Norwegian saxophonist Aina Davidsen unveils her new album GåMedHjertet (Walk with your heart): a deeply personal project where writing, interpretation, electronic music and poetry meet.
A daring album for five saxophones and electronics by Aina Davidsen.
A project born from the heart
Composed, recorded and produced by the artist herself, the album embodies a rare approach: that of a classical musician who dares to create, without filter, her own music.
"It’s the first time I have the courage to compose, record and present my music to the world" says Aina Davidsen.
Through 17 tracks – sometimes short, sometimes long, blending poetry and electronic atmosphere – she delivers an intimate journey inspired by her life, her loved ones, and her deepest emotions.
With GåMedHjertet, Aina wanted to return to the spirit of composers of the past, who created and played their own works:" Classical composers were the pop stars of their time. I wondered: why can't we do the same thing today? Why do we expect pop musicians to do everything themselves, while classical musicians are supposed to interpret historical works? "
To break away from the perfectionism of the classical tradition, she chose to record live, in a single take. The album thus captures the sincerity of the moment, the breaths, the fragility and the power of a concert experienced. This choice, she says, was as much musical as personal:
"I was terrified at the thought of being so honest and vulnerable. My therapist told me about Kintsugi, this asian technique of repairing broken vases with gold lacquer. The cracks then become precious lines ans make the vase more valuable. I thought that recording live, with its atmosphere and energy, could bring a kind of 'golden lacquer' to my music."
Recorded live in front of a packed audience, GåMedHjertet captures a warm, sincere, and deeply human atmosphere.
Five saxophones, one voice
Aina plays all the saxophone parts herself – from sopranino to baritone – exploring a particular color, emotion, and breath through each instrument:
Usynlig ("Invisible") for tenor, dedicated to all those who are going through something tragical that is not necessarily visible from the outside.
Min Kraft ("My Strength") on the baritone, dealing with self-confidence, the inner voice, and the ability to not let others define our limits.
Pust ("Respire") on the soprano, with an airy lightness;
Skeiv (" Queer") on the sopranino, an instrument rarely used as a solo instrument : "it is so different, quirky and crooket, just like me".
Faithful to the Selmer tradition, Aina plays the Series III curved soprano, the gold-plated Series II alto, the tenor, the baritone, and the Super Action 80 Series II lacquered sopranino.
"I love Selmer saxophones — all my saxophones, from sopranino to baritone, are Selmers. As for mouthpieces, I use the Concept for soprano, alto and tenor (and I can't wait to receive the one for baritone!). For the sopranino and baritone, I also use the Selmer C*80, one of my essentials!"
GåMedHjertet is both an artistic an artistic statement and a life message — an invitation to create fearlessly, to be authentic, and to follow one’s inner voice.
"This project is above all about freedom. About believing in your dreams and not letting yourself be confined by imposed frameworks. Walking with your heart is trusting your own inner music."
The album has been available on all streaming platforms since September 30th, go listen to it!
► Listen to the album
► Aina Davidsen's artist page
