Soft Musical Waves from Kjetil Mulelid Trio

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Since their formation in 2016, Kjetil Mulelid Trio has become one of Norway’s most exciting acoustic piano trios, known for their distinctive sound and impressive concert activity across Europe and Japan. Their three critically acclaimed albums have earned international recognition, and their upcoming forth album has already recieved raving reviews by UK vibe: "The tunes take on a very expressive nature which intrigues and delights this listener, with a good degree of magical interplay adding depth to Mulelid’s excellent compositions." - Mike Gates

This piano trio features some of Norway’s most exciting jazz musicians, who are also active in other projects such as Morgonrode, Wako, Siril Malmedal Hauge, and Fra det onde. Within the trio, however, they focus on the classic acoustic piano trio format, with Mulelid’s compelling compositions balancing energetic interplay, rhythmic complexity, and harmonically rich music with atmospheric, melodic themes. Through an exploratory approach, they bring forth new layers, tones, and textures in improvisational interplay, aiming to create musical magic.

"Singing Sands" is a calm, soft song and one of the first tracks written with new bass player Rune Nergaard. The trio delivers musical waves dedicated to the Scottish coastal landscape. Kjetil Mulelid says:

- This song came together just a couple of days after our very first rehearsal with Rune on bass. Initially, the idea was for it to have a more bass-driven structure, with a rhythmic groove propelling the song forward, but we scrapped that idea on the first run-through and settled on a calmer, more flowing version. For a long time, the song had no title, and during our Canada tour in June 2024, I asked the audience for suggestions at each concert. Many great ideas came in, particularly related to water, so thank you to everyone! I love the parallel between the music and waves rolling in with uneven rhythm and varying intensity, all receding back into the sea. In the fall of 2024, I happened to visit The Singing Sands on Islay in Scotland. In short, it was such a beautiful place that I felt it deserved a song. Here it is!

And Now also marks a new chapter for the trio, with Rune on double bass. After Bjørn Marius stepped back from the trio, Kjetil found a fresh musical inspiration upon hearing Rune perform at Blå in Oslo. This encounter sparked new creative energy and inspired the album’s compositions. “Rune has an engaged and exploratory style, and he brings a unique melodic depth to the music. Working with him has opened new possibilities for the trio, and I am incredibly proud of the result,” says Kjetil.

The single Singing Sands, out now, is serving as the second and final preview ahead of the album's release on February 7.