Den Franske Gitaren (feat. Aich)

2023 saw the return of multi-talented Norwegian producerEspen Horneto Wah Wah 45s, after a 24 year hiatus. The man behind the label's very first release, the now seminalMagnetica, never lost his connection with the label and has remained very much part of the Wah Wah family, making a comeback this spring with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999.

The gorgeous soul-jazz beauty, Bakeren, featuring the stunning vocals of Resonators' Faye Houston, quickly found a home onGilles Peterson's internationally renowned BBC Radio 6 show as well as that of Jazz FM legendRobbie Vincent,Bandcamp Weeklyand theFresh Finds JazzSpotify playlist.

"Brilliant track!" Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music)

Following that,Bergen Sunrays, found itself a weekly fixture on theCraig CharlesFunk & Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, with the limited 7-inch release of both singles selling out within hours of release.

"That is such a cool tune that, isn't it? Double groovy!" Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music, UK)

Next up then is the wistfulDen Franske Gitaren,a lugubrious soul-jazz piece with drum & bass leanings featuring Bergen based MC and vocalist Aich.

"As with many of my tracks, whilst preparing for the album, this was supposed to be an instrumental piece. Nevertheless, my sublime co-producer, Eirik Blåsternes, suggested sending the track to several vocalists, and we ended up with two major choices - Aich (Andreas Hammersvik) and Martin Halla.

Aich is a true underground Bergen rap artist, DJ and singer. After spending some evenings in his studio, listening to his new soul/funk trio projects, I asked him to record falsetto harmonies that were suitable for my sketch. This all happened in the midst of Covid.

I then invited one of the most serious players in Bergen, Alexander von Mehren, to record some French 60's pick bass business as well as laying down a great studio session with the drummer, Ivar Thormodsæter." Espen Horne

And whatsmore, the Martin Halla version was so good that it too appears on the album,TheAnatomy of Serene Eloquence, due for release November 17th on Wah Wah 45s.