When the Wobbler keyboard virtuoso Lars Fredrik Frøislie released his first solo album “Fire Fortellinger” in 2023, fans of both Wobbler and classic 70s Prog took the album to their hearts, and it became a nice success. Now, his follow-up album “Gamle Mester” is set to be released on May 09, 2025.
On his second solo album “Gamle Mester” (Old Master), Lars Fredrik Frøislie pays homage to the greats of the past. Drawing inspiration not only from the pioneers of Progressive Rock but also from art, literature, and mythology, the album reflects on timeless acts of creativity that still resonate today. The title is derived from the ancient oak tree “Den Gamle Mester,” 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.
“Jakten på det Kalydonske villsvin” is the 2nd single from the album and is released on April 10, 2025. It can be heard on several streaming services and download services: https://orcd.co/det-kalydoniske-villsvin
Lars Fredrik has this to say about the track:
“Jakten på det Kalydonske villsvin” (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar) is inspired by a Rubens painting and an ancient Greek myth about a wild boar sent by Artemis to Calydon as punishment. The boar terrorizes the land until the heroes Atalanta and Meleager defeat it. The song feels archaic, using old instruments and themes, yet it also draws inspiration from modern sources, which are perhaps seemingly hidden behind the layers of vintage instruments.
The sounds should hopefully still resonate in ten years. My approach is anti-trend – what’s cutting-edge today will be outdated soon. I prefer using timeless stories and sounds instead. Still – experimenting with the old sounds is key for me on this album. I mix instruments like harpsichord with Rhodes, Marxophone or recorder with Minimoog; electronic instruments with baroque ones to create “new” sound combinations. While guitars are absent, I substitute them with instruments like Clavinet, Chamberlin, and fuzz organ. This gives the music a different feel, something I’ve explored extensively in my solo work.
Like on the previous album, Frøislie takes on vocals and drums, as well as a formidable array of instruments including a few tons of old analogue keyboards such as Hammond C3, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise Cembalo Traverso, Hohner Clavinet D6, Rhodes MkII and Arp Pro Soloist.
Joining him is Nikolai Hængsle (Elephant9, Needlepoint, Bigbang, Band Of Gold, etc.) on Rickenbacker 4003 Bass, and Ketil Vestrum Einarsen (Ex-Jaga Jazzist, Weserbergland, White Willow) on flute and recorder.
With “Gamle Mester,” Lars Fredrik Frøislie delivers an album steeped in history, mythology, and musical brilliance. A must-have for progressive rock enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Tracklist:
01. Demring (Dawn)
02. Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar)
03. Gamle Mester (Old Master)
04. Medusas Flåte (The Raft of the Medusa)
05. De Tre Gratier (The Three Graces)
06. Skumring (Dusk)
With artwork by Frøislie himself, “Gamle Mester” will be released on CD, Limited Edition Gatefold LP on Green / Transparent Marble Vinyl and digital formats, and is now available to pre-order from the following links:
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://larsfredrikfroislie.bandcamp.com/
US shop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders
