Jazz |
Some truly beautiful albums are being released on the ACT label these days, with the next one arriving this November 1st, featuring a magical trio of musicians we have long known and admired: the immensely talented double bassist and cellist Lars Danielsson, the Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, one of Europe’s most intriguing trumpet players, and the wonderful revelation of guitarist John Paricelli, whose delicate touch is nothing short of remarkable. While Paricelli may not be a household name, he is far from unknown, having accompanied such artists as Peter Erskine, Lee Konitz, Andy Sheppard, and Stacey Kent. This, however, may be the first opportunity to hear him in this particular ensemble.
The album was not recorded in a studio but rather in a wood-paneled sitting room nestled in a remote corner of the Bordeaux wine region. This second collaboration between ACT Music and Château Palmer brings together Lars Danielsson with his longtime collaborator John Paricelli and Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola for an album simply titled TRIO. With its delicately light sound and perfectly balanced acoustics, this serene oasis along the “Route des Châteaux” proved to be not only an ideal location but perhaps the perfect metaphor for the music produced by these three master craftsmen, who seamlessly blend tradition with experimentation. Danielsson was tasked with creating this second chapter in the ACT and Château Palmer partnership, following the inaugural duo of Michael Wollny and Joachim Kühn. To him, it was “an opportunity to introduce a new format, something fresh, to experiment with new combinations of instruments, new compositions, and a new dimension.”
What stands out in this album is the sophisticated fusion of jazz, classical music, and world music, brought together by artists who not only master their craft but share a profound aesthetic vision of what that craft should embody. I have always been captivated by Verneri Pohjola’s sound—impressive on his own albums and equally fascinating in this kind of configuration. The artistry of Lars Danielsson shines through, both in his playing and in his compositions or arrangements. This « Trio » album is, above all, a record of passion, created by passionate artists who share the same aesthetic values. In many ways, the principle of “beauty through simplicity” defines the album. Lars recalls, “Just before we gathered at Château Palmer, I had a major concert in Luxembourg that took up all my focus. It was after that performance that I put this series of melodies down on paper. I know myself well—I’m at my best when I’m under pressure,” the double bassist, conductor, and composer laughs. “It wasn’t planned, but I found myself drawn to the song format, which necessitated a voice, like Verneri’s trumpet, and a sense of brevity—a deliberate choice. We didn’t need everyone to have a solo on every track; rather, we focused on the essence of the melody. This helped us maintain a natural collective flow, a shared momentum. There’s a true conviction here that beauty can arise from simplicity.”
Of course, this music is also shaped by the place of its creation—the Bordeaux region of France, Château Palmer, a place rich in history and renowned for its vineyards, though personally, I prefer Burgundy wines. The carefully crafted titles not only celebrate the spirit of collaboration but also pay tribute to their French hosts. There’s Étude bleue, a guitar ostinato “with a bluesy feel,” the almost abstract L’Époque, referencing Debussy’s Syrinx for solo flute, Verneri Pohjola’s Peu d’amour, and John Paricelli’s Lacour, inspired by Olivier Messiaen. Three covers, including a fascinating interpretation of Ellington’s Mood Indigo, further highlight the deep sense of jazz tradition that permeates the album.
Balancing modernism and tradition, this album is sure to surprise many. I cannot hide my pleasure at seeing these marvelous artists come together once again, giving their all. Undoubtedly, it’s an indispensable album that pays great tribute to European jazz!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 22nd 2024
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