Om utgivelsen
Ulli is the fourth album by Norwegian-Sámi duo LEAGUS, consisting of pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad. The album takes its point of departure in ideas of cycles, circulation and movement — in nature, in rhythm, and in the way musical ideas emerge, disappear and return in new forms.
Ulli is the Northern Sámi word for high tide. High tide is not a static state, but part of a larger natural cycle: it rises and falls, expands and contracts, moves outward and inward, and returns to familiar places without ever being quite the same.
Rooted in a Sámi identity, LEAGUS has always explored the space between composition and improvisation, and between established musical roles and the possibilities of redefining them.
The music on Ulli was not composed first and recorded afterwards. Instead, LEAGUS set up in their studio and spent an extended period of time improvising, composing and recording simultaneously. Ideas could be kept and developed when they felt meaningful, while others were left behind for later. Over time, the material began to take shape through this continuous process of exploration.
The album gradually expands beyond the duo. Svein Schultz contributes bass, while Torkil Vollstad-Giæver and Aleksander Kostopoulos appear on drums. The joiker Lávre Johan Eira contributes on two tracks, with his voice and joik becoming an integral part of the compositions.
The music moves between acoustic and electronic textures, composed structures and improvisation. Piano, guitar, percussion, programming, bass and drums form a constantly shifting framework, while joik introduces another dimension of musical expression rooted in LEAGUS’ Sámi identity.
The return to the duo format comes after the expansive Flora Eallin, a commissioned work for the ten-piece Nordnorsk Jazzensemble. After the experience of working with a large ensemble, there was a natural desire to explore the intimacy, freedom and possibilities of working as two musicians again. Not as a step backwards, but as part of the same ongoing movement.
MARKETING & PROMOTION / SELLING POINTS
• For fans of: Mari Boine, Hedningarna, contempory jazz and sami music
• Fourth album from the duo Leagus, this time with an expanded line-up
• Ulli has been improvised, composed and recorded simultaneously over time
• The joiker Lávre Johan Eira contributes on two tracks
• Festivals and concerts will be announced
• Digital singles: Gaskkas (16/10), Uvlu (6/11)
TRACKLIST:
1. Gaskkas (feat. Lávre)
2. Buolža
3. Eamit
4. Čáhcemuitu
5. Uvlu
6. Áhkut (feat. Lávre)
7. Guohtun
Musikere
Herborg Rundberg - piano, komposisjon
Kristian Svalestad Olstad - gitar, elektronikk, komposisjon
Svein Schultz - bass
Torkil Vollstad-Giæver - trommer
Aleksander Kostopoulos - trommer
Lávre Johan Eira - joik
