The Japanese term Jinchūriki (人柱力) refers to humans who exhibit extraordinary powers due to the immense chakra – the energy point in the subtle body – reserves they possess. Jjinchūriki is also the name of the Norwegian violin duo of Adrian Løseth Waade, known from the Skadedyr ensemble and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, and Håkon Aase, known from the Nakama and Filosofer groups, both albums were released by Nakama Records, and his collaboration with drummer Thomas Strønen on Strønen’s «Time is a Blind Guide» project. The duo debut album is called «Kyūbi» (九尾の狐) another Japanese word that can be translated literally as a nine-tailed fox, but often refers to a mythological beast, famous for its mischief and trickery with a maddening craving for human flesh.

«Kyūbi» offers twenty concise and very colorful, free explorations of the violins sonic spectrum. The duo inventive and almost telepathic interplay investigates Far-Eastern scales (as on «Chau Gongs» or «Sitarino») and minimalist, reductionist textures («Binary Waltz» or «Binary Beats»); explores the rich timbral range of the violins («Zepplein»); plays with suggestive, cinematic motives with clear dramatic outlines («Dawn of Man» or !101!) and sketches imaginative animal-like songs (the humpback whales song of «Liv der nede») and alien sonic terrains («Tutup»). All these eclectic and playful short pieces – the longest one is short of four minutes – are performed with an impressive focus, commanding control and fine sense of structure and cohesiveness.

Furthermore, the sheer joy of playing and exploration, as in an innocent game-like situation, is radiated throughout the album. True to duo name and the album title, this album also reflects the powerful, insightful and mischievous spirit of these varied duets. Obviously it is also highlights the musical camaraderie of Waada and Aase, just as the label Nakama mission is, and as is the meaning of term Nakama in Japanese (仲間).

Eyal Hareuveni

Adrian Løseth Waade (vio),Håkon Aase (vio)