New Arts International

- In “Summerwind”, enchanting melodies flow with an instinctive and natural grace and elegance.
- Available as CD and LP

Some people talk a lot, whereas others keep hold of what is important, and only need a few words to get to their point. The same is true in music. Lars Danielsson and Paolo Fresu, who have now teamed up, are two musicians who choose the notes they play with extreme care. “Summerwind”, their first joint studio project, brings the Swedish master bassist’s gorgeous sound and his fine sense for simple and haunting melodies into a partnership with the bright, airy tones of one of Europe’s most lyrical trumpeters whose way of “playing it cool” has such distinctive expressiveness.

The duo context offers extensive space – which then needs to be filled. The decisive element for both of these musicians is not that they should play a lot, but that the focus should remain on what they play. And fewer notes are far more effective than many. That is how the poetry develops from both instrumentalists as they create a mood that is almost meditative. This is romantic, dreamy music which nevertheless has a strength coming from its very core. Danielsson and Fresu don’t just create atmosphere and colour; there is also feeling here – and depth.

“It’s about doing the right thing at the right time,” says Lars Danielsson. “That’s the challenge of playing in a duo. You can’t hide behind other instruments.” Paolo Fresu is also a master at savouring every musical moment. “I love Paolo's playing, it’s spiritual and his sound is unique. He makes me improvise in a new way,” Danielsson says.

Producer Siggi Loch had the idea of bringing these two musicians into the studio together. He has a knack for identifying musical soulmates, and this collaboration proves it again: the pair built up an almost telepathic relationship during the recording. That feeling is palpable, for example, in the piece “Dardusó”, which was created spontaneously in the studio, and in which all of Danielsson’s and Fresu’s combined trust is given over to the wisdom of the moment.

In “Summerwind”, enchanting melodies flow with an instinctive and natural grace and elegance. They develop in long arcs which bring a sense of profundity and contemplation. In a world in constant danger of overheating, Danielsson’s and Fresu’s music is a fresh and soothing breeze.