Geir Sundstøl - Langen Ro

Hubro is a fine Norwegian record label releasing music of the highest quality which crosses many different genres and styles by artists most of us have never come across. When 'Langen Ro' fell into my hands I obviously had no clue as to what was awaiting me. Gier Sundstol is a session guitarist and collector of obscure musical instruments and released a critically acclaimed debut solo album 'Furulund' in 2015 for which he received a Norwegian Grammy nomination. 'Langen Ro' is stunningly inventive. First of all the album goes nowhere fast. Sundstol has carefully produced an ambient masterpiece of massive cinematic scale. The title track 'Langen Ro' conjures up references to Ry Cooder’s instrumental works and from the beginning the restrained subtle tones of the treated guitar are just gorgeous. I love ambient and quiet music but this opening track demanded my attention straight away. After about three minutes the composition develops with a sense of a mountain stream gentle weaving its way along. A lovely bass enters giving another layer of depth. It is truly beautiful. 'Langen Ro' was recorded in Jacob’s Church in the centre of Oslo and was chosen for its wonderful acoustics. 'Gratarslaget' benefits from this atmosphere. The guitar opens the track with a lovely Indian motif before being joined by bass and a restrained synthesizer as the track becomes a lovely Raga that captures the imagination. Sundstol’s version of Giorgio Moroder’s 'Tony’s Theme' (from 'Scarface') is pure genius, reflective and thoughtful capturing the original mood. The whole album continues enveloped in an atmosphere of subtle beauty that draws you into its bosom and holds you in a quiet place. 'Baris' shimmers and sparkles like a frosty Scandanavian dawn before the introduction of some clever electronics that take the tune to another level. 'Langen Ro' should be boring. It is not. Quiet, yes, but Sundstol’s inspirational way of engaging the listener is masterful and intriguing. The perfect late night listen with a glass of single malt.

Track Listing:-

1 Langen Ro
2 Gråtarslaget
3 Tony's theme
4 Los
5 Florianer
6 Rok
7 Baris
8 Bek

Band Links:-

https://nb-no.facebook.com/sundstoel/
https://twitter.com/sundstoel
http://www.geirsundstoel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sundstoel/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5elu