Few improvising musicians can match the transatlantic prolificacy of Norwegian bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten. Since moving to the U.S.—first to Chicago in early 2006, then to Austin, Texas, in late 2008, where he still lives—he’s stayed busier on two (and sometimes three) continents than most folks do on one. He’s equally expert on electric and double bass, whether playing tunes or freely improvising, and his imperturbable grooves are just as powerful as the thrumming energy and gnarled turbulence of his solos.
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Håker Flaten takes a very different approach on Bricktop (Trost), a live duo album with veteran multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee that was recorded at Okka Fest in Milwaukee in June 2015. McPhee’s liner notes explain that its three improvised pieces are dedicated to the eccentric Ada Beatrice Queen Victoria Louise Virginia Smith, an American singer and entertainer who was a crucial part of the Parisian expat community beginning in the 20s—nicknamed “Bricktop,” she was the inspiration for Cole Porter’s classic “Miss Otis Regrets.” McPhee is at his most meditative, his beautiful playing on tenor saxophone rippling with soulful intensity. He and Håker Flaten are longtime collaborators, and in this stark, acoustic setting their rapport is clear as day. Below you can check out the tender title track, which features fantastic arco playing by the bassist. Bricktop by JOE MCPHEE / INGEBRIGT HAKER FLATENHåker Flaten will give a rare solo performance Monday evening as part of the terrific Option Series at Experimental Sound Studio. Following the concert, he’ll be interviewed by Vandermark.
