Torun Eriksen began her musical talents as a music student in High School in Norway. Beginning at the age of six, she sang in various gospel choirs, and by the age of 19 became a featured soloist. A background steeped in soul, jazz and pop, it was through her choral experience that she began writing her first compositions, influenced by the world of jazz standards via the Real Book. After moving to Oslo in 1997, she enrolled into the Norwegian Institute for Stage and Studio (NISS). It was there she met other musicians and formed the band Licorice, primarily a cover band.
She also recorded with other bands, such as Palace of Pleasure on
their ”Popoganda” (1999) album and as a guest vocalist on Mulens
Portland Combo’s ”Mulens Femte” (2001), and with Knut Halmrast’s "Little Pillow" (2003).
With Mulens Portland Combo she also performed
at festivals, the Salvation Army’s charity Christmas concert, and in
various national television programs in Norway.
With the band Chipahua, she filled Sidsel Endresen’s place as
vocalist from 2002 to 2003, and appearing at various prestigious jazz
festivals such as the Molde International Jazz Festival and Bergen
Nattjazz. Sissel Endresen has been an integral source of guidance and
support for Torun.
She is a favored vocalist for use on many other artist’s
recordings, and it came as no surprise that her release concert for
“Glittercard” at the club Blå was sold out. ”Torun Eriksen brings us a
debut which in amazingly short time has established her as a force to
be reckoned with”, wrote the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
”Norway gives birth to yet another exceptional vocal talent in
jazz”
”Norway gives birth to yet another exceptional vocal talent in
jazz” wrote VG about her. PULS wrote, ”…her music is without exception
melodic and beautiful”, and that Torun “most certainly has the
potential for international success.” Indeed, 2003’s release of
“Glittercard” dazzled listeners with Torun’s dark amber-like voice,
sensual and with a hint of huskiness, and most certainly an enticing
musicality.
Returning with “Prayers & Observations”, Torun Eriksen again
further strengthens her stance as one of the most interesting singers
to have emerged from Scandinavia in recent years.
In ten lyrically contemplative songs, with an extended palette of
influences and styles, Torun Eriksen opens her world of observations to
us. “Song of Sadness” is dedicated to the deceased saxophonist Sigurd
Køhn, written during Christmas of 2004, and features a duet with Paal
Flaata (Midnight Choir). With country music flavorings, the song is a
lament to a friend and fellow musician who lost his life to the tsunami
in Thailand. It is an example of the musical influence added, but never
overstepping Eriksen’s clearly established musical universe.
In widening the boundaries of vocal-based jazz, Torun Eriksen is
now even more firmly geared towards an international audience. An album
of nuances and colors, of shadings and understatement, we become
privileged to join her prayers and observations.
Born in the heart of Jazzland at an early age, the Jazzlander found words within music and music within words. Raised by his parents in a small village, they eventually would lower him in a big city. It was there that his unique gifts were recognised, and he was imprisoned within the confines of the Jazzland website. It is here that he unleashes his views of music, and calls on those with the ability to hear to listen.
