Flemish duo Linus tickles the imagination with its combination of mystery and familiarity, beauty and a little confusion. The melancholy of folk and the openness of minimal music are present in the music of guitarist Ruben Machtelinckx and saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist Thomas Jollings.
The cinematic and often sketched character of their improvisations fits perfectly with the musicians they have been collaborating with for a while now: Niels Van Heertum (euphonium, flugelhorn), Ingar Zach (percussion) and Nils Økland the Norwegian musician who has brought the traditional hardanger fiddle into the jazz spectrum. He previously performed at the BIMHUIS with ‘ECM recording artist’ Christian Wallumrød.
‘Those familiar with Linus’ work know that this is heavenly music, intended to be very intimate. Often this colorful and wonderful music has a sacred character’ (WrittenInMusic on the album Mono No Aware by Linus + Økland/Van Heertum/Zach).
Thomas Jillings reeds/synthesizer, Ruben Machtelinckx guitar/banjo, Nils Økland hardanger fiddle, Niels Van Heertum euphonium, Ingar Zach percussion