The trio has been described as ‘the perfect amalgam of Jazz, African Songs and Classical Music’ (1). They have released two earlier albums for Winter and Winter and made the music for several films that were directed by well-known filmmaker Werner Herzog.

Herzog says “What has been strange becomes familiar. And what has been familiar acquires the glow of mystery.”

‘Cellist Ernst Reijseger, pianist Harmen Fraanje and Senegalese singer-percussionist Mola Sylla are able to create their own language on stage like no one else; and although it might not be directly understood, it can be felt very clearly’. (2)

The trio makes fierce and beautiful music that is also melancholy and always heavily supported by the excellent voice of their African singer. The exuberant, improvised piano playing of Fraanje and the subtle melodies of Reijseger make for an eclectic, sometimes spiritual whole where nothing is what it seems.”

(1) Quote by North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands; (2) Quote by John Kelman, All About Jazz

Ernst Reijseger – Cello, Vocals
Harmen Fraanje – Piano
Mola Sylla – Percussion, Vocals

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His special abilities have not gone unnoticed. He has been commissioned to compose original music for the North Sea Jazz festival, in addition to winning the Prince Bernard Culture Fund Prize Noord Brabant. Fraanje is also a lecturer at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

In addition to the Dutch double bass player Clemens van der Feen (one of the Feenbrothers – known for their DSD release Feenbrothers Play Dave Brubeck at NativeDSD Music), his newest ensemble includes California-born drummer Tristan Renfrow. Swedish saxophone player Fredrik Ljungkvist was invited to join the trio as a guest artist. Fraanje says “I always try to create as much space as possible for the musicians I play with, so that everyone can concentrate on the present moment to tell their own personal story.”

His latest album First Meeting is a new DSD 256 (Direct Stream Digital) recording for the high-end label Just Listen.  The album has an open characteristic with music that provides endless space for creativity. It evolved as music with no prepared plans but only full attention to the creative process. This is a way of thinking and playing that you do not often encounter in the recording process.

Illustrative of his approach is the opening track ‘Several’.  A simple musical motif develops smoothly from behind the piano.  In the meantime, doors are gradually opened for the tenor saxophone of Ljungkvist. It is music that is almost incomprehensible as if it were floating in the air.

Contrabassist Van der Feen is the author of ‘Bread Of Life’, a melody that puts you back on the floor with both feet and gives space to the poetic clarinet of Ljungkvist. The beautiful piano solo ‘Pi’ forms a bridge to the classic ‘Ida Lupino’ by Carla Bley. “I think this is one of the most beautiful pieces ever composed in jazz, so simple and so sincere,” says the leader. Melancholic sounds emerge from Ljungkvist’s tenor saxophone over the mobile rhythm section. ‘Fade’ forms an organic transition with slowly dying away music, as the title suggests. Fraanje’s subtle ‘A Small Ray Of Light’ brings “an atmosphere of light and hope” as the composer indicates. A mood that alternates with the meditative ‘XYZ’, a piece with recurring motifs and a feature for the drummer.

Impressive is ‘PH’, a homage written by Ljungkvist for Per Henrik Wallin (1946-2005), the ‘Thelonious Monk’ of Swedish jazz. This is a piece that has its roots in bebop. A flashback that is unexpectedly alternated by the free ‘Epi’, with a leading role for the ecstatic tenor saxophone. The compact and melodic ‘Safe’ forms a fitting contrast: “An almost Radiohead-like tune”, according to Fraanje.

‘Goodbye’ is a temporary farewell that makes you want more music from this unique Jazz ensemble. It is a special formation that gives this music a new dimension to the concept of lyricism. The fine DSD recording is icing on the cake as the album ends.

Harmen Fraanje Trio
Harmen Fraanje – Piano
Clemens van der Feen – Double Bass
Tristan Renfrow – Drums
Fredrik Ljungkvist – Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet (Special Guest)

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The phenomenal Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras was able to add just that magic color to the already sparkling sound of the piano trio. Nelson Veras, who already as a teenager toured with people like Pat Metheny, Aldo Romano, Gary Peacock, Michel Petrucciani, grew into one of the most promising guitarists in the world. His fabulous technique and effortless musicality are utterly amazing.

Hein Van de Geyn is a well-known and seasoned bassist. His 20-year long experience give him the ability to push the group from his place in the back to extraordinary heights. His flexibility and sense of improvisation give a special color to the group. Drummer Matthieu Chazarenc is at this point one of the young lions of the Paris Jazz scene that is most in demand. He only arrived on the scene a few years ago. His intense polyrhythmically way of playing is an exciting factor within the sound of the band.

The music of this extraordinary quartet has a power and simplicity that hits the listener in a very direct way. Within the refreshing, clear compositions breathtaking improvisation takes place. All compositions are from Harmen Fraanje, except track 11 by Nelson Veras.

As one of the most promising upcoming quartets Challenge Jazz wanted to fully support the beautiful sound of the band with the best quality format. Challenge therefore decided to record and release this album as a hybrid surround SACD only (not on Stereo CD) and later as a Multichannel DSD and a Stereo DSD Download.

Toots Thielemans says “I find this album very interesting. The compositions are very fresh. There is a melodic mood. Very well played!”

Harmen Fraanje Quartet
Harmen Fraanje – Piano
Nelson Veras – Guitar
Hein Van de Geyn – Bass
Matthew Chazarenc – Drums

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