It almost feels as though it is “meant to be” – the combination of Thomas Dybdahl and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. Two of the greatest musical exports of our region, both of whom have truly made their mark far and wide on the international stage.
Maijazz was ground-breaking when we launched a collaboration crossing over traditional musical worlds over thirty years ago. Names like Palle Mikkelborg, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul and Snarky Puppy have graced our billboards.
The collaboration between Thomas Dybdahl and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra enriches both the Maijazz artists and SSO.
An important link in the chain is, of course, the conductor. And in 2024, the conductor in question is one who truly understands how to fine-tune this collaboration down to his very fingertips, namely Vince Mendoza. He is the very one that all the great names wish to work with when mighty orchestras and impressive events come together to raise the musical bar.
Maijazz 2024 coincides with the release of Thomas Dybdahl´s latest album, entitled “Teenage Astronauts”. It is a collaboration between Grammy-winning producer Larry Klein (who has worked with Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock, amongst others), the legendary composer Vince Mendoza (known for his work with BjÖrk, Joni Mitchell, and more), Stavanger Symphony Orchesta and lyricist Edie Kuhnle Ottestad. The album consists of songs written primarily for vocals, acoustic guitars, and string orchestras. It is an album which Thomas himself reveals he has been wanting to make for years, but decided to wait until the right songs and the right partners were lined up.
Thomas most recently worked with lyricist Edie Kuhnle on the October Trilogy, and some of the public´s favourite pieces by Dybdahl, such as Adelaide and Babe, were both written with Edie. This time around, their collaboration evolved through conversations about growing up and friendship in Thomas´s studio in Stavanger.
The album was recorded in a small house in the town of Pioneertown, California. Thomas and his producer Larry took what they could fit into a car and set up a small studio where they spent the following weeks recording the bass material for the songs. The string section was then written by Vince and was recorded featuring string musicians from Stavanger Symphony Orchestra at Stavanger Konserthus.
Thomas & co. have declared: “We are really looking forward to performing these songs, as well as others from the collection, along with a fantastic band and the fabulous musicians from SSO at Maijazz. To top it all off, we have the great fortune of being led by no other than Vince Mendoza himself on this particular evening! What a party it is set to be!”
Thomas Dybdahl – on vocals, guitar
Lars Horntveth – on pedal steel, guitar, synth., wind
Gard Nilssen – on drums, percussion
Ole Morten Vågan – on double bass
Vegard Lien Bjerkan – on keys
Conductor and Composer – Vince Mendoza
Photo: Arild Østin Ommundsen
Time and place: Wednesday, 8th. May, 19:00 hrs., Stavanger Konserthus – Fartein Valen