Events

[JAZZ] Those who have such mastery over an instrument that they’re able to effortlessly improvise often describe a state of clear-mindedness or lucidity that is experienced in the midst of an especially consuming jam. That the Norwegian/Swedish jazz band, ATOMIC, chose to name their upcoming album Lucidity indicates that they are quite familiar with this state of mind. For listeners, it’s a different story. The band’s music, especially on their 2013 release There’s a Hole In The Mountain, can often be discordant and chaotic, which might send the listener into more of a delusional state. But for the musicians, it’s only crystal-clear rationality brought on by their intense focus. On Sunday, February 8, ATOMIC comes to Hallwalls in support of Lucidity, which is set to be released in March on Jazzland records. The band’s bassist, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten is no stranger to Hallwalls; he’s played there recently under a few aliases including Young Mothers. Some might know him from the jazz trio The Thing, but Atomic is his oldest ongoing project. Pianist Havard Wiik also plays a key role in Atomic, as the group’s looping, hypnotic tentacle and co-composer along with saxophonist Fredrik Ljungkvist. Wiik is also known for his project Motif, which angles more toward musique concrete or experimental rock than improvisational jazz. When the quintet, which also includes trumpeter Magnus Broo and drummer Hans Hulboekmo finally comes back together to focus on Atomic’s captivating brand of polar jazz, though, it’s always a special treat.