sensitive playing and nuanced sound conception are key elements of this trio's identity. Together, the three musicians form a finely balanced ensemble that prioritizes interaction, openness and musical storytelling over display.
The LP format underlines the album's acoustic and dynamic qualities. The track sequencing is designed to guide the listener through contrasting moods and atmospheres, reflecting the concept of polarity in both composition and improvisation. Quiet, introspective pieces give space for the resonance of the instruments and the subtleties of touch, while more rhythmically driven tracks highlight the trio's collective energy and spontaneity. The recording's spatial imaging, depth and clarity invite focused listening, where each nuance in the interplay between piano, bass and drums becomes audible.
2L, the Norwegian label behind this release, is internationally renowned in the audiophile world for its purist recording philosophy and its focus on Nordic repertoire and artists. Working primarily in acoustically outstanding spaces and with state-of-the-art recording technology, 2L aims to capture music with exceptional realism, depth and presence. Many of the label's productions have received prestigious nominations and awards in the field of sound engineering and classical/jazz production. With "POLARITY - an acoustic jazz project", 2L once again demonstrates its commitment to uncompromising sound quality and musical authenticity, offering a jazz LP that appeals equally to lovers of sophisticated acoustic jazz and to discerning listeners who value reference-level recordings.
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