Solstein

Solstein (Norwegian for sunstone) is a project initiated by multi-instrumentalist Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel, Donner). Taking inspiration from both jazz-rock, funk, prog rock and chill-out, Solstein offer up an instrumental form of rock where jazz harmony combines with proggy arrangements and soul/funk grooves, the sum of which is a laidback, elegant sound that oscillates between funky fusion and rock.

The band line-up is Stian Larsen (guitars), Brynjar Dambo (keyboards), Jacob Holm-Lupo (bass guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, and Keith Carlock (drums).

The initial idea was born from Jacob and Keith Carlock’s previous collaboration, on 2021’s Donner debut “Hesitant Light”. Keith’s playing pushed some of the material in a jazzier, funkier direction that Jacob felt merited further exploration.

The making of Solstein’s debut album has been a fun, light-hearted affair where zero fucks were given to what the jazz police may have to say. Cheeky, 80’s-tinged fusion-soloing, pastel synths and a very open-minded interpretation of a Wayne Shorter classic are all par for the course. In fact there has only been one rule: No long solos. Keep it rock-length, not jazz-length. Among artists/bands that have inspired the music are The Crusaders, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Happy the Man, Bruford, Terje Rypdal and Grover Washington jr.

The name Solstein (sunstone) is taken from a relatively rare rock whose main deposit is along the coast in Southern Norway where Jacob lives on a small island. The sunstone has copper-red crystals that refract light in a beautiful way when seen from different angles.