Simen Kill Halvorsen’s ̎Scripted Conversations ̎ is a groovy, melodic outfit comprising six exciting young performers, several of whom are already among the busiest in Norway, playing in bands such as Atomic, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and the Hanna Paulsberg Concept. Half of the band has its roots from the Faculty of Performing Arts here at the university in Stavanger (including Halvorsen himself), while the remainder are from the jazz studies course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. Both halves merge here in an explosive sextet, with a vibrant rhythm section and class-act soloists.
The band’s name and repertoire come from Halvorsen’s debut album as a band leader and composer. Recorded after the trumpeter won the Mølster prize at MaiJazz in 2015, it was followed up with a brilliant concert the following year. The musicians played with radar-like ears, elegantly navigating the contours of Halvorsen’s compositions, with plenty of headroom for improvisation, yet nonetheless with a defined expression. The music itself is somewhat closer to the American tradition than we are used to hearing from such young artists here in Norway – and that works just perfectly. Scripted Conversations is a one-of-a-kind ensemble, which under the Halvorsen’s leadership oozes enthusiasm, creativity and quality across the board.
Line up:
Simen Kiil Halvorsen – trumpet
Hanna Paulsberg – saxophone
Øyvind Dale – piano
Fredrik Luhr Dietrichson – bass
Raymond Lavik – drums
Hans Hulbækmo – drums