(CD)

The trio started as project band five years ago to explore jazz and improvisation - now they are ready with a debut album full of creative compositions, strong interplay and a unique band sound.

Associated with Water is an album made with a compositional approach that aims to float seemingly from jazz to classical to folk. It contains emotional impressionistic passages followed by groovy balkan bass-lines, modern jazz themes and Chopin-like rubato “islands”.

The trio has a collective vision; to fuse three individual artists and composers. Christian Balvig on the piano currently remarks himself as a composer and arranger working with major Scandinavian orchestras such as Copenhagen Philharmonics and Det Norske Blåsensemble. In this trio he gets the chance to truly shine as a pianist.

Frederik Bülow on the drums is the anchor of the trio with the most energetic and interactive passages to the most intense silences. He is busy on the nordic jazz scene because of his in depth understanding of a wide range of music.

Adrian Christensen on the bass completes the band sound. He has a very modern jazz sound and a lot of afro behind his drive” - Peter Rahbek (Jazz Special - November 2015). As co-leader of bands like Bangin Bülows Nice Jazz Quartet and Abekejser he is pushing jazz in new directions

To find a new direction in jazz is the main focus for this trio too. To develop small “islands” of musical invention and interaction that can enhance our nordic jazz sound. Also, to make poetic and energetic improvisational choices that suit the given composition in a non pretentious way. 

Associated with Water was recorded and mixed by Jacob Worm in FinlandStudiet, Aarhus, Denmark January/February 2017.

Christian Balvig - piano, Adrian Christensen - bass, Frederik Bülow - drums      

"...the ensemble's original compositions and explorations speak of emotional placidity, stimulating momentum and technical clarity, often imbued with natural, elegant rubato." - Adrian Pallant, London Jazz News

"Fine stretches of light and shade across this very pleasing lawn of sound." - Paddy Kehoe, RTE Ireland Broadcasting (Ireland)