The expressive arc of Sinikka Langeland's music extends from the archaic to the experimental. Rooted in folk forms but wide-open in its perspectives it demands - and on Wind and Sun gets - particularly resourceful interpreters. Langeland's new group is an optimum assembly of Norwegian musicians, each of them an ECM bandleader in his own right, all of them contributing ideas to the ongoing musical conversation - and, as Sinikka says, "taking things further in their incredible improvised solos."

For her song texts this time, Sinikka turns to the writings of poet and novelist Jon Fosse, one of Norway's most important contemporary authors. Fosse has described the process of writing as "an act of listening" and wrestles with questions of faith in his work in a way that resonates with Sinikka's fascination with "natural mysticism".

Wind and Sun, Sinikka Langeland's eighth ECM album, was recorded at Oslo's Rainbow Studio in September 2022 and mixed at Munich's Bavaria Tonstudio in March 2023.

Sinikka Langeland: vocals, kantele, Jew's harp

Mathias Eick: trumpet

Trygve Seim: tenor and soprano saxophones

Mats Eilertsen: double bass

Thomas Stronen: drums