Lilly (feat. Gilad Hekselman & Kirk Knuffke) - The Song is You (March 2021 Challenge Records)

Interpreting the standards from the Great American Songbook is considered by many to be the supreme discipline in jazz. Anyone who dares to sing songs like “My Foolish Heart” by Victor Young and Ned Washington, “It Might As Well Be Spring” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein or “Prelude to a Kiss” by Duke Ellington automatically exposes himself or herself to the comparison with hundreds of performers who have already sung them.

For the Danish jazz singer Lilly – full name Lilly-Ann Hertzman – they also are part of her musical DNA. “I love these songs; they speak to me,” she said with enthusiasm. “I have been listening to and singing jazz since I was a teenager, so I am very familiar with these songs. I mostly only sang my own songs on my first three albums. But it was completely natural for me to sing these other songs now.”

She already did this on her previous album “Tenderly”, in a duet with the Israeli-American guitarist Gilad Hekselman. The album received euphoric reactions. For Lilly, this was a reason to dare something similar without repeating herself. This time, Kirk Knuffke joined the tried-and-tested duet of singer and guitarist. The American cornet player brings an additional tone quality into play.

“The entire album was recorded in New York on one day; it was very spontaneous,” the singer stated with obvious pleasure. “Of course, I was very happy to be able to record with Gilad and Kirk.”

Three years ago, she had a joint performance with the trumpeter at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and has kept him and his special tone in mind since then. Lilly also finds enthusiastic words for her other musical partner, who is so much more than just a companion, but instead a creator on equal terms.

“Gilad is a wonderful person and also one of the best musicians I have ever played with," she stated. “He makes everything so easy for me. He is very open-minded, but has both feet on the ground. “Let's see what happens” is his attitude, and I share it. He makes me sing better because I can relax with him.”

In addition to nine standards, Lilly's own song “Five Wild Geese” made it onto the album, about whose title and title track the singer was particularly concerned. It is not without reason at the end of the album. “I tried to find a common framework for the songs that made it onto the album,” Lilly said, “and then I decided on the album title 'The Song Is You’. It expresses the spirit of that day for me.”

The song by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein is of course a love song. “To show your love to another person requires courage,” Lilly said. “That's my interpretation of the song.”

But she also finds other levels of interpretation of this song, which has been close to her heart for quite some time. “At the same time, you can also emphasize the ‘You’ from ‘The Song Is You’,” Lilly explained. “It's not about ego, but about following your heart and dreams. You also have to love yourself and be honest if you really want to love.”

And finally, the song expresses something a lot deeper for Lilly. “The title ‘The Song Is You’ is also about what musicians and singers do when they interpret a song,” the singer explained. “The moment you sing or play a song, you become that song. At least that's what I'm interested in. I want to interpret a story and make it my own. I completely blank out who else recorded this song.”

The sensitive and sometimes surprising interpretations that Lilly and her two companions have succeeded in creating here would easily withstand some comparison, but that wouldn’t be something that Lilly considers important. For her, something completely different is in the foreground. “We were very relaxed in the studio and had fun,” she said with pleasure, “and that's what it's all about. Be yourself!”

1. If You Could See Me Now 03:23

2. Up Jumped Spring 06:15

3. My Foolish Heart 04:31

4. Five Wild Geese 04:14

5. Prelude to a Kiss 04:56

6. It Might As Well Be Spring 04:39

7. Scarborough Fair 07:44

8. Lonely Woman 04:20

9. That Old Feeling 04:22

10. The Song is You 04:44

Lilly - vocal

Gilad Hekselman - guitars, percussion (4) & bodypercussion (2 & 4)

Kirk Knuffke - cornet

Pre-order

Will Vinson / Antonio Sanchez / Gilad Hekselman - Trio Grande (Whirlwind Recordings)

Trio Grande is the debut statement from a brand new project that unites three of the most inventive, exciting and accomplished musicians working at the interface of New York’s contemporary musical culture, where the city’s rich tradition of jazz meets crosscurrents blowing in from across the world. British-born saxophonist Will Vinson, Israeli guitarist Gilad Hekselman and Mexico City native, longtime Jackson Heights, Queens resident Antonio Sánchez first came together at one of the city’s legendary club residencies at the Cornelia Street Café, and the chemistry and excitement was immediate. Each brings their own formidable reputation as bandleader and composer in their own right, but when they started playing together, following their impulses with all the freedom afforded by the bassless trio format, they found the music taking on its own creative directions that surprised and delighted them all.

Says Vinson: ‘We’re all grounded in jazz but all of us are also looking for other sounds and influences to bring in: that’s what we have in common, and what sets us apart is that all our sounds and influences are so different!’. The album’s magic lies in the way that so many disparate musical elements are woven together to create such a coherent whole. ‘Northbound’, driven along by its powerfully insistent low-end guitar riff, and ‘Gocta’, with its array of vast, epic soundscapes, were written by Sanchez and reflect his virtuosity and ability to deliver the power and excitement of rock music within a sophisticated musical framework. The uplifting, joyously dancing ‘Elli Yeled Tov’, with its echoes of carnival, reflects Hekselman’s love of song forms, whether pop or folk derived, and showcases the way that he can incorporate the most complex rhythmic ideas and make them sound simple and direct.

His haunting ballad ‘Will You Let It?’ shows his total commitment to melody, while the lowdown sophistifunk of ‘Scoville’ is both an opportunity to flex his guitar chops and a homage to the guitar master. Vinson’s ‘Oberkampf’ is a broodingly atmospheric piece, brought into focus by contrasting but equally melodic solos from guitar and saxophone, demonstrating the ease with which the players can move in and out of the frontline and swap roles at a moment’s notice. ‘Upside’, another Vinson original, maintains an elegant, insouciant swing, while Sanchez’s ‘Firenze’ develops from an equally poised cool into a frenetic coda: both tracks allow the trio to blow freely over a closely written structure in classic jazz style, yet their vision is so unified and complete that each tune develops organically, without either sounding like a generic head-and-solos piece. Texture and dynamics are as important as melody and improvisation, all brilliantly captured by engineer Mike Marciano’s warm, crystal clear studio sound.

The music will be available on CD / DL and Limited Edition 180g Double LP with gatefold artwork. The LP contains three bonus tracks: an original by Vinson, a loving deconstruction of John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’ and a reverent reading of ‘Silence’ by Charlie Haden. The selection of tracks shows the scope of the trio’s no-limits influences and underlines the spirit of openness and unity of purpose that defines this remarkable collaboration.

1. Northbound 06:48

2. Elli Yeled Tov 04:07

3. Oberkampf 07:36

4. Upside 05:46

5. Scoville 08:06

6. Gocta 09:01

7. Firenze 09:23

8. Will You Let It 06:08

Will Vinson - saxophones & keyboards

Gilad Hekselman - guitars

Antonio Sanchez - drums

Pre-order

Gilad Hekselman - Ask for Chaos (MOTEMA MUSIC 2018)

GILAD HEKSELMAN'S passionate artistry and complexity are at the forefront of his new album ASK FOR CHAOS. Named Rising Star guitarist in 2017 by DownBeat Magazine, on his sixth album he combines his melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic expertise, bringing together his two touring bands – his acoustic-based gHex Trio, and his electric-leaning ZuperOctave. The result is his most compelling and innovative sound to date.

ASK FOR CHAOS features Gilad with two exciting formations taking turns as they perform ten new and original Hekselman compositions.

ZUPEROCTAVE is: Gilad Hekselman: Guitar/Bass, Aaron Parks: Synths/Rhodes/Piano and Kush Abadey: Drums/Pads.

While the

GHEX TRIO is: Gilad Hekselman: Guitar, Rick Rosato: Bass & Jonathan Pinson: Drums.

1. Prologu0001101

2. VBlues

3. It Will Get Better

4. Tokyo Cookie

5. Stumble

6. Milton

7. Home to You

8. Little Song For You

9. Clap Clap

10. Do Re Mi Fa Sol

Ari Hoenig - NY Standard (FRESH SOUND NEW TALENT RECORDS 2018)

For his latest album NY Standard, Ari Hoenig pays tribute to the movement and tradition of

playing jazz standards in New York City. Once you learn a song there are so many different

directions and conversations you can have using that song as a starting point. It’s kind of like a

private conversation you can have with other people who know the song. If you don’t know the

song however there will be a lot you will miss.

New York city has brought together people from all over the world. People that would normally

never have the chance to even meet but can speak to each other on a deep level using jazz

standards as the basis for the conversation.

In addition to his work a bandleader, Hoenig is one of the most sought-after sidemen of his

generation. He has appeared on over a hundred recordings and worked with a diverse

spectrum of artists, including guitarists Mike Stern, Pat Martino, Wayne Krantz and Kurt

Rosenwinkel, saxophonists Joshua Redman and Chris Potter, harpist Edmar Castaneda,

bassist / vocalist Richard Bona and many more. He’s developed deep musical relationships

with pianists representing three generations of boundless jazz creativity: Billy Childs, Kenny

Werner, Jean-Michel Pilc and Monk competition winner, Tigran Hamasyan.

01. Boplicity (Davis-Evans) 4:29

02. Bessie's Blues (John Coltrane) 8:31

03. Stablemates (Benny Golson) 6:19

04. Someday My Prince Will Come (Churchill-Morey) 6:21

05. Pent Up House(Sonny Rollins) 5:52

06. In Walked Bud (Thelonious Monk) 7:30

07. Fee Fi Fo Fum (Wayne Shorter) 4:30

Ari Hoenig (drums)

Tivon Pennicott (tenor sax on #5-7)

Gilad Hekselman (guitar on #1-3,5,6)

Tigran Hamasyan (piano on #2)

Shai Maestro (piano on #4,6)

Eden Ladin (piano on #3,5)

Orlando Le Fleming (bass)

Recorded at Peter Karl Studios in Brooklyn, New York, September 2015, except track #2 recorded on January 21, 2010

Recorded, mixed & mastered by Michael Perez-Cisneros

Cover photo by Ilkka Rantamaki

Produced by Ari Hoenig

Executive Producer: Jordi Pujol

Will Vinson - It's Alright With Three (CRISS CROSS RECORDS May 18, 2018)

For his second Criss Cross leader date, Will Vinson presents one of the most venturesome albums in the label's long and distinguished catalog. Joined by world class partners Antonio Sanchez on drums and Gilad Hekselman on guitar, the alto saxophone master navigates four originals and four pearls from the Great American Songbook with melodic focus, rhythmic legerdemain and an open spirit, matched every step of the way by his ingenious band mates.

"Marvelous... drills a hole through [the music], boxing like a sprightly Olympic welterweight" - Downbeat

"Potent, big-toned alto saxophonist... exhilarating, cascading improvisations... Outstanding playing" - Jazz Times

John Raymond & Real Feels - Joy Ride (SUNNYSIDE RECORDS February 9, 2018 2018)

In life, it is easy to become untethered and lose a sense of stability. For many, stability is found in close relationships, whether it be with partners, family or friends. It is exactly these connections that make the journey through life possible and, in John Raymond’s case, a Joy Ride. 

In the unfettered world of the jazz musician, having a long time working group with a unique identity and sound is a rare thing. There are certain regional sensibilities that emerge from around the nation. There does seem to be some instinctual urge from Midwestern musicians that makes them attracted to more familial surroundings, musically speaking: a close-knit band. 

Originally from the Minneapolis area, John Raymond grew to appreciate musicians who wanted not only a connection with their audience but also with their associates on the bandstand and, taking this to heart, the trumpeter applied the sentiment when he created his own band, Real Feels.

Raymond moved to New York City after spending some time studying music in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was able to establish himself in the New York scene playing alongside well-known musicians like Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dan Tepfer and Linda May Han Oh. But Raymond was increasingly drawn to creating and leading a band of his own, which has always been his main focus. 

By the time he moved to the City, Raymond had already been drawn to Gilad Hekselman’s playing. The guitarist’s lyrical style was perfect for Raymond’s musical direction and Raymond began to employ Hekselman in many of his projects. After a few years of playing together, Raymond wanted to experiment with an ensemble sound that he found increasingly more attractive, a flugelhorn-led trio with guitar and drums à la Jim Hall and Art Farmer and, more recently, the collaborations of Ron Miles, Bill Frisell and Brian Blade. 

The initial performance of what would become Real Feels was a revelation for Raymond. He provided simple lead sheets, which allowed the group free reign in terms of interpreting the music. It was shortly thereafter that drummer Colin Stranahan would cement himself as the bedrock of Real Feels. The group would go on to release two albums in 2016, the self titled Real Feels and a live follow up Real Feels: Live, Vol. 1. 

Raymond wants the music of Real Feels to connect to his listeners. So rather than compose “heady” or complex songs, he focused on simplifying and writing music that people could sing along with. The majority of the music on Joy Ride was written during a self-imposed summer retreat in which Raymond spent hours composing each day. He also decided to compose at the piano, an instrument on which he is less in command, creating a natural handicap to insure the pieces would be more natural.

When Real Feels was ready to record, Raymond brought in Matt Pierson as producer to help streamline the recording process and help craft a stronger musical presentation.

The recording begins with “Joy Ride,” a jaunty original that keeps both the band and the listener on the edge of their seats the entire tune. The group’s interpretation of Paul Simon’s “I’d Do It For Your Love” provides a perfect setting for Raymond’s flugelhorn on the sing-song melody and intriguing harmonic underpinning. Raymond’s “Follower” evokes a Radiohead-esque vibe, with a steady groove and winding, mysterious melody. Justin Vernon’s music is a huge influence on Raymond, as Raymond was in Eau Claire when Bon Iver was just in its nascent form. Taking hints from a live Bon Iver performance in Brooklyn, Raymond rearranged “Minnesota, WI” into an incredibly poignant and resonant piece which features Hekselman stretching over his own guitar loops. The group’s take on the hymn “Be Still, My Soul” starts out calm but gradually becomes more edgy and dissonant, ending with a collectively improvised release of acoustic and electronic sounds. 

The bare, yet moving Raymond original “Fortress” further reinforces Raymond’s indie-rock influences. Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill” is a perfect pop song set up with a repetitive guitar riff that the group modulates both harmonically and metrically throughout. Raymond’s soulful “En Route” is a lighthearted piece that breezily traverses the musical back roads. A tribute to a Minnesota legend, Raymond’s pastoral take on Bob Dylan’s iconic “The Times They Are A-Changin’” (to this day, still a powerful political statement) subtly shifts and bends, yet retains, the essential sentiment of the song. The recording concludes with “Hymn,” a duo performance with Hekselman leaving the listener with a simple and sincere melody resonating in their ears. 

The journey through the ups and downs of life can be made more smoothly with the influence and love of friends and family. The urge and opportunity to create a band of friends was of high importance to John Raymond. His Real Feels trio is a distinctive and highly listenable ensemble whose care and passion can be heard on their new recording, Joy Ride.

1. Joy Ride 05:47

2. I'd Do It For Your Love

3. Follower

4. Minnesota, WI

5. Be Still, My Soul

6. Fortress

7. Solsbury Hill

8. En Route

9. The Times They Are A-Changin

10. Hymn

John Raymond - flugelhorn

Gilad Hekselman - guitar

Colin Stranahan - drums

Buy in

Eden Ladin (feat. Dayna Stephens / John Ellis / Gilad Hekselman) - Yequm (CONTAGIOUS MUSIC 2017)

CONTAGIOUS MUSIC PROUDLY PRESENTS THE DEBUT RECORDING FROM PIANIST/COMPOSER EDEN LADIN - YEQUM

After nearly nine years of living in NYC and being an in-demand sideman for the likes of Omer Avital, Myron Walden, Wallace Roney, Ari Hoenig, bassist Avishai Cohen, Camila Meza, trumpeter Avishai Cohen and many others, pianist/composer/bandleader Eden Ladin proudly announces the release of his debut album, Yequm, to be released on Dayna Stephens’ label, Contagious Music on October 6. This long awaited moment reveals an artist who has paid his dues, gained knowledge and racked up experience. During his time on the scene he has allowed his artistry to steep in the longstanding tradition of being a first call sideman in New York City. Therefore, what we hear on his debut album, Yequm, is a fully-formed artist who was able to sit in silence, listen to the music resonating in his mind, and uncover a personal narrative of original compositions, reflecting years of musical exploration, traveling back and forth between New York and Tel Aviv, and experiences around the world. The music is co-interpreted by Dayna Stephens, John Ellis, Gilad Hekselman, Harish Raghavan and Daniel Dor, alongside special guests Camila Meza and Yonatan Albalak. The title – Yequm is Hebrew for “Universe.” Welcome to pianist Eden Ladin’s Yequm, an exciting, unique and brilliant debut from a young artist bursting with talent and promise.

Contagious Music label owner/saxophonist/composer/bandleader Dayna Stephens said of Ladin and Yequm, “Eden has a limitless imagination when it comes to melody harmony and how to weave his influences into his sound. I've being inspired by his writing and playing and in both aspects he clearly has a strong foundation that comes from studying masters that span many genres. As I’ve seen him develop over the years he has built on that foundation a unique sound creation that is beautifully displayed on Yequm. When hearing it for the first time, Eden mentioned to me that he hadn’t found a way to release it, the solution then became obvious, this is NEED TO HEAR music to my ears, and through Contagious Music I’ll do my best to allow it to blossom.”

About The Music on Yequm with Eden Ladin:

Lonely Arcade Man – The entire album is comprised of original compositions by Ladin. This was originally written as an electronic track and is based on an imaginary story the pianist/composer had about a character trapped inside an arcade game. “Every time someone plays the game he is happy, but once they're finished he lives inside this little digital world by himself. Sometimes I can feel like this man (don’t we all?).”

Smell / Faded Memory – This tune was in progress for many years, and has had many transfigurations. The first four bars come from an idea Ladin had back in 2006, when he was still in his teens and wasn’t completed until 2013/2014. “In other words this song was a work in progress for about 9 years. The song examines that feeling you get when you recognize a familiar smell from the past. For example a hint of that perfume your grandmother wore when you were 5 can revive vivid childhood memories, almost like a flashback. That sensation is really unique.”

From The Frozen Cave – This serves as intro to the next track on the album. “Throughout the years I’ve worked a lot with one of my best friends and musical brother, Yonatan Albalak. It was very important for me to have him on this record, even if for one track (as he lives in Israel). I sent him the track, told him the imaginary story surrounding it (see below), and asked him to play an intro for it; I knew he would understand me. He later sent me four different takes that were all amazing. The one we chose here was exactly what I envisioned.”

The One Warm Hearted Man Living In The Kingdom Of Ice – This is another tune that was a work in progress for many years – Ladin is an artist that allows compositions to take their time as they come into maturity. “The story takes place on a frozen planet engulfed in huge, blue glaciers, frozen lakes, and endless snowstorms. At the peak of the highest mountain lies a dark castle and inside lives an evil witch with a frozen heart. She terrorizes the zombie-like people of the planet; they all fear her. But there is one man, a warrior hiding in a cave; he has a warm heart. With his flaming sword and after years of strict practice he is now ready to defeat the evil witch and set the people of the planet free! This song tells the story of that man.”

The Way We Used To Laugh – This composition reflects feelings and thoughts about when you have to let someone go, who was very dear to you. “In a relationship - things can get complicated and problematic to a point where it can't be fixed. Even though this song was composed after such a time, it draws from the joyful memories we’ve shared and the laughs we’ve had together back when everything was wonderful.”

Safta (Grandma) – “Dedicated to my late grandmother, Rachel Plotkin, honoring a very special and unique person. When I was little she would often sit next to me while I practiced the piano, playing intimate concerts for her. During the final days as her illness progressed I wanted to return to Israel; however, it was important to her that I complete my senior recital first and then travel on the following day… But it was too late. She passed away on the day of my senior recital. She was the most positive person I've known, influencing me through the way she saw the world. She helped me understand that despite the sufferings of life, one should always dwell on the positive-there’s positivity in everything. This song is playful, not morbid, in celebration of her life and positive spirit. I chose to merge tracks 5 and 6 as they both remember the loss of people I’ve truly loved and they embrace their influence on my life.”

Times Square – “Reflects on the best and worst place in NYC. I took a video with my phone, went home, watched it next to my keyboards, and this melody just came out of me.”

Dreams – “Everything is possible there… People you love that are not a part of your life anymore can show up suddenly… But you can't always really reach them… I wanted a dreamy atmosphere and decided there would only be vocals, piano, and about 7 layers of keyboards synths.  I was fortunate to have my good friend and incredible musician Camila Meza singing on this one.”

Gambit – The seed of this track came from a phrase Ladin transcribed from a song by the electronic group, Boards Of Canada, which he is very influenced by. He composed a new melody and harmony on this idea and it grew from there. The title reflects Ladin’s recent fascination for Chess, and captures a situation in which a player risks one or more pieces to gain an advantage in position, a “gambit.” Obviously a risky thing to do because it’s a situation you must know how to get out of or you will lose the game - also a metaphor for life, sometimes you’ve got to risk a lot in order to become better.

Schlompi – “Schlompi was a toy store in Tel-Aviv that I used to go to as kid. This song that has kind of a playful and silly melody with hints of childhood melancholia, which reminded me of toy stores, and this store in particular.”

Autumn Song – “was written in autumn of course. I’ve always found autumn to be a very special time of year—a time of new beginnings on one hand but also of endings: happiness and mourning; rain and sun.”

Eden Ladin – piano, keyboards, compositions

Dayna Stephens – tenor sax and EWI (tracks 1,4,9,10)

John Ellis – tenor and soprano sax (tracks 2, 5, 6, 7, 11)

Gilad Hekselman – guitar

Harish Raghavan – bass

Daniel Dor – drums

Special Guests:

Camila Meza – vocals (track 8 & bonus track 12)

Yonatan Albalak – guitar (track 3)

Please Visit:

www.contagiousmusic.net

www.EdenLadin.com

MakeForm - MakeForm (2017)

DEBUT

1. Derm 04:40

2. Zzzzz 03:29

3. Le Jardin 03:55

4. Ok (feat. Nitai Hershkovits) 04:02

5. Theme Song (feat. Gilad Hekselman) 05:27

6. Idea 04:03

Joe Beerman, double bass

Eugenia Choe, piano

Juan Sanchez, drums

Guests

Gilad Hekselman, guitar

Nitai Hershkovits, piano

John Raymond & Real Feels - Live Vol. 1 (October 7, 2016) SHIFTING PARADIGM RECORDS

John Raymond is an American jazz trumpeter, composer and educator living in New York City.

Rooted in both traditional and modern forms, John's music incorporates jazz, classical, folk and indie-rock influences. Recently selected by Downbeat Magazine's Critics Poll for the Trumpet "Rising Star" category, he has performed with musicians such as Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Orrin Evans, Linda Oh, Ethan Iverson, Dan Tepfer and Gilad Hekselman among others. He has also recorded with Grammy-nominated singer Sara Bareilles, Dove Award-winning producer Darnell Davis, and performed at events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and on NPR's 'Toast of the Nation.'

John's album "Foreign Territory," released in April 2015, received critical acclaim from the New York Times, Downbeat Magazine and others. Of note, his composition “Deeper” was chosen as a winner of the 2015 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award presented by ASCAP. His latest album "Real Feels" also received glowing reviews from many major publications (including a ★★★★ 1/2 star review from DownBeat Magazine), and was celebrated with a 24-city CD release tour in 2016. 

John has also established himself as a sought after educator in New York and beyond. He currently teaches at the United Nations International School in New York, and he is also an active guest clinician & soloist at schools around the world such as the University of North Texas, Oberlin College, the Brubeck Institutue, New Trier High School, and Lawrence University among others. 

Read John's recent editorial "Developing the Entrepreneurial Mind: Teaching Students How To 'Bloom Where They're Planted'" - recently published in the Jazz Education Network's JazzED Magazine. Read Part 1 and Part 2.

John is an Adams Brass artist, and plays Adams flugelhorns exclusively.


John is also a Torpedo Bags artist, and only uses Torpedo Bags to carry and transport his horns.

01. I'll Fly Away 13:31

02. Yesterday 09:47

03. Atoms for Peace 09:43

04. Amazing Grace 10:54

05. This Land Is Your Land 11:10

John Raymond - flugelhorn 

Gilad Hekselman - guitar 

Colin Stranahan - drums

Recorded live at BLU Jazz (Akron, OH) by Joe Scott 

Mixed & Mastered by Dave Darlington 

Artwork by RT Vreize and Knorth Studios

Luis González Trio (feat. Gilad Hekselman) - Made In New York ( 2016) PSM Music

Luis González Trio nació el 2008 de la necesidad de establecer un vínculo musical entre los tres componentes y ahondar en un sonido de grupo, personal y original. Desde entonces han grabado 6 discos como formación estable colaborando con diversos artistas de renombre y han tocado por todo el estado español.

Su último proyecto les lleva a viajar a la capital mundial del jazz: New York City (USA).
En la ciudad de los rascacielos y las vanguardias grabaron su 7º álbum titulado "Made in New York" donde se incluyen composiciones originales de Luis González con un estilo que fusiona el flamenco, la musica latina y el jazz, y arreglos de estilos y compositores tan heterogeneos como : Piazzola, Bach, Bartok o Jimmy Cliff.

En este nuevo álbum el pianista y compositor ha querido inspirarse en la sonoridad del flamenco y tambien beber de las fuentes de musica europea o latina como de la musica clásica o el tango para dar siempre un toque de originalidad y singularidad a la sonoridad del trío.
Luis González ha ido a la gran ciudad con sus compañeros de viaje y amigos, Joan Solà-Morales (contrabajo) y César Martínez (batería) pero tanto en las actuaciones que hizo allí, como en el disco que grabó colaboran el joven saxofonista Lucas Martínez (con su disco “Fly”) que acababa de llegar de una provechosa estáncia en Àustria y la cantante Laura Noah, instalada en NYC.

En la grabación colabora el prestigioso guitarrista Gilad Hekselman de origen israelita con residencia en NYC, que es uno de los talentos del panorama jazzístico actual en plena efervescencia. Gilad Hekselman ganó el Gibson-Montreaux Jazz Festival y ha grabado y tocado con artistas como : Esperanza Spalding, Mark Turner, Jeff Ballard o John Scofield.

01. Frigi Blues (Luis González) 07:30

con Gilad Heckselman, guitarra y Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

02.  My Ideal (Whiting, Robin, Chase) 05:11

con Gilad Heckselman, guitarra

03. Sarabande BWV 812 (J.S.Bach, arr. Luis González) 05:31

04. Many Rivers to Cross (Jimmy Cliff) 03:49

con Laura Noah, voz

05. Bulgarian Rhythm (Bartok, arr. Luis González) 04:34

con Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

06. Anochecer (Luis González) 04:30

con Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

07. Libertango (Piazzola arr. Luis González) 06:36

con Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

08. Dentro de mi (Laura Noah) 04:24

con Laura Noah, voz

09. Calle Nueva (Luis González) 07:41

con Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

10. Atardecer (Luis González) 06:17

con Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

11. Nocturn per Mireia (Luis González) 03:16

Luis González, piano

Joan Solà-Morales, contrabajo

César Martínez, batería

 

Made in New York

featuring Gilad Hekselman, guitarra

Lucas Martínez, saxo tenor

Lau Noah, voz

Niels Wilhelm Knudsen Quartet (feat. Gilad Hekselman) - Abandoned Places (2016)

Niels Wilhelm Knudsen Page

BUY THIS ALBUM