The ensemble led by Norwegian pianist, composer and harmonium player Christian Wallumrød creates sophisticated, very concentrated music which has the freedom of jazz. At the same time it incorporates elements of minimal music, baroque and Scandinavian folk. The group has a remarkable instrumentation which includes harmonium and cello.
Wallumrød is known for his quiet, chamber-like jazz. He plays in various small line-ups, of which several have been recorded by renowned label ECM Records. Christian is the brother of Susanna Wallumrød, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of Susanna & the Magic Orchestra.
‘Scandinavians have often experimented with indigenous folk, classical music and improvisation, but there is no band that does it with more beauty and thoughtfulness than the Christian Wallumrød Ensemble’ (de Volkskrant).
‘Very quiet, but very strong’ (The Guardian)
Espen Reinertsen tenor sax, Eivind Lønning trumpet, Christian Wallumrød piano/harmonium, Tove Törngren cello, Per Oddvar Johansen drums/vibraphone