If Mountains Could Sing

If Mountains Could Sing is a high point in Terje Rypdal’s wide-ranging discography. For this project, the Norwegian guitarist and composer concocted a seamless blend of jazz and classical ingredients, adding three string players to a core band with bassist Bjørn Kjellemyr and drummer Audun Kleive. Opener “The Return Of Per Ulv” is one of the most quintessential tracks in the ECM catalog and sets the tone for a spacious sonic experience. Kjellemyr and Kleive are chameleonic throughout, adapting to the terrain of every tune in perfect camouflage, while Rypdal himself sets the sky ablaze with his electric flares.