POING's latest endeavour, 'Almost Classic', is a captivating exploration of the classical repertoire, reimagined through the ensemble's unique lens. This innovative album, released on 9 February 2024 via Lawo Classics, presents an intriguing blend of arrangements and recompositions of works by Gustav Mahler and Pyotr Tchaikovsky, alongside original pieces by contemporary composers Olav Anton Thommessen and Eivind Buene.
The 10-track album, boasting a duration of 54 minutes, showcases POING's technical prowess and depth, as they breathe new life into classical masterpieces. The ensemble's distinctive instrumentation, featuring saxophone, accordion, and double bass, lends a fresh perspective to the works of Mahler and Tchaikovsky. Eivind Buene's 'Mahler Mixtapes' is a particular highlight, with the trio's ordinary voices bringing an intimate, human quality to Mahler's songs.
POING, a Norwegian trio renowned for their work in contemporary music, has been pushing boundaries since their formation in 1999. With 'Almost Classic', they continue to defy conventions, crafting an album that is at once a tribute to the classical tradition and a bold, modern reinterpretation. Fans of dark cabaret and free jazz will find much to appreciate in this genre-bending release, which promises to delight and surprise in equal measure. As POING celebrates their 25th anniversary, 'Almost Classic' stands as a testament to their innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to their craft.
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