I Am the Escaped One

Album Description

Carlos Bica, the renowned Portuguese double bassist and composer, presents "I Am the Escaped One," a captivating journey into the realm of free jazz. Released on March 22, 2019, via Clean Feed, this album is a testament to Bica's inventive style, blending lyrical and indie-jazz elements with a raw, improvisational spirit. Joining Bica on this sonic adventure are German saxophonist Daniel Erdmann and turntablist DJ Illvibe, the son of pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach. Together, they weave a tapestry of sound that is as intriguing as it is innovative.

"Caruma" kicks off the album with a haunting melody that sets the stage for the eclectic mix of tracks to follow. From the dreamlike "Ich hab die Nacht geträumet" to the atmospheric "A Luz da Sombra," each song offers a unique perspective on the free jazz genre. The album's title track, "I Am the Escaped One," is a standout, showcasing the trio's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern, experimental sounds. The album clocks in at just under 45 minutes, making it a perfect introduction to Bica's unique take on free jazz.

"Cabaret Macabro" closes the album on a high note, leaving the listener with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to explore more of Carlos Bica's discography. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "I Am the Escaped One" is an album that demands your attention and rewards repeated listens.

March 22, 2019

About Carlos Bica

Carlos Bica is a renowned Portuguese jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, celebrated for his innovative and lyrical approach to the double bass. Born in Lisbon in 1958, Bica's musical journey began at the Academia dos Amadores de Música, followed by advanced studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg as a DAAD scholar. His career is marked by numerous accolades, including being named "Musician of the Year" in Portugal in 1998 and 2016, and receiving the Carlos Paredes Prize for his album "Matéria-Prima" in 2011. Bica's music seamlessly blends jazz with indie, rock, and folk elements, creating a unique and captivating sound that has earned him a place among Europe's most influential jazz artists. Based in Berlin since 1994, he continues to push the boundaries of jazz, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums and performing with some of the most innovative musicians in the genre.