This stand-out, intimate jazz duo recording features the haunting vocals of Siril Malmedal Hauge - a 25-year-old sensation from the small island, Sula, on the Norwegian North-West peninsula. And the guitar artistry of Jacob Young, internationally known and critically acclaimed for his work with his groups on three releases for ECM Records.
If you like Melody Gardot, Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald or Chet Baker - chances are you will dig this too.
"Last Things" is an album with a mix of original songs, covers and standards - all from different popular music areas and different times in music history. Songs from genres as diverse as the epic 1970´s rock ballad "Little Wing" - a cover of Jimi Hendrix' tune - to the Cole Porter masterpiece "So In Love" from the 1950´musical "Kiss me Kate".
Two original song written by Jacob Young "Bounce With Me" and the title track of the album "Last Things" - a song that features Jacob Young`s voice in duet with Siril Malmedal Hauge, as well as multiple acoustic and electric guitars.
On a curious note; this marks his debut as a singer on any recording.
The production of the album is sober and transparent, showcasing the strength of Siril's phrasing and delivery of intertextual meaning - or storytelling.
The songs are centred around the lyrical arrangements of Jacob Young's guitar work. He is not afraid of using multiple layers and textures to elevate certain moments in the arrangements. Siril Malmedal Hauge's sensual voice floats on top and in-between the musical lines of the songs. The duo impresses both as interpreters and improvisers.
This is the third album from the Oslo label, Oslo Session Recordings - once again they present us with something different - a jazz album that also pop music lovers can embrace.
