Alexander von Schlippenbach Trio & Fish-Scale Sunrise

The Alexander Von Schlippenbach Trio stood at the foundation of European improvised music at the end of the 1960s. Each of their concerts is a completely new journey of discovery for the trio, yet recognizable elements remain. Evan Parker amazes with his endless note patterns created through circular breathing. The piano playing of Alexander Von Schlippenbach brings influences of Thelonious Monk’s jazz together with principles of Arnold Schoenberg’s twelve tone music. And unlike most drummers Paul Lytton does not repeat himself for one moment.

Three unique musicians from the European avant-garde come together in Fish-Scale Sunrise, named after a poem by Wallace Stevens. Founder Ab Baars is renowned as a saxophone, clarinet and shakuhachi player and composer for Duo Baars-Henneman, ICP Orchestra and Ab Baars Trio. Pianist Kaja Draksler made name in a relatively short time with an extremely varied oeuvre. She released seven albums as a band leader/composer, alongside her solo album The Lives of Many Others. From a review in Downbeat: ‘The young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler shows off a wealth of sturdy ideas on this stunning solo recording.’ The Canadian-born bassist Joe Williamson has lived in Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Stockholm, playing in countless adventurous bands including Trapist and Tobias Delius 4tet.