Label: Self released, 2023
Personnel - Lars Fiil: piano; Bilal Irshed: oud; Soma Allpass: cello (#2,x,6,7).
Danish pianist Lars Fiil and Danish-Palestininan oud player Bilal Irshed join forces in Connections, bridging Nordic jazz and the folk sounds of the Middle East. Their irresistible embrace of diversity and warmth of sound is enriched by the sterling contribution of classically trained cellist Soma Allpass on four of the eight original compositions.
The opening track, “On the Way Home”, is expertly played and introduces the listener to the beautiful quarter tones of the oud, subsequently setting the gentle rhythm that underpins a passionate unison melody. Fiil’s smooth chords and textured accompaniment blend seamlessly with the oud’s pungent tone creating poignant and lyrical moments of sheer beauty. The following piece, “Pictures”, is a breezy lullaby with a touch of melancholy from the East. Allpass is featured here, adding pizzicato and bowed cello, and responding to the smart figure suggested by her colleagues. The threesome concludes in clear agreement.
Assi Rahbani’s “Kadeish Kan Fe Nas” is a Lebanese song with an easy, perceptive melody and classical intonation, while Fiil’s “Reflections” incorporate more Western influence, being a contemplative meditation cooked up in trio format. Ultimately, it makes us raise our hands to the skies in appreciation of life.
In the telepathic rapport of “Song” the trio takes the listener into Rabih Abhou Khalil's hybrid universe, becoming a prime example of how in sync these three musicians can play together. The journey concludes with the title track, “Connections”, which, sculpted with roundness and an in-the-pocket flow, evokes optimistic and thankful feelings through a circular harmonic dance that invites spontaneous phrasing.
The elegance, positive emotions, and graceful delicacy of the music are enough to make you respect what this duo does. The album’s peaceful atmosphere and harmonious sonic resolutions offer an encouraging start to 2024.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - On the Way Home ► 05 - Reflections ► 08 - Connections