Sam Gendel, Benny Bock, and Hans P. Kjorstad Unite for the Hypnotic Album Dream Trio

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With Dream Trio, Sam Gendel, Benny Bock, and Hans P. Kjorstad collaborate to create an immersive sonic landscape that explores the boundaries of modern jazz, electronic music, and experimental improvisation. Sam Gendel, an innovative saxophonist and wind controller virtuoso, has made a name for himself by pushing the limits of traditional jazz, evident in his previous work with Vampire Weekend and his acclaimed releases like Satin Doll and Fresh Bread. On this new album, Gendel joins forces with two equally experimental artists: Benny Bock, a composer and keyboardist known for his genre-defying sound design, and Hans P. Kjorstad, a violinist who brings a deep understanding of Norwegian folk music and contemporary microtonal techniques to the mix.

Recorded in Japan and mastered by Matthewdavid, Dream Trio features an intriguing interplay between the trio’s instruments—Gendel’s wind controller and soprano sax, Bock’s UDO synthesizer, and Kjorstad’s violin. The collaboration creates a soundscape that is both otherworldly and rooted in organic musical traditions, blending minimalist melodies with dissonant harmonies and improvised structures. As they explore this dynamic fusion of jazz, electronic, and folk elements, the trio echoes the spirit of avant-garde musicians like Jon Hassell, known for his “Fourth World” sound, and experimental composer Nils Økland, who also blends traditional Norwegian music with modern improvisation.

Dream Trio takes listeners on a journey through ambient textures and fragmented rhythms, creating moments that oscillate between serene introspection and unpredictable bursts of energy. Gendel’s saxophone, often manipulated through his wind controller, adds an ethereal quality, while Bock’s use of synths layers the compositions with lush, evolving harmonics. Kjorstad’s violin serves as a grounding force, occasionally leading the way with microtonal melodies that evoke traditional Scandinavian tunes while venturing into new sonic territories.

As a group, Gendel, Bock, and Kjorstad bring a sense of freedom and spontaneity to Dream Trio, much like other trailblazers in the jazz and experimental scenes, such as Kamasi Washington and Floating Points. This album is a testament to their collective ability to transcend genre boundaries and create a unique, forward-thinking sound. With Dream Trio, the trio delivers an engaging and meditative listening experience, further cementing their positions as leading figures in contemporary improvised music.

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