Morten Kargaard Septet: ZEALAND

Mette Termansen - oboe, english horn; Maj Berit Guassora - trumpet, flugelhorn; Karen Johanne Pedersen - violin; Jákup Lützen - viola; Samira Dayyani - cello; Morten Kargaard - guitars; Lars Johnsen - bass;

Guest: Ida-Marie Arendt - 2nd violin on "Painter's Garden"

Morten Kargaard's new album "Zealand" defies all attempts at clear classification. It is the blend of two genres that superficially do not invite interaction and here merge into a new, innovative sound.

The Danish composer and guitarist Morten Kargaard leads his septet on a breathtaking journey between classical and rhythmic music. His compositions represent extraordinary musical agility - a fearless embrace of the new and unusual, while maintaining a deep understanding and respect for traditional structures. His musical vision liberates the instruments from their traditionally defined roles in the classical context, allowing them to move in various directions.

The idea for Morten Kargaard's music emerged as early as the summer of 2012. As a graduate of the Royal Danish Conservatory in Copenhagen and the Berklee School Of Music in Boston, he feels equally at home in classical and rhythmic music. Over the years, however, he repeatedly experiences how little interaction takes place between these two musical worlds. Kargaard's passionate interest is therefore devoted to merging these two art forms - developing a setup in which both stylistic languages can speak, allowing their peculiarities and strengths to shine without overshadowing each other.

Soon, the music takes shape, and Kargaard carefully selects the instrumentation for his musical vision. None of the instruments should possess the "vocal" power to overshadow the overall impression: no drums to overrepresent the rhythmic faction, no flamboyant brass or strings that could testify to an excess of classicism. However, an oboe and a flugelhorn prove to be perfect companions for the double bass. Flanked by a single violin, the viola, and the cello - which take on the harmonic foundation in a new way. And then the guitar - which at some point takes on the role of the harp and elsewhere liberates the strings from their harmonic base. The gently gliding oboe moving within the figures of the double bass. Multifaceted strings taking on a guitar line and also imitating the sound of drums... A colorful and equally transparent world in which the unexpected plays into traditions and an innovative understanding breaks through traditional structures, revealing what these seven instruments can produce together when released from their role patterns.

It is an entirely melodic entirety that reveals itself to the listener. Thematically, Morten Kargaard's "Zealand" is inspired by the diversity of the Nordic countries, the play of light on the almost ubiquitous water, and the vastness of the landscape. Paired with the composer's openness and curiosity towards the spirituality inherent in nature and life.

[Website](www.mortenkargaardseptet.dk)