Artists: Hedvig Mollestad, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra
Song: “Maternity Suite”
Album: Maternity Beat
Label: Rune Grammofon
Genre: Indie, Jazz, Alternative
Norwegian metal-jazz guitarist Hedvig Mollestad has been been an influential figure in Norway’s jazz scene through her adventurous exploration and musical dynamism going back as far as her earlier albums with the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. Not one to rest on her laurels, Mollestad has just released her most ambitious album yet, collaborating with the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra on Maternity Beat, with it’s insane stand-out track “Maternity Suite”. About the track, Mollestad has said:
“‘Maternity Suite’ is that grandiose prog-suite rising from megalomaniac ideas when I first started working on this music. I wanted this last piece to be as triumphant and powerful as the euphoria of rightfully being let loose from something holding you back, marching united forward towards life at its most joyful! I wanted it to embrace the full power of the whole band altogether, at the same time I wanted to create a journey through shapes and landscapes, of course containing heavy riffs and multiple maxblast-power-solos, to embrace the full freedom!“
The nearly ten minute epic is like nothing you’ll hear in the mainstream today. Elements of prog rock lay an exciting foundation, with the TJO building upon this with wild percussion, wind chimes, brass and quirky key and brass lines. The track starts fast, and only builds on its hyperactive vigilance. Vocals occasionally join in as a harmonized chant, but it’s really about the incredible musicianship on display. Inspired by motherhood, the sheer musical madness here is like having adrenaline shot into your veins and falling into a pile of cocaine.
Experience the track in our Check This 2022 Playlist on Spotify or Apple Music!
The Indy Review 