Tellef Kvifte’s latest single, “Brooklyn Bar,” serves as the opening track for his second studio album, “Upstairs in a Tent.” This song presents a compelling blend of memories, emotional clarity, and cultural resonance. As the leading track, “Brooklyn Bar” sets the stage for an expansive emotional journey led by one of Norway’s most respected musical figures.
Tellef has established himself as a multifaceted presence in the Norwegian music scene, taking on various roles as a producer, engineer, professor, and innovative musician. However, “Brooklyn Bar” feels particularly personal, resembling an intimate conversation between old friends or a reflective moment in a late-night tavern. The expressive breath of his chosen instrument, the taragot, carries the emotion throughout the piece.
Tellef’s performance on “Brooklyn Bar” is both effortless and deliberate, with phrasing that sways between melancholy and hope, channeling decades of musical exploration into every note. The supporting band, aptly named Tellefs, brings the composition to life with their organic synergy. Magnus Wiik’s guitar chords are warm and subtle, floating like candlelight in a dark room. Åsmund Reistad anchors “Brooklyn Bar” with a smooth, earthy bassline that adds depth without overshadowing the taragot’s melodic lead. Meanwhile, Knut Kvifte Nesheim’s drumming is delicate and intentional, brushing against the rhythm like a gentle heartbeat.
Drawing from the roots of Norwegian and Irish traditional music while incorporating modern jazz sensibilities, “Brooklyn Bar” exemplifies Kvifte’s genre-defying approach. reimagines tradition through the lens of deeply personal storytelling. As a single, “Brooklyn Bar” successfully teases the broader sonic palette of the album while standing confidently on its own as a piece of art, inviting both long-time fans and new listeners into Tellef’s evolving musical universe, where folk traditions, jazz textures, and heartfelt improvisation coexist in quiet harmony.
.jpg)
0 Comments