In 1990, I was introduced to Kenneth Sivertsen by Bendik Hofseth, the saxophonist in my group ‘Steps Ahead.’ Bendik had brought Kenneth from his small island in West Norway to my recording studio in New York City to produce a collection of vocal and instrumental compositions for an album entitled Flo. During the weeks that followed, Kenneth played me his two Symphonies and other works. The breadth and range of his compositions were quite astounding for someone only 27 years of age. At the age of 24 (the youngest member ever to be accepted into the Norwegian Association of Composers), some of his works included two major symphonies, a string quartet, several works for chamber orchestra and choir, music for two film scores, several classical guitar albums, two vocal albums and a ‘major work in progress’ performed at the opening of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway.

In January of 1993, I was invited to perform as a solo vibraphonist in a major work commissioned by the Bergen Philharmonic, which celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Grieg’s Birthday. The piece, ‘Heavenly Visions,’ was written for full symphony orchestra, a choir of 150, 3 solo vocalists and a jazz sextette.

The piece was performed at the Griegenhallen in Bergen, and was an evening of pure joy.

The music on this record is a collection of compositions that I had performed with Kenneth on two separate tours (‘91/’92). Kenneth and I discussed the possibility of recording these pieces with New York musicians and we happily took the leap. The album was recorded live in two sessions.

- Mike Mainieri