Undergrowth by Hayden Powell

The undergrowth – a rich, diverse and mysterious place, full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Supporting and nurturing the trees above, myriads of plants, insects and other organisms make up the forest floor. Their interplay and dependence on one another is not unlike good musicking, working with what’s available, making their contributions and letting the seasons slowly unfold.

In music, the undergrowth might be all the small details and background elements that you don’t notice at first, full of subtle textures, timbres and timing. Simple, but at the same time incredibly complex. Although everyone plays their part, no two performances (or individuals) are the same and subtle quirks and anomalies are what make it all come alive.

The compositions on this album are collected from ideas developed during the last five years, often at the piano, and further refined following individual sessions with the other musicians. I tried to write music that’s not too demanding technically, leaving space for interpretation and personal expression.

Following these sessions and an exploratory concert performance, the music came together during two days of rehearsing, and two days recording at Rainbow Studio, Oslo. The result is most definitely a collective effort and has taken on a life of its own that exceeds what I could have hoped for at the outset.

Hayden Powell is a trumpet player who specialises in jazz and other types of music where improvisation is involved. Based in Oslo, Norway, Powell has worked extensively as a freelancer and a band leader, as well as writing and arranging.

Powell has released four albums as a leader, and has also contributed to more than 30 albums as a sideman.