by Steve Joyce
I must admit, I didn’t have “solo album by Wobbler’s keyboard player” on my predictions for the my ‘best of 2025’ list, but my goodness, this is an entertaining record. From the very first notes of this album, it’s clear you’re in for a treat: an unabashed homage to the golden era of 1970s prog and a tribute to legendary keyboard players in particular.
From Norway, Wobbler has released five acclaimed studio albums since forming in 1999. Their music evokes the classic prog rock era of the early 1970s, typically using vintage instruments and authentic sounds. Wobbler’s keyboard player, Lars Fredrik Frøislie, has an extensive discography. In addition to the Wobbler albums, he’s a member of three other bands and has appeared on over 30 albums since 2003, and writes music for TV and cinema.
Released in May, “Gamle Mester” is Frøislie’s second solo album, following up 2023’s “Fire Fortellinger”. The title is derived from the ancient oak tree “Den Gamle Mester,” (“The Old Master”) found at Krødsherad Prestegård, which also inspired a poem of the same name by Jørgen Moe. This symbolic tree serves as a unifying theme throughout the album, representing wisdom, endurance, and the passage of time. The subject matter resonates with me and probably many other British listeners, following the recent tragic and senseless destruction of the similarly legendary Sycamore Gap tree.
An album about a tree…that’s oak-ay by me! It’s important to root for musicians who turn over a new leaf and branch out into other things. I wood do more tree puns, but I’m stumped…
Moving swiftly on, “Gamle Mester” is a showcase for Frøislie’s mastery of analogue keyboards, with the Hammond Organ, Minimoog and Mellotron being just three of the classic instruments used. Bassist Nikolai Hængsle adds propulsive melodic counterpoint on a Rickenbacker 4003 bass, which sounds absolutely gorgeous.
At various points, you could be hearing any of Emerson, Wakeman or Banks playing with Lake, Wetton or Squire. The drums, also performed by Frøislie, have a great live sound and lean towards the meat and groove of White rather than the nimble jazz of Bruford. The drumming keeps the music flowing and there’s plenty of odd time grooves to keep prog devotees enchanted.
A necessarily keyboard heavy album, it lacks prominent guitar work; the sonic palette of the album might have been enhanced by a Gilmour, Latimer or Hackett-esque guitar solo or two. Compensating effectively, however, are tasteful flute and recorder contributions by Ketil Vestrum Einarsen.
This album is packed with marvellous music. Among the many highlights to listen out for are the beautiful piano coda on opening track “Demring” (Dawn); a soaring 7/8 tune in “Gamle Mester” (Old Master) that evokes a Morricone Spaghetti Western soundtrack, and soothing ambience on album closer “Skumring” (Dusk).
It’s on the three longer tracks where the music reaches its full cinematic potential. “Jakten Pa Det Kaydonske Villsuin” (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar) narrates the tale of a legendary Greek heroic adventure. It’s a truly widescreen listening experience and it’s my favourite track on the album. The vocals, sung by Frøislie in his native tongue, have a slightly strange feel to myself as a non-Norwegian speaking listener. To that extent, I’m reminded of French Zeuhl innovators Magma, although Frøislie’s melodies and harmonies are much more accessible. Not understanding the lyrics may be a barrier to some, but in the case of this song there’s a Wikipedia article that’s more than sufficient to spark the imagination while you enjoy the epic music.
Frøislie sings again on “Medusas Flåte” (The Raft of the Medusa) which showcases his virtuosity as a composer and keyboard player with some genuinely thrilling music. “De Tre Gratier” (The Three Graces) has multiple movements in its twelve minutes, with a quite beautiful middle section.
This album is brilliant at creating a mood which transports the listener to the mythological events that infuse the music. Brimful with dynamic contrast, you’ll hear music to remind you of any classic prog band from the 1970s you can think of. One of the most delightful surprises of the year so far, “Gamle Mester” will make you feel like it’s 1972 all over again. Bliss!
Released on May 9, 2025
Tracklist:
1. Demring (Dawn)
2. Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar)
3. Gamle Mester (Old Master)
4. Medusas Flåte (The Raft of the Medusa)
5. De Tre Gratier (The Three Graces)
6. Skumring (Dusk)
Personnel:
Lars Fredrick Frøislie – vocals, drums, keyboards
Nikolai Hængsle – bass
Ketil Vestrum Einarsen – flute, recorder
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