JØRN ØIEN COSMOPOLITAN
Originally from Narvik in northern Norway, Jørn Øien has been a leading light of the Norwegian jazz scene for the past 30 years, both with his own trio and as a sought-after sideman for a multitude of other projects such as Geir Lysne Ensemble, Maria Schneider Orchestra and Röyksopp.
‘Cosmopolitan’ is a genre-busting album where jazz, world music and electronica unite in a potent brew of muscular grooves, swooning synth sounds, and irresistible melodies. The album is a musical journey from Sápmi to West Africa, from Babylon to Brooklyn, and the result of Øien's lifelong fascination with the visionary keyboardist and composer Joe Zawinul.
THE CONCEPT
“The concept behind this release stems from my fascination with the bands and music of keyboardist and composer Joe Zawinul, who I have studied and admired for many years. As the self-titled founder of ‘world music’ and an essential figure in the development of electric jazz, he is a major source of inspiration for me as a musician and composer.. The compositional idea and aesthetic direction I wanted for this project was for the music to be orchestral but airy. It should be groovy and driving, but also breathe. The result is a colorful mix; from groovy electronic jazz where the music takes you on a journey from East and Central Asia, Africa, through elements of Sami indigenous tradition and Nordic ambience to African American gospel!”
Jørn Øien
