About

Terje Rypdal’s Waves (recorded 1977) announced the beginning of the Norwegian guitarist’s association with Danish trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, which continues to this day. The album also introduced one of Terje’s most enduringly popular pieces, “Per Ulv.” “Rypdal’s album is a series of sonic excursions ranging from the expressionist to the impressionist…” wrote Record World. “Rypdal’s guitar and Mikkelborg’s trumpet are well-matched, with Manfred Eicher’s typically superb production putting it all in focus.”

Initially published in January 1978, vinyl is reissued in October 2016 as audiophile pressing taken from the original analog tapes.

Featured Musicians

Terje Rypdal  Electric Guitar, RMI Keyboard Computer, ARP Synthesizer

Palle Mikkelborg  Trumpet, Flugelhorn, RMI, Tac Piano, Ringmodulator

Sveinung Hovensjø  6-String Electric Bass, 4-String Electric Bass

Jon Christensen  Drums, Percussion

 – Press Release

“Much of the album’s blurry spirit takes bodily form in “Per Ulv.” Combining a delightfully dated drum machine and quasi-Afrobeat percussion from Jon Christensen with the mellifluous bass of Sveinung Hovensjø, it opens itself to Rypdal’s searing flights. Mikkelborg’s quick fingers fuel the fire, which calms to a smolder in “Karusell,” where he marks his territory with breath rather than exaltation, trading off guttural statements with Rypdal’s softened twang. Mikkelborg even contributes a composition of his own in “Stenskoven,” a raunchy carnivalesque that might as well have switched titles with its predecessor. The title piece depends from lines of cymbals and snare and is supported by organ. Over this synthesized bliss, Rypdal and his cohorts weave a loose and lyrical song.” – ECM Reviews

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