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| Elsa Nilsson "Salt Wind" CD Release Performance March 26 - Rockwood Music Hall Flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson's new album "Salt Wind" is a deeply personal expression with influences from every aspect of her colorful life. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised by a California hippie, Nilsson had her feet planted in two very different cultures, leading her to seek commonalities wherever she can find them. She believes the true beauty of music is its ability to create common ground, and she weaves all kinds of folk music (including jazz) to find a deeper understanding between people and cultures. This cross-cultural philosophy is evident in her compositional style, subtly drawing from personal and universal elements to create a sound that is distinctly her own yet approachable from many angles. Tour Schedule: March 22nd, 8-11 pm New Brunswick Jazz Project, INC. at 302 George St., New Brunswick, NJ March 23rd 10-midnight with Chloe Fortay, The Plough and Stars 912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA March 24th, House Concert in Princeton New Jersey. March 25th 8 pm, Henry's Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania SE, Washington DC. March 26th, 7-9 pm, Rockwood Music Hall CD RELEASE PARTY. Double bill with Camila Meza and the Nectar Orchestra March 31st, 7 pm Madison Theater, 1036 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12208 JazzInEurope - Across The Pond Feature European Tour: April 7th, 8 pm, Elsa Nilsson with Ommatidium at Frilägret, Gothenburg, Sweden April 10th, 7.30 pm, Ommatidium at Efterskolen for Scenekunst in Aarhus, Denmark April 12th, 9 pm, Ommatidium at Splendor in Amsterdam, Netherlands April 16th, Ommatidium at ZeeZicht, Dageraadplaats 7/8, Antwerpen, Belgium April 18th, Ommatidium at Frontsession in Aarhus, Denmark April 19th Ommatidium at Ribe Ungdomsskole, Ribe, Denmark April 20th, 8 pm, Ommatidium at Grundtvigs Højskole, Sealand, Denmark April 21st, 10 pm, Elsa Nilsson with Ommatidium at Charlie Scotts in Copenhagen, Denmark "I feel it is my responsibility as an artist to be open, vulnerable and honest - in hopes of creating a space that allows the listener to do the same." - Elsa Nilsson Personnel: Elsa Nilsson - Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Vocals, Compositions and Arrangements Jeff McLaughlin - Guitar Alex Minier - Acoustic and Electric Bass Cody Rahn- Drums and Percussion Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Kevin Salem Recorded by Chris Bittner and Kevin Salem at Applehead Studios and The Distortion Tank Reviews: The Flute View, Rachel Hacker Elsa Nilsson's newest album, Salt Wind, is a breath of fresh air, amongst a sea of jazz. Each track is uniquely crafted, and diverse from the next one. Nilsson's compositions will be heralded by the most discriminating of today's jazz affectionados. Yet, each piece is appealing to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Nilsson composed each piece with a unique set of influences, and every composition tells a story. Being a native of Sweden, the melodies sound in Salt Wind are inspired by traditional folk music, but with a contemporary jazz twist. From the beginning to the end, Nilsson's playing is full of color and life. The bass flute sounds buttery, and the C Flute sings through the registers with musicality and emotion. There are nine tracks on the album. The first track, titled Tiny Bridges, Homemade Islands, is full of joy. The melody is inspired by her time spent at her family's chalet in the Alps, and sounds like a sunny morning by a lake that was experienced by Nilsson. Another favorite of mine is the fourth track, titled Inside Brooklyn Thunder. This track is smokey and slow-paced. The composition was inspired by a cozy evening indoors, during a thunderstorm. I first listened to Inside Brooklyn Thunder while driving in the rain, and it was very complimentary to the ambience created by the weather outside my car. As a long time fan of heavy metal music from Europe, the fifth track, Hedning exceeded my expectations for "Heavy Metal Flute." Even cooler, Nilsson sings in this composition, and is the author of the lyrics. The word "Hedning" means "Heathen" in Swedish, and the roving bass line enforces these intense emotions. The flute solo is a virtuosic flurry of notes. I spent a lot of time listening to this album in my car, on the way to work. Every time I listen to each track, I discover something new- a thick guitar harmony, a creative drum riff, or contrapuntal bass line. The entire ensemble is in sync, on both a musical and technical level. At least once a day, a melody from this album will get stuck in my head. However, this is a good problem. I hope that many more flutists and music enthusiasts will add this album to their library, and listen to it often. Midwest Record Review, Chris Spector ELSA NILSSON/Salt Wind: Have I got a gal I'd like to fix you up with. Flute playing Nilsson has got a hippie vibe running through her veins that manifests itself in her music in a very nice way. Hitting that folk/jazz instrumental sound that that was prevalent 40 years, but updated by her for now, this is brimming with the cross cultural way she's lived growing up leading her to make her mark in New York now. A real spiritual throw back to the indie instrumental-ish records of the 70s that were around before disco hit, yes, it's those same sides that are spoken about in hushed tones today by those in the know that inform this set. With an under current of healing music running through it that you don't realize is not only good but good for you, this sprightly, winning set goes the distance with gas to spare. This is a well done treat that's going to do a lot for tired ears looking for an oasis. write your comments about the article :: © 2017 Jazz News :: home page |