Tag / Martin Axenrot

by trondjs

34. The Martins

Bassist Martin Méndez and drummer Martin Axenrot playing.

34. The Martins

Bassist Martin Méndez and drummer Martin Axenrot watching Jon Lord (not in the photo) for cues during “Child in Time”

Bassist Martin Méndez and drummer Martin Axenrot playing – their eyes fixed on Jon Lord (not in the photo). This is still during “Child in Time”.

Martin and Martin form the rhythm section in Swedish prog-metal band Opeth. Opeth is held in high regard among their fans all over the world. But the rhythm section of a band starting out in the death metal genre back in 1990 appearing on an orchestral concert backing Deep Purple legend Jon Lord might not seem obvious to many of their fans. So how did it all come about?

“Exactly how they felt. They were so impressed by playing with Jon… and he seemed to like what they did too…” was Christer Lorichs’ comment to this photo when I posted it on Flickr shortly after the concert.

Christer is a central piece in this puzzle. A fan of Jon Lord for decades, he got to know the artist after meeting him for the first time while Jon was playing in one of the early versions of Whitesnake in 1979. His daughter Nathalie has been brought up listening to the music of Jon Lord and Deep Purple. And Nathalie Lorichs is the partner of Opeth drummer Martin Axenrot.

When Knut Morten Johansen set out to put this concert together, one of his main concerns was getting a really good backing band together. Of course, as big fans of Jon Lord, Knut and Christer’s paths had crossed long before this – as mentioned previously, Nathalie Lorichs sang backing vocals on Jon’s 2007 concert in the Nidaros Cathedral, for instance.

So, as I’ve heard this, Knut one evening sent an SMS to Christer – could there be a chance of getting Martin Axenrot to join as the drummer for this concert? Martin’s first reaction was very humble – why on Earth would Jon Lord want him as the drummer? Christer convinced him it was a good idea. Martin’s big idol as a drummer is Ian Paice – playing with Jon surely must have been a dream come true.
Nathalie was later suggested to Jon by Knut as a possible main female vocalist. Jon, remembering her voice from the backing vocals from 2007, quickly agreed to the suggestion.

Then, after Opeth’s concert in the Royal Albert Hall in London on April 5, 2010, Magnus Johansen – Knut’s son – on a whim asked Martin Méndez backstage after the gig if he would like to play bass on Jon’s Trondheim concert. Quite taken aback, Martin Méndez nonetheless said “Yes, of course!”, and the band lineup was complete.

At the party after the concert in Trondheim, Jon walked up to Martin and Martin and said: “Can I play with you guys again?” He also said to Nathalie: “Your boyfriend is one Hell of a drummer. Usually I have to wave my whole arm, to him I only have to show my little finger.”

A colour version of this photo has previously been published.

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No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

The book is out – head to the bookstore to order your copy. There is two sizes and two bindings for each size available, from the standard sized book with soft cover, to the lavish coffee table book on high-end photo paper.

by trondjs

18. Sharing a Smile

Torodd Wigum, conductor, shares a smile with Jon Lord between two numbers.

Conductor Torodd WIgum and Jon Lord smiliing between numbers

Torodd WIgum, conductor, shares a smile with Jon Lord between two numbers.

A beautiful moment captured between two numbers at the rehearsals. Conductor Torodd Wigum and Jon Lord sharing a smile over some comment I’ve forgotten. Some of the orchestra members are seen joining in, too.

From people who were closer to the process leading up to the concert than me, I’ve been told that there was much admiration and respect between the orchestra and the composer – from both sides – as well an overall highly joyfull spirit.

And yes – those of you who have liked and follow this blog’s Facebook page, might recognize this photo as the header photo. Now you get to see the whole photo.

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

17. A Different Viewpoint

Moving around to the back of the stage for a different viewpoint, on this photo we see Jon Lord, Magnus Johansen, Martín Méndez and Martin Axenrot from a new angle.

Jon Lord, Magnus Johansen, Martín Méndez, Martin Axenrot

Jon Lord, Magnus Johansen, Martín Méndez, Martin Axenrot seen from the back of the stage.

I was moving around to the back of the stage for a different view here. I think this was during the closing notes of “Gigue“, the wonderful track from Jon Lord’s “Sarabande“ album from 1976.

Photographically speaking, this is the contrast to photo 15 in this blog. This photo has the focus nailed on Jon himself at the other side of the stage. Taken at full aperture on the tele zoom I was using (f/2.8), the shallow depth of field is visible in that only Jon is truly sharp here. Bassist Martín Méndez is not quite focus, while Magnus Johansen on keyboards and drummer Martin Axenrot are slightly blurry. This adds to the feeling of depth and presence in the photo.

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No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

15. Should it Stay or Should it Go?

Jon Lord with Magnus Johansen in the background

Jon Lord with Magnus Johansen in the background

Jon Lord with Magnus Johansen in the background

I’m in two minds about this photo, showing Jon Lord at the front, his right hand on the keyboard of the Hammond organ, with keyboard player Magnus Johansen at the back, his gaze focused on Jon.

The composition of the photo is just great. But there’s one problem – the focus isn’t quite right. The keyboard on the Hammond organ and Jon’s hand is pin sharp, but sadly both Jon and Magnus are slightly out of focus.

Dilemma.

I like the composition of the photo very much, with Jon playing the Hammond organ, and Magnus keeping a close eye on him. But neither of them are in focus. One of them should have been.

So – what do you think? Should I use this photo in the photo book, despite it not being perfect when it comes to focus point – or should I leave it out?

The fact that Jon is playing the Hammond, indicates that this is during rehearsals for “Gigue“, another wonderful track from Jon’s 1976 “Sarabande” album.

As far as I can remember, they rehearsed “Bourée” and “Gigue” back to back, although being separted in the actual consert.

Anyway: Feedback is appreciated!
Should I keep this photo in the book, despite it not being techinically perfect (both musicians seen properly are slightly out of focus). Still I feel the scene is portraied beautifully.

Comments are more than welcome on this one!

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

14. Violinists and Rockers

First violinists Sveinung Lillebjerka and Åse Våg Aaknes at the front, bass player Martín Méndez, drummer Martin Axenrot and keyboardist Magnus Johansen visible at the back.

Violinists and rockers

1. violinists Sveinung Lillebjerka and Åse Våg Aaknes at the front, bassist Martín Méndez, drummer Martin Axenrot and keyboardist Magnus Johansen at the back

First violinists Sveinung Lillebjerka and Åse Våg Aaknes at the front, bass player Martín Méndez, drummer Martin Axenrot and keyboardist Magnus Johansen visible at the back.

The latter three with their gaze fixed in the direction of Jon Lord.

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

13. Jon Lord and Two Martins

Jon Lord, Martín Méndez and Martin Axenrot

Jon Lord, Martín Méndez and Martin Axenrot

Jon Lord by the grand piano, Martín Méndez on the bass and Martin Axenrot on the drums in the background. First violinist Ellen Samdal can be seen on the right side.

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

11. Axe

Martin Axenrot, drummer

Martin Axenrot, drummer from Opeth.

Martin “Axe” Axenrot from Opeth handled the drums used during the concert – and of course he did it excellently. His drum solo during the number “Gigue” received a standing ovation during the concert.
Having played with Swedish prog-metal band Opeth since 2005, joining full time the year after, Axe is one of those drummers which combines excellent technique, great skill and speed, with jazz leanings, providing that wonderful flair that no pure “speed drummer” or “power drummer” comes close to. Come to think of it, Jon Lord himself played with another drummer which fits this description nicely during the largest part of his career.

Last year (2014), Axe was named “best prog drummer in the World” by Rhythm Magazine after an extensive poll.

Martin Axenrot’s private life played an important role in his involvement in this concert. His significant other, Nathalie Lorichs, has a father, Christer, who befriended Jon Lord probably while Jon still was in Whitesnake, if I’ve understood things correctly (and since Christer will be reading this, we’ll quickly have it fixed if I’m mistaken).

So Nathalie probably has been raised with Jon’s music as a backdrop. She was asked to do background vocals for the concert in Trondheim in 2007. For the 2010 concert, she was invited to do the main vocals on several numbers. More about that – and photos of Nathalie singing – later. (So sorry, Christer, I’m afraid I didn’t take any photos of you!)

It was via Nathalie’s participation that Martin Axenrot and Martín Méndez from Opeth got involved with this concert – and from reports I’ve had, both of them were very keen and humbled to be given the chance to work with the legendary Jon Lord.

A cropped, colour version of this photo, which I posted to Flickr after the concert, can be seen here.

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

10. The Bassist

Martín Méndez from Opeth on bass, with bandmate Martin Axenrot on the drums in the background.

Martin Méndez, Martin Axenrot

Martin Méndez from Opeth on the bass. His bandmate Martin Axenrot on the drums visible in the background.

Martín Méndez from Opeth was the bass player for the numbers that were amplified with electrical instruments. Born in Uruguay, but relocated to Sweden, he’s been a member of prog-metal band Opeth since 1999 – apart from frontmant Mikael Åkerfeldt, he’s the longest serving member of the band now.

Along with Martin Axenrot, drummer, seen at the back here, he makes up a tight rhythm section in a great, progressive band with a worldwide fan base.

And the guys know their deep purple tinted heritage. By all accounts, at least one of them pretty close to home, Martin and Martin were awestruck to share the stage with Jon Lord.

A few months after this concert, Opeth would pay their own tribute to “Deep Purple family member” Ronnie James Dio, who lost his fight with cancer just a week prior to this concert. Opeth played Rainbow’s “Catch the Rainbow“ at some festivals in August 2010 as a homage to Dio.

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

8. Take Two

Jon Lord reaching out for the score on the grand piano. Behind the Hammond organ, bassist Martín Méndez and drummer Martin Axenrot from Opeth are visible.

Jon Lord, Martin Mendez, Martin Axenrot

Jon Lord by the grand piano, reaching out for the score. Behind the Hammond organ, bassist Martin Mendez and drummer Martin Axenrot from Opeth are visible.

Jon Lord reaching out for the score on the grand piano. Behind the Hammond organ, bassist Martín Méndez and drummer Martin Axenrot from Opeth are visible.

They’re getting ready to launch into “Bourée” again, this time with sound on Magnus’ keyboards.

A Swedish Anecdote

Since this is a photo of Jon Lord with two Swedes, I guess this is as good as place as any for a little anecdote from Sweden.

In the Summer of 1996, Deep Purple were touring Europe on the back of their strong first album with Steve Morse on guitar, “Purpendicular“. I’d seen them in London in March the same year, great concerts. Then a weird Summer tour of Sweden was announced. Ten dates in all, scattered all over the long country. As it turned out, the Swedish Summer of 1996 turned out to be one of the colder Summers – Pär Holmgren, metheorologist, if you’re reading this I’m sure you can supply weather statistics for 1996 in the comments field.

Anyway, some friends and me, basically the same guys who had travelled to London in March, decided to go to the concert in Smögen, on the Swedish west coast. Smögen is a pictureque, sleepy village, beautifully located on the coast, which comes alive during Summer time with lots of holiday guests.

But this day was cold and rainy. The temperature was around 10 Centigrades, there was light rain, and there were probably not much more than 1,000 people gathered on a football stadium basically in the middle of nowhere. There were posters at the site for the next concert there – Smokie. Enough said.

Deep Purple played a good set, conditions considered. But it was cold, raining, not all that many people, and I was standing a bit to the back on a football stadium. This was nothing like seeing them at the Brixton Academy a few months earlier.

Anyhow – we knew the band were staying at the Smögen Hafvsbad Hotel – I’m not sure there’s really any other places to stay. So we went there, and surely, the band came, and at least Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and Jon Lord stayed for a while in the hotel bar, having a drink and chatting with the likes of us.

I’d been in touch with them through what was then known as the “Deep Purple Homepage” (I think there was just a couple of thousand web servers in the world when we put it up in 1994, unless my memory is playing me tricks) and the Usenet newsgroup alt.music.deep-purple. So, talking with Jon (“My fingers felt like sausages”, he commented on playing in the cold weather), he suddenly lightens up, remembering I’m Norwegian: He wants to play some Grieg!

He says Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” was (one of) the first pieces his piano teacher in Leicester taught him, he wants to play it, and hey, there’s a grand piano here!

But dang. It’s locked.

So we head over to the young bartender and ask for the keys.

But – this being Sweden, he just says: “No. Sorry. Hotel regulations.” Norwegians have this impression of Swedes being overtly careful to follow all rules and regulations, so I’m not surprised. But several of us try to tell the young Swedish bartender that there’s a world famous keyboardist in front of him, who wants to play some classical music in his bar. But “No, sorry, it’s after midnight, we can’t do that, the guests will be upset”.

So I never got to hear Jon play “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”. Until this day. Jon has written a tribute to Edvard Grieg (and to the Trondheim Soloists, who he’s worked with several times, and several members are in the orchestra this evening) which he’s called “For Example“. (E.G., get it?)

And at the very end of the piece, Jon has included a quote from “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”. As a tribute to his old piano teacher, to Edvard Grieg, and to the Trondheim Soloists.

And so, 14 years after the rule abiding bartender in Smögen, I finally got to hear Jon Lord play a little “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”.

“For Example” from the concert in Trondheim

 

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.

by trondjs

7. No Sound on the Keyboard!

Jon Lord gestures, conductor Torodd Wigum stands at the front, as the keyboard lacks sound during the rehearsal.

Jon Lord and the Lord Chamber Orchestra

Jon Lord by the grand piano, conductor Torodd Wigum to the right.

Jon Lord gestures from behind the grand piano. Conductor Torodd Wigum standing at the front of the stage, also looking to his right – at the sound mixer. They were playing “Bourée“, and Magnus Johansen’s keyboards (he’s hidden behind the grand piano in this photo), which was supposed to carry the main theme, had no sound. Jon is telling the sound mixer in no uncertain terms.

Martin Axenrot at the drums at the back, we also see 1. violinists Sveinung Lillebjerka and Åse Våg Aaknes.

(Thanks to Christer Lorichs for a reminder of what was going on here!)

All Material: © Copyright Trond J. Strøm. All Rights Reserved.

No usage without my written consent. Links to the blog and blogs posts on social media etc are of course OK, but stealing the photos without permission is not.