For his work with Norwegian compatriot Marius Neset and with Django Bates, the tuba player and composer Daniel Herskedal has established a reputation for radiant eloquence and flawless virtuosity on an instrument not easily associated with either. His warmth and lyricism steer an ambitious orchestral project here, featuring a jazz trio that includes excellent pianist Eyolf Dale, and a classical strings ensemble. All the tranquil, slowly unfolding music here is Herskedal’s, except for Mussorgsky’s Bydlo, and the pieces sometimes sound like plush-toned postbop, sometimes Scandinavian folk music, pliable Indian strings melodies, or even a hint of the catchily hooky, multi-layered music of 1970s Mike Oldfield. There might be a few suspiciously new-agey moments from the jazzers’ angle, but Daniel Herskedal’s broadening palette is becoming a very inviting one.
