Karl Ivar Refseth is a brilliant vibraphone player from Norway. Whether solo, or in other contexts, is approach to the instrument is very meditative, ambient, melody-oriented and hypnotic. The choice to play less rather than more is the obvious difference between Karl Ivar Refseth and his contemporaries on the vibes. If you are determined to ask for parallels, the trance-dark-jazz of Böhren und Der Club of Gore might be something of a reference point, in feeling and atmosphere creation.
Oh, yes: surely Karl Ivar Refseth has all the regalia: like: studied here, played there, received such and such awards… But we will not bore you with details. One fact worth mentioning: he is the touring member of the cult group The Notwist. And another one: he also leads his own Karl Ivar Refseth Trio… Ok, last but not least, check him inhttps://www.facebook.com/alienensemble
Surely, his solo vibraphone act is the most haunting and mysterious music you are likely to hear this year… and maybe the next one, as well.
Come give yourself a Xmas present and check Karl Ivar Refseth this Thursday in the zany intimacy of La BettoLab: the “food to hear and music to devour” kind of Neukölln hang, a permanent installation-in-progress with delicious Italian antipasti and wines from the mafia cellars directly.