Circular Changes Michael Bloch Trio

• 1 Waking Up 05:33
• 2 Are We Alive? 02:13
• 3 Our Song 05:04
• 4 Past and Present 02:38
• 5 Superlative 06:45
• 6 I Hear a Rhapsody 05:24
• 7 Agape 04:41
• 8 Moving in Circles 06:06
• 9 Dystopia 04:13
• 10 Back Again 06:25
• Total Runtime 49:02

Info for Circular Changes

The trio had their album debut in 2015 with "First Light", which has received good reviews.

With "Circular Changes", the trio has now moved away from a traditional jazz approach to a more groove-based and melody-focused approach, creating a unique style of expression.

The title suggests that we sometimes move in circles during our lives, but we still make progress and change. We return to places we've been to before, but things have changed. This is reflected in the character of the music. Several of the melodies suggest a sense of retrospection and light melancholy, while at the same time, their innovative freshness confirms that we live in the present and have moved on. The music can be categorized as modern, melodic jazz, influenced by both classical and pop music. Many of the compositions appear to have simple harmonies, but underneath, there is a subtle complexity.

Michael Bloch received a lot of attention when he, at the age of 16, was already playing with well-known musicians. It was expected that he would make a great career as a jazz pianist, but instead, he started playing saxophone, deeply influenced by the music of John Coltrane. With two instruments to handle and a self-critical attitude, he stayed in the shadows for some years. During this time, he worked hard to develop a virtuoso technique and a unique style of playing, utilizing the qualities of both instruments to form his style. With this trio, he is now coming back to the limelight.

Frode Berg is currently working as a bass player at the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, but he is also a renowned jazz musician. He is especially known from his work with Helge Lien Trio and Adam Baldych.

Anders Thorén is a freelance musician and producer, with a diploma from LACM in Los Angeles. He has studied privately with Peter Erskine, Marcus Gilmore and Dave Weckl and is playing with several internationally renowned musicians, such as Lars Jansson, Seamus Blake, Anders Bergcrantz and Helge Lien.

Michael Bloch, piano
Frode Berg, bass
Anders Thorén, drums

Michael Bloch Trio
was established in 2015 and came onto the scene with the debut album "First Light". An album that offers a blend of lyrical and hard-swinging jazz, where subtle, introverted moods are balanced with emotional intensity and expressionism. It received very positive reviews.

Now two years later, the trio is releasing their second album "Circular Changes". This album clearly shows the trio moving away from the traditional jazz approach and style of expression, towards a more groove-based and melody-focused approach. Here you will find rhythmically intense pieces, with odd meters and unexpected phrasings, as well as quiet and lyrical parts.

The trio focuses primarily on original compositions by pianist Michael Bloch but also creates music in the moment, not only in solos, but even entire compositions are spontaneously created in the studio. Many of the compositions appear to have simple harmonies, but underneath, there is a subtle complexity. The music can be categorized as modern, melodic jazz music, influenced both by classical and popular music.

This album contains no booklet.