Norwegian piano trio with pianist Morten Qvenild, bassist Roger Arntzen and drummer Pål Hausken. The members of In the Country have carved out their own personal ledge in the piano trio mountain. With pianist and composer Morten Qvenild (Susanna & the Magical Orchestra, Jaga Jazzist, sPacemoNkey) as frontman, they have tread paths that no other piano trio before them has ventured to walk. After a series of critically acclaimed releases on Rune Grammofon and the German label ACT, they are now releasing their first whole album together with a vocalist, featuring Norwegian lyrics by poet and lumberjack Hans Børli. On their latest album “Skogenes Sang” (“The Song of the Forests”) they are joined by the British pedal steel legend BJ Cole and vocalist Frida Ånnevik, one of the most talented and highly praised of the new generation of young singer-songwriters. Ånnevik has already released two critically acclaimed solo records, and has won a Spellemannspris (Norwegian Grammy) as well as other prestigious prizes. Although In the Country is mainly an instrumental trio, vocals and lyrics have also played a role in its universe. “We have always been a vocal band,” says bass player Roger Arntzen, “and we have had a go at everything from growling to bel canto on previous albums.” Qvenild and drummer Pål Hausken have sung on several of the group’s albums, and Swedish cult singer-songwriter Stefan Sundström also guested on the album “Losing Stones, Collecting Bones”. In the past few years the band has held a number of concerts together with author and lyricist Frode Grytten. All three band members have, independently of the trio, played with vocalists known for their powerful lyrics: Morten Qvenild with Susanna Wallumrød and Solveig Slettahjell, Roger Arntzen with Heidi Skjerve and Julie Dahle Aagård, and drummer Pål Hausken with Hilde Marie Kjersem and Ida Jenshus, among others. "The Song of the Forests" was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Spellemannprisen 2014.