Album Notes

'Still Picture' is the debut recording by drummer/composer Jon Opstad. Drawing on a range of influences, including Kenny Wheeler, Jan Garbarek, Eberhard Weber, David Darling and Herbie Hancock, the music is varied and atmospheric. The compositions explore the textural possibilities of the instrumentation, from the combined horns to Ebowed fretless bass to the title-track’s layered cello parts, whilst leaving space for the highly individual soloing of Cosgrove and Rogerson.



Simon Cosgrove - Soprano Saxophone | David Gange - Flugelhorn, Trumpet | Tom Rogerson - Piano | James Opstad - Fretless Bass, Cello | Chris Hill - Double Bass (track 1) | Jon Opstad - Drums, Percussion


Recorded in Bristol & Cambridge, UK, Feb-Sept 2003

Mixed by Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio, Oslo, Norway




Quotes from reviews:

It heralds the arrival of an intelligent and gifted young talent who, if there is an ounce of pioneering spirit in him, looks set to make quite a name for himself at home and abroad.
E.J.Iannelli, Allaboutjazz.com

An accomplished and engaging debut... We'll clearly be hearing a lot more from Opstad.
Jazzwise Magazine

Opstad’s debut is an appealing set steeped in the Northern European lyricism which is, perhaps, a common currency for those who grew up with Garbarek and Rypdal albums somewhere nearby.
The Penguin Guide to Jazz (Eighth Edition)

A mightily impressive album from a major talent in the making.
Bristol Evening Post

I am tempted to call it the 21st century Birth Of The Cool.
Derek Ansell, Jazz Journal International

Considering the youngest member of this band is 16 and the oldest is 23, the musical maturity and clearness of conception shown on Still Picture is considerable.
John Kelman, AllAboutJazz.com

What [the band] also share is youth and quite prodigious talent... Their playing and general approach shows a startling maturity and confidence… Really good, worth checking out and then worth repeated plays.
Steve Baxter, JazzViews.co.uk