String Theory

Description

Marc Copland and Mark Feldman no longer need to be introduced: long-time figures of the New York jazz scene, they have contributed for years to the development of this music in America and Europe. Both members of John Abercrombie's quartet, they have long expressed their desire to play together, which they finally did in 2022 and 2023, with concerts in Europe and the United States as well as recording sessions in France and Germany. The two musicians have a remarkable way of intertwining the colors of their instruments, blending to create textures rarely heard when a violin is integrated into a jazz group. The violin and piano frequently play melodies together, creating a sound of unique beauty (for example, "Greensleeves" and "Vesper"). The two musicians are comfortable with both modern approaches to improvisation and the traditional roots of jazz.
Marc and Mark are here accompanied by two rhythm sections. Veteran Drew Gress (bass) and the late Anthony Pinciotti (drums) played during the sessions at Fattoria Musica, with Gress contributing to the track Like it Never Was. This recording is dedicated to drummer Pinciotti, an essential figure of the New York scene, whose list of collaborations includes Copland, Abercrombie, James Moody, and Spike Wilner. A younger rhythm section, composed of bassist Felix Henkelhausen and drummer Jonas Burgwinkel, participated in the sessions at La Buissonne.
Among the most sought-after musicians in Europe, their talent, empathy, and understanding of the group concept are evident (Afro-Blue, for example). The group, in this formation, also recorded another composition by Gress, Vesper.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)