DCist Preview: Jostein Gulbrandsen
Jostein Gulbrandsen performing at DC9 with Motel in 2007, photo by Jamie Onderdonk |
Jazz guitarist Jostein Gulbrandsen's career has been on the upswing since the 2007 release of his debut, Twelve. The album was named one of the year's top five by The Village Voice and as a result, Gulbrandsen is slowly making a name for himself in New York's crowded jazz scene. He is also a friend of the District, coming to the city several times a year to perform with local musicians. Gulbrandsen will return to our fair city with performances on Sunday at the vibrant Bossa Bistro & Lounge and Monday at Blues Alley, a performance sponsored by the Norwegian Embassy.
"I know a lot of what’s going on in the D.C. scene and there's a lot of great stuff happening" he told DCist, "but my music might bring in some different elements."
Gulbrandsen's musical journey began in his native Norway, when he first picked up a guitar at the tender age of nine. After formal studies in Norway and the University of North Texas, he moved to New York in 2001 for graduate studies at the famed Manhattan School of Music. There, he encountered bassist Matt Grason, a frequent collaborator who will join Gulbrandsen for both performances. Local music fans will recognize Grason as the leader of the jazz/hip-hop collective, Motel, which was a featured performer at Unbuckled 7.
These concerts are a departure for Gulbrandsen, who has been focusing on his trio, but will be playing in a quartet setting with slightly different lineups each night. Local drumming ace Larry Ferguson will anchor the group along with Grason, but Sunday's performance will feature saxophonist Jason Gillenwater and pianist Megumi Yonezawa will perform at Blues Alley.
Listeners at these shows can expect music that is not necessarily characteristic of current trends in jazz.
"Mainly, the element of melody is key in my compositions," Gulbrandsen explained. "Usually the form of my songs are short. These days, people are getting into a complex approach."
The two quartets will be performing material from Twelve, along with newer material written for Gulbrandsen's trio, but adapted to the new setting. Gulbrandsen's music also reflects his Nordic roots and the European style of jazz that was an early influence, notably the recordings on the legendary label, ECM.
"I’m trying to meld the European and American elements of jazz, so hopefully my music will have something fresh and appealing to the listener."
The Jostein Gulbrandsen Quartet will perform on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge at 9 p.m, call 202-667-0088 for cover information. On Monday, the band will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.