The Importance of Otherness
Music and Poetry without BordersExcerpts from “Pasado En Claro” and other compositions by Anders Jormin and Lena Willemark, based on texts by Octavio Paz, Petrarca, Yamabe no Akahito, Thomas Tranströmer, Lena Willemark, and others.
Concert Introduction: Talk with Lena Willemark
Austrian Premiere
Past event
Description
Anders Jormin | contrabass
Lena Willemark | vocals, violin
Karin Nakagawa | 25-string koto
Jon Fält | drums, percussion
Meandering double bass solos, subtle percussion, powerful drum grooves. Striking riffs on the koto and dancing violins. A voice that pierces the heart. This internationally acclaimed programme brings together Swedish folk music, Japanese traditions, jazz and poetry from different countries and times.
And yet, as contrabassist Anders Jormin describes, it is precisely the differences between language and sound art that fascinate him. Nothing is blended together, rather the unique talents of the musicians shine through in the sound of the ensemble.
Jormin is one of the most prolific Scandinavian jazz musicians since the 1980s. “Pasado En Claro” (ECM Records) is his third collaboration with Lena Willemark, our Artist-in-Residence. Karin Nakagawa plays one of the oldest instruments in the world: the koto is mentioned in chronicles dating back to the 10th century. Her music is inspired by the sounds of Japan, by songs about the rice harvest or simply by wind and rain. Already as a very young musician, drummer Jon Fält made widely acclaimed recordings with Anders Jormin in pianist Bobo Stenson’s trio. The winner of four “Jazzkatten” awards from Swedish Radio is in high demand in Sweden and well beyond Scandinavia.