Barry Guy: Folio

Album Description

Barry Guy's 'Folio' is a captivating composition for strings, released in 2005 on the ECM New Series label. This hour-long, multi-movement cycle for string orchestra was inspired by Nikolai Evreinov's 1912 stage work, 'The Theatre of the Soul'. As a double-bass virtuoso and composer, Guy brings his unique blend of jazz and classical influences to the fore, creating a rich soundscape that glitters with detail.

Featuring the Münchener Kammerorchester, conducted by Christoph Poppen, and with contributions from Maya Homburger on baroque violin and Muriel Cantoreggi on violin, 'Folio' is a masterful exploration of the intersection between baroque and contemporary improvisational ideas. The album's 14 tracks, including 'Folio Five 1', 'Double-Bass Improvisation', and 'Memory (Solo Violin and Baroque Violin Commentary)', showcase Guy's innovative approach to composition and his ability to craft beautiful, evocative music.

With its immaculate production and intense, often breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes, 'Folio' is an album that will appeal to fans of free jazz and avant-garde music. Barry Guy's vision and creativity have resulted in a work that is both a reflection on the past and a bold step into the future, making 'Folio' a compelling and unforgettable listening experience.

November 4, 2005

℗ 2005 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Barry Guy

Barry Guy, born in London in 1947, is a pioneering figure in the world of contemporary music, renowned for his innovative work as a double bass player and composer. His musical journey spans a wide spectrum of genres, including free jazz, avant-garde, early music, and improvisation. Guy's artistic versatility is evident in his collaborations with various orchestras across the UK and Europe, as well as his role as the founder and artistic director of the London Jazz Composers Orchestra. His compositions and performances are marked by a deep creative diversity, making him a standout figure in both jazz improvisation and classical chamber and orchestral settings. Currently based in Switzerland, Guy continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, captivating audiences with his unique and dynamic approach to music.