When two masterful guitarists meet without rehearsal, without sketches, and without a predetermined musical language, something extraordinary can happen. That is precisely the spirit captured in Between Days, the stunning six-track EP by Odd-Arne Jacobsen and Tore-Morten Andreassen Figenschow.
This release is not simply a collection of compositions—it is a preserved moment of artistic discovery. It documents two distinctive musical voices meeting in real time, listening, responding, and shaping sound together with fearless honesty.
Odd-Arne Jacobsen, a towering figure in European improvisation with decades of international experience—including performances at Carnegie Hall and collaborations with leading jazz innovators—has long pursued a deeply personal tonal language. Andreassen, an associate professor of electric guitar at the University of Tromsø and an accomplished performer in progressive and contemporary settings, brings a refined, textural sensitivity of his own. What makes Between Days exceptional is their decision not to prepare a shared framework beforehand. There is no safety net. No stylistic compromise. Just two guitars in a room, breathing the same air, allowing space and silence to speak as loudly as the notes themselves. The result? Music that feels alive—fragile in its exposure, yet confident in its intent.
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Track by Track: A Journey Through Presence
Between Days
The EP opens with the delicate guitar lines of the title track. Intense and introspective, it immediately showcases the refined elegance of both players. There is no grand introduction; instead, the piece seems to begin mid-thought, as if we have quietly stepped into a conversation already unfolding. The tonal contrast between the guitars creates a layered dialogue—clean, precise articulations interwoven with warmer resonances.
For the Time Being
Flowing naturally from the opener, this piece feels like a friendly exchange between old companions. The two guitars “speak” to each other with restraint and respect. Phrases are offered gently and answered thoughtfully. Nothing feels forced. The elegance lies in the listening—each musician allowing space for the other’s ideas to bloom.
Straight, No Chaser
Here the EP gains playful momentum. Energetic and engaging, the soaring solo line glides over secure, rhythmic strums. The interplay becomes more animated, the accents sharper, the exchanges quicker. The guitars overlap seamlessly, building a rhythmic flow that is both tight and free—disciplined yet spontaneous.
Shall I Sue
This track breathes intimacy. With precious, resolute melodies, it becomes one of the EP’s emotional anchors. The melodic line digs deep into the listener’s soul, unfolding with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final note. It is sophisticated without being distant—personal without being sentimental.
Folk
A brilliant showcase of musicianship and technical mastery, “Folk” reveals the intricate craftsmanship of both artists. Two solo lines intertwine with remarkable precision, evoking a counterpoint structure that could captivate even devoted Bach enthusiasts. Yet it remains unmistakably rooted in improvisational jazz spirit. Tradition and experimentation merge beautifully here, elevating the EP to another level.
Sunny
Closing the EP is “Sunny,” a track that perfectly encapsulates the project’s spirit. Rhythmic guitar strums intertwine with expressive solo lines in a structure that feels both modern and familiar. The composition is rhythmically intricate yet fluid, experimental yet warmly accessible. The final soaring melody acts as the cherry on top—a memorable closing gesture to a truly remarkable release.
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A defining feature of Between Days is its relationship with silence. The pauses are charged with meaning. Notes are not crowded; they are placed carefully, deliberately. This restraint gives the music its emotional weight. The crystal-clear production by engineer and producer Emil Bekkevold enhances the intimacy of the session. Every subtle shift of fingers on strings, every tonal nuance, every delicate harmonic overtone is preserved with clarity. Nothing is masked. Nothing is overproduced. The listener feels present in the room.
Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s five-decade journey—from early collaborations in the 1970s to international tours and groundbreaking solo performances—meets Andreassen’s contemporary perspective shaped by academic insight and progressive experimentation. Rather than blending into uniformity, their distinct voices remain intact. They circle, align, diverge, and reconnect—never collapsing into sameness. That tension and respect are what make Between Days so compelling.
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Between Days does not aim to overwhelm. It invites you to lean in. It rewards attentive listening. It stands as a testament to trust, spontaneity, and the courage to create without a script. In an era often dominated by overproduction and formulaic songwriting, this EP feels refreshingly honest. It captures the fragile beauty of first encounters and turns it into something timeless. Odd-Arne Jacobsen and Tore-Morten Andreassen have crafted not just an EP—but a living conversation in sound. A true gem of contemporary improvisational music that no guitar enthusiast—or lover of refined artistry—should miss.
Check the links below, discover more about Odd-Arne Jacobsen, Tore-Morten Andreassen and their music, and remember to add their Ep to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: oddarnejacobsen.no
Reverbnation: oddarnejacobsen
Spotify: Odd-Arne Jacobsen
Facebook: oddarnejacobsenmusic
Wikipedia: Odd-Arne Jacobsen
Wikipedia: Tore-Morten Andreassen
Spotify: Tore-Morten Andreassen
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