After playing in a successful duo with John Russell for a couple of years, Ståle Liavik Solberg decided to put together a quartet consisting of more musicians from the British improvisation scene. For him it was an easy choice combining Russell with Steve Beresford and John Edwards and Ståle arranged for the quartet to play at St. Mary’s Old Church in Stoke Newington, London. Once the idea had taken root for the concert it became obvious they were embarking on something special and the decision was taken to call in renowned recording engineer Dave Hunt to record the music.

 

John Russell, Steve Beresford and John Edwards have been a part of the free improvisation scene in England and Europe for several decades, and have played together in many different circumstances during this time. Ståle Liavik Solberg is an active free improviser in Norway and is, among other things, a director of the extensive concert series Blow Out! in Oslo.

 

The music on ”Will it Float” can best be described as classic British improvisation with an electro-acoustic twist. It is a major element that runs throughout the recording, creating a soundscape that is both challenging and engaging. The improvisations are freely made, without preparation, and are characterized by an extreme joy in playing and a desire to take chances while maintaining a firm focus on the group’s identity.

 

Fred Lonberg-Holm got the task of mixing and mastering the album and Kjetil Tangen made the great cover art.

 

”Will it Float” is out on Friday February 6th on the record label Va Fongool, released on a heavy black vinyl limited to 300 copies.