Uneven Equator by Sigmar Matthiasson
UNEVEN EQUATOR is the third solo album by Icelandic bassist & composer Sigmar Matthiasson. In 2021, Matthiasson released his album “Meridian Metaphor” which introduced a new tone in his compositions, blending contemporary jazz with influences from eastern world music in an intriguing way.
Uneven Equator is somewhat of a thematic continuation of Meridian Metaphor, yet independently distinct, where vocals and string instruments are added to expand the sonic landscape.
Therefore, the music reflects influences from both the East and the West, from both ends of the Equator, as Matthiasson presents a kind of tonal symbolism with diverse references to people, places, experiences and social world issues that have influenced him in the making of this album.
The world is a weird place - sometimes even the Equator feels uneven!
Tracklist
| 1. | Equilibrium | 2:00 |
| 2. | Nú sefur jörðin | 4:50 |
| 3. | Ames Window | 5:59 |
| 4. | Slysaskot í Palestínu | 6:16 |
| 5. | Agitation | 2:20 |
| 6. | Ísfold | 4:13 |
| 7. | Rauðir skógar | 4:36 |
| 8. | Expect the Unexpected | 5:20 |
Credits
All music composed, arranged and produced by Sigmar Matthiasson - with invaluable input from the band.
Ásgeir Ásgeirsson - oud
Haukur Gröndal - clarinet
Ingi Bjarni Skúlason - piano
Magnús Trygvason Eliassen - drums
Sigmar Þór Matthíasson - upright bass
Special guests:
Ragnheiður Gröndal - vocals on track 2 & 7
Benedikt Erlingsson - spoken word on track 4
LÝRA String Quartet - strings on track 1, 2, 5, 6 & 7
Sigrún Harðardóttir - violin I
Sigrún Kristbjörg Jónsdóttir - violin II
Karl James Pestka - viola
Unnur Jónsdóttir - cello
Recorded by Albert Finnbogason at Sundlaugin, March 6-7 & 11, 2024
Additional recording and mixing by Matti Kallio at Fireland Studios, April & May 2024.
Mastered by Svante Forsbäk at Chartmakers (Espoo, Finland), June 2024.
Graphic design: Helsinki.is
Photo on cover: Jónas Haraldsson
Photos in the studio: Albert Finnbogason, Matti Kallio & Guðmundur Atli Pétursson.
Photo of Sigmar: Axel Sigurðarson
Special thanks:
My loving wife Ósk and our two wonderful daughters Klara Ísfold and Lilja Marín, my parents, family and friends, Listamannalaun, Tónlistarsjóður, Tónskáldasjóður RÚV & STEFs, Upptöku- & Nótnasjóður STEFs, Tónskáldasjóður Bylgjunnar & Stöðvar 2, Menningarsjóður FÍH, Matthías Hemstock, Skriðuklaustur & Gunnarsstofnun, Kristján Kristjánsson, Ragnheiður V. Stefánsdóttir, Reynir Berg at Reykjavík Record Shop, Gummi, Jói & Harpa of Brek and everyone else who contributed to the project.
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Icelandic bassist & composer Sigmar Matthiasson's sound is a blend of hardcore groove and colorful melodies. He graduated from The New School for Jazz in 2016. Sigmar has been an active performer on the Icelandic music scene for several years, in addition he has performed at many international festivals, including London Jazz Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival and Nordic Jazz Festival.