Hans Lüdemann’s TransEuropeExpress octet of French and German musicians set out in 2019 to explore Europe’s border regions through the “On The Edges” project. Following the first album, focusing on North Africa with Majid Bekkas, the second and third parts of the series have been released in November, taking the listener to Scandinavia with Sofia Jernberg and Kalle Kalima, and to Italy with Rita Marcotulli and Luciano Biondini.
Hans Lüdemann’s TransEuropeExpress – ON THE EDGE 2
The seven-year series is planned to visit five regions inside and outside the European Union. The members of the TransEuropeExpress Ensemble and invited guest artists draw creative energy from the interplay and fusion of their musical languages to paint a colorful, richly layered picture of European jazz, while making palpable the clash of musical elements and cultures. Released exclusively in digital format, On The Edges 2 focuses on Scandinavia. The album features two guest artists: singer Sofia Jernberg, displaying her unique and enormous musical and vocal range, and guitarist Kalle Kalima, who has been known for his multi-faceted activity over the past decades, but now he is also presenting himself as a composer, writing intricate and highly individual ensemble music with his special sense of humor. The album is completed by two pieces that were written for the ensemble by alto player Silke Eberhard and guitarist Ronny Graupe.
Composed by Hans Lüdemann, Kalle Kalima, Ronny Graupe, Silke Eberhard
Hans Lüdemann – piano, musical direction
Yves Robert – trombone
Silke Eberhard – alto saxophone, clarinet
Alexandra Grimal – soprano and tenor saxophone
Régis Huby – violin & electronics
Ronny Graupe – guitar
Sébastien Boisseau – double bass
Dejan Terzic – drums, percussion
Kalle Kalima – guitar
Sofia Jernberg – voice
Hans Lüdemann’s TransEuropeExpress – ON THE EDGE 3
On The Edges 3, available in both physical and digital formats, has a focus on melodic elements that make the music more accessible. Among the tracks, we find several catchy hits, to be instantly whistled, some of which are reworkings from Lüdemann’s previous compositions. This album was recorded in Rome, thanks to the German Rome Prize for composition that Lüdemann received in 2021. But it is not only the pervasive Mediterranean flavour that sets the mood: Rita Marcotulli and Lüdemann’s collaboration is the result of a personal relationship that goes back many years, and this is reflected in their natural and intuitive interplay. Marcotulli is the “grand dame” of Italian jazz, at home in all its layers, from popular sounds to the most modern musical constructions. The other guest is Luciano Biondini, one of the most original, creative, and virtuosic European accordionists today. His participation was recommended by Kalle Kalima, with whom he has recorded and worked together. The album is also a joint cooperation between TEE and their guests, as the tracks include not only Lüdemann’s tunes, but also compositions by Marcotulli, Biondini, Grimal and Terzic.
Compositions by Hans Lüdemann, Luciano Biondini, Rita Marcotulli, Alexandra Grimal, Dejan Terzic
Hans Lüdemann – piano, musical direction
Yves Robert – trombone
Silke Eberhard – alto saxophone, clarinet
Alexandra Grimal – soprano and tenor saxophone
Régis Huby – violin & electronics
Sébastien Boisseau – double bass
Dejan Terzic – drums, percussion
Rita Marcotulli – piano
Luciano Biondini – accordeon
