Combining different genres through your music has become something of a norm these days, the effectiveness and quality relying mainly on two artistic variables – the level of the artist’s knowledge and understanding of the genres they are combining and the ability (including technique) and inventiveness to make such a combination work.
The above might sound a bit dry and scientific, but then, it all comes down to the results, and Norwegian pianist, organist and composer Ruth Viggen makes it all art turn into music as art on her second solo album Open Plains.
Throughout the seven piano/ rhythm section compositions, Viggens shows all her knowledge of everything from jazz and classical music to prog and post-rock and at an inventive and deft touch to combine these in a manner that makes both musical sense and something any listener that night not be to keen on any or all of these genres might relate to. This time around, Viggen is supported by excellent rhythm section of, Larry Steen (bass), and Chris Wabich (drums), who do exactly what a great rhythm section should do accentuate all the right elements the leading instrument is presenting, and Viggen’s piano style is perfectly suited for her blending of genres – flashy and subdued at ll the right moments and in right doses.
In her comments, Viggen notes that booking agents often have a problem deciding which venues to give her- classical, jazz or post rock – but her listeners shouldn’t or wouldn’t care because it makes all the sense musically.
