Jacob Holm-Lupo – Bass, Gitar, keyboards
Stian Larsen – Guitar
Brynjar Dambo – Keyboards
Keith Carlock – Drums

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.

Solstein 5

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.