MUSIC / SOUND DESIGN

©  Ola Narr Studio

SvanZini, also known as Svein Hansen,

is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has had a lifelong passion for music and instruments. Starting in the early 1950s, SvanZini's first instrument was a guitar, which became a crucial part of his life. From there, his interest in music and the variety of musical styles expanded exponentially.

SvanZini's musical journey led him to explore a wide range of genres, including Pop, Rock, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Funk, Jazz, African, Brazilian, Cuban, Argentinian, Indian, Turkish, European music, Norwegian folk music, and more. This diverse exposure to different styles of music allowed him to gather a rich tapestry of influences and inspirations.

With an array of instruments at his command, SvanZini has honed his skills on various musical tools.

His instrumental repertoire includes guitars, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, trumpet, harmonica, WX5 wind controller, and flutes. This versatility and proficiency across multiple instruments have allowed SvanZini to express his musical ideas and creativity in a broad spectrum of sounds and textures.

A personal mantra that SvanZini adheres to is the idea of using the secrets he has learned from different music styles and cultures with loving care. This approach reflects a deep appreciation for the unique qualities and characteristics found in various musical traditions, and a desire to incorporate them thoughtfully into his own compositions and performances.

Overall, SvanZini's musical journey and his mastery of multiple instruments contribute to his ability to create diverse and captivating music that draws on a wide range of influences.

The Beauty in Imperfection [wabi sabi]

The term wabi sabi remains difficult to translate. For Japanese people, wabi sabi is a feeling, more than a concept, that can be found in classical Japanese aesthetics: flower arrangement, literature, philosophy, poetry, tea ceremony, Zen gardens, music etc.

Wabi sabi goes against contemporary over-consumption, but also encourages simplicity and authenticity in everything.

Wabi sabi truly encapsulates a unique perspective on beauty – one that values the imperfect, the aged, and the fleeting moments. It's a philosophy that encourages us to find value in simplicity, authenticity, and the natural course of things.  

Its connections to traditional arts like tea ceremony, Zen gardens, literature and music showcases how deeply ingrained it is in Japanese aesthetics and culture.

The shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute, also embodies the ideals of wabi sabi. The simplicity and craftsmanship of the flute, along with the ethereal beauty of the music it produces, align perfectly with the wabi sabi philosophy.

The Miles Davis quote, “There are no wrong notes in jazz: only notes in the wrong places”. He also said, “It’s not the note you play that’s the wrong note – it’s the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong” This adds an interesting perspective from the realm of music, linking the idea of imperfection to creativity and innovation. The idea that "wrong" notes can be part of a larger artistic expression resonates with the underlying message of wabi sabi – embracing the imperfect and finding beauty in unexpected places.

The music in this album is not meant to be Japanese in no way. It is an free improvisation inspired by “The Beauty in Imperfection”.

Photo: Arne S. Gjone

NEW ALBUM RELEASED SEPTEMBER 29, 2023