Restraint is the order of the day on Stenenes lys, the first album by the new trio Benedicte Torget, Arve Henriksen and Helge Lien. But what exactly is this light of the stones that the three Norwegians want to bring to life with vocals, trumpet, electronics and piano?

Anyone who takes a closer look (or already knows the three) will have an idea. Those who are new to them may get a first impression here:

The best-known musician of the album trio is certainly pianist Helge Lien, who has long since gained international renown with his own Helge Lien Trio. Trumpeter Arve Henriksen is probably best known for his work with the jazz ensemble Supersilent. Singer Benedicte Torget, on the other hand, is a big name in her home country of Norway, but is still considered an insider tip in this country. That is likely to change with Stenenes lys, because the recording is a pleasantly unexcited experience of deceleration.

If the album's mood were to be distilled into a single expression, phrases such as ‘lively silence’, ‘breathing expanse’ or ‘atmospheric contemplation’ would be appropriate. Utenfor tiden is a fine example of this: the vocals are unexcited, the trumpet soulful, the piano delicately dotted, and the music moves gently through the room. Mørkt ditt ansikt confirms this, as do the other eleven tracks.

Each track on the album gives the impression that the compositions follow the wisdom that music always takes place in the pauses between two notes. Stenenes lys thus gives both the ensemble and the listener plenty of time to breathe.

This delightful acoustic retreat is also thanks to the exquisite recording. It uses reverb to create atmosphere, but does so with great care, leaving the sound sources with their body and substance. This creates a sense of presence in the space, and the layering that results from the subtle localisation adds to the effect.

Føye øyenblikk is a good example of this intimacy, beginning with a dialogue between Benedicte Torget and Benedicte Torget, the voices distributed left and right and with a highly intimate presence, as if the singer were whispering her message personally into each listener's ear. This intimacy of performance continues in a direct line in the following tracks, Svarte tavler and Hvis noen kan synge i denne kveld.

All in all, Torget, Henriksen and Lien have created a very relaxed and relaxing album with Stenenes lys, the kind of calm and intensity that is rarely heard. A fine gift for the ears. And not only for them – after a good three quarters of an hour of listening, it becomes clear what the essence of Stenenes lys is: enjoyment. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Benedicte Torget, vocals, composition
Arve Henriksen, trumpet, electronics
Helge Lien, piano