Drops by Ingebrigt Haker Flaten (Exit) Knarr
With Drops, bassist and composer Ingebrigt Håker Flaten leads his powerhouse ensemble (Exit) Knarr into new terrain—using graphic scores as a springboard for improvisation and sonic exploration. It’s the third studio release from the group and perhaps its most personal statement yet.
“I used to love painting and drawing as a kid,” says Håker Flaten. “Now, that re-connection to shape and color helps me communicate musical ideas to my bandmates more easily. It helps me share the core of my music without needing to explain it all in notes.”
Drawing on influences from Wassily Kandinsky to Hilma af Klint, as well as musical pioneers like Anthony Braxton and Mats Gustafsson, Håker Flaten blends visual art, free jazz, mythology, and electronic music into a unified whole. The band uses electronic tools both live and in the studio—not only to enhance the sound but to expand the textures and moods, reflecting Håker Flaten’s inspiration from the possibilities of electronic music.
The band—featuring Amalie Dahl (alto), Karl Hjalmar Nyberg (tenor, electronics), Marta Warelis (piano, electronics), Jonathan F. Horne (guitar), Olaf Olsen (drums), and Håker Flaten himself—brings a rare intensity and cohesion after several years of touring and growth. On the opening track, “Deluge,” an electrifying live-in-studio reimagining of Wayne Shorter’s JuJu classic, they’re joined by Mette Rasmussen and Veslemøy Narvesen for a bold, extended lineup.
The album will be released August 22 at Saalfelden Jazz Festival, followed by performances at Willisau, Cologne Jazzweek, and an extensive European tour in September 2025.
Available on digital, CD, and vinyl.
Tracklist
| 1. | Deluge (deconstructed) | 11:07 |
| 2. | Drops | 5:19 |
| 3. | Kanón (for Paal Nilssen-Love) | 16:48 |
| 4. | Austin Vibes (tweaked by Karl Hjalmar Nyberg) | 4:57 |
Videos
Credits
Amalie Dahl – alto*
Karl Hjalmar Nyberg – tenor, electronics
Marta Warelis – piano, electronics
Jonathan F. Horne – guitar
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – bass
Olaf Olsen – drums
Mette Rasmussen – alto**
Veslemøy Narvesen – drums**
*track 2, 3 & 4
**track 1
2, 3 & 4 by Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (TONO/NcB). Deluge by Wayne Shorter, an excerpt from a performance by (Exit) Knarr Extended playing JuJu Deconstructed by Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, recorded live at Børsen Kulturhus on December 3rd.
Recorded by Håvard Skaset at Børsen Kulturhus, Tangen, Norway Dec 2 & 3 ’24
Mixed by Kyrre Laastad / Mastered by Karl Klaseie / Produced by Ingebrigt Håker Flaten / Coverdesign by Juliane Schútz / Supported by Norsk Kulturfond, NOPA and Komponistenes Vederlagsfond.
License
All rights reserved.
Ingebrigt has established himself as one of the strongest voices on bass in jazz and improvised music on the international circuit today. His work with his own projects, as well as with The Thing, Atomic, Free Fall, Scorch, and in duo formats with Joe McPhee, Evan Parker and Håkon Kornstad have put him at the center of a large pool of improvisers with strikingly different modes of operation.