Lis Wessberg Set To Release Sophomore Album ‘Twain Walking’
Leading Danish trombonist Lis Wessberg is grounded by the concept that a strong melody, and a rich sound are the two most important elements in composition and performance. A continuation of the refined contemporary answer to the ‘Cool Jazz’ sound she’s been cultivating for the past 30 years, her sophomore album ‘Twain Walking’ is set to release on April 12th on April Records.
With more than 50 album credits to her name, and having performed and toured with renowned artists including Marilyn Mazur, Fredrik Lundin, Joyce Moreno, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band feat. Randy Brecker, and more, 2021 saw the release of her debut album “Yellow Maps” to critical acclaim from all around Europe.
Diving deep into the personal exploration of her creative roots, ‘Twain Walking’ hails from the warm vitality of New Orleans jazz, to the reflective hum of the ECM sound, and the boundary pushing songwriting of Radiohead.
With a respectful nod to her influences such as Miles Davis, Curtis Fuller, Danish Erling Kroner, and Palle Mikkelborg, Wessberg operates within the traditions they established. However, resisting producing a mere echo of the past, she cultivates her own distinct aesthetic inspired in equal parts by her heroes as well as contemporary zeitgeist.
Led by Wessberg’s dynamic trombone playing, her breathlike approach to the instrument mimics a lamenting human voice singing intricately lyrical melodies. Rock inspired drum grooves, thick synth timbres, and cavernous reverbs craft an expansive and dream-like contemporary sound world in which Wessberg’s thoughtfully crafted compositions can unfold. From spacious, Nordic ballads to dance floor psychedelia, the ensemble tackle all ten varied compositions with confidence, maturity, and a dedicated sense of self-expression.
Featuring Estonian rising star Karmen Rõivassepp on vocals, her effortless soloistic contributions explore lyrical themes of recognising the beauty in love in life, elevating the record’s melancholic and reflective tone.
Lis Wessberg | Trombone
Steen Rasmussen | Fender Rhodes, Moog, Synths, Piano
Lennart Ginman | Double Bass, Electronics
Jeppe Gram | Drums
Karmen Rõivassepp | Vocals (Behind the Walls, Like a Sparrow)
Track Listing
- Birds (4:20)
- Posterity (5:39)
- Behind the Walls (3:46)
- Clouds (6:00)
- Anthem (2:40)
- Tapestry of Life (3:52)
- Like a Sparrow (3:06)
- Two Track (5:33)
- Twain Walking (5:40)
- Ripples (4:06)
All compositions and arrangements by Lis Wessberg
Background info / Liner Notes:
Mixed by August Wanngren
Mastered by John Fomsgaard
Photo (front) by Kresten Hillerup
Photos (back) by Lennart Ginman
Cover Design by Enrico Andreis
Published by April Publishing ApS
This album was made with support from DMF, Koda’s Cultural Funds and Dansk Artist Forbund (Logoer)
Big and heartfelt thanks to the musicians on this album; Steen Rasmussen, Lennart Ginman and Jeppe Gram for your constant constructive and creative input during the creation of this album.
Very special thanks to Karmen Rõivassepp for saying yes to participate as a guest soloist on ‘Like A Sparrow’ and ‘Behind the Walls’
Made in EU
Click Here to Pre-Order Twain Walking
