Torun Eriksen

Torun Eriksen comes to MaiJazz fronting a new album - Passage - on the Jazzland label. Her two previous releases saw her cutting her teeth as one of Norway’s leading vocalists. Following her 2003 debut, Roald Helgheim writing in Dagbladet described it thus: “If jazz music is to move forward, we need voices like Torun Eriksen’s”.

With Passage, Eriksen has chosen to get to grips with her musical heritage. Based around musical traditions from home, the compositions build on folk songs and folkloric tradition, although her elegant and exquisite interpretations shine through. She has proved herself to be an impressive songwriter, with a choice of melodies and stirring lyrics that clothe her voice especially well. Pristine, warm and heartfelt jazz of top calibre.

Translation by Erik Forster