Live At Belleville

Album Description

Arild Andersen's "Live At Belleville" is a captivating live album that showcases the masterful interplay of a trio featuring Arild Andersen on bass, Tommy Smith on tenor saxophone, and Paolo Vinaccia on drums. Released on ECM Records in October 2008, this free jazz album spans seven tracks and a total duration of 70 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.

The album begins with a four-part suite titled "Independency," each part exploring different facets of the trio's dynamic. The suite is followed by "Prelude To A Kiss," "Outhouse," and "Dreamhorse," each track demonstrating the musicians' exceptional skill and chemistry. The album is a testament to Arild Andersen's prowess as a bassist and composer, with his distinctive style shining through in every note.

"Live At Belleville" is not just a collection of songs but a live performance captured in its raw, unfiltered glory. The album features a mix of slow, contemplative pieces and more energetic, improvisational numbers, showcasing the trio's versatility and depth. The interplay between Smith's saxophone, Vinaccia's drums, and Andersen's bass is nothing short of mesmerizing, making this album a standout in the free jazz genre. Recorded and mixed in June 2008 at Rainbow Studio, the album's production quality is top-notch, ensuring that every nuance of the performance is captured and presented to the listener.

October 17, 2008

℗ 2008 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Arild Andersen

Arild Andersen is a Norwegian jazz bassist and composer, renowned as one of Europe's leading figures in the genre. Born in Strømmen, Norway, in 1945, Andersen's career spans over five decades, marked by his distinctive warm tone and innovative approach to the double bass. He began his musical journey as a guitarist but transitioned to the bass, becoming a pivotal figure in the international jazz scene. Andersen's discography is extensive, with over fifty albums as a sideman and twelve as a leader on the prestigious ECM Records. He has collaborated with jazz legends such as Don Cherry, Jan Garbarek, Chick Corea, and Sonny Rollins, among many others. Known for his ability to blend traditional Norwegian folk music with improvised jazz, Andersen's work is a testament to his versatility and creativity. His ensembles, including the Arild Andersen Group, continue to captivate audiences with their dynamic performances and insightful compositions. Andersen's contributions to jazz have solidified his status as a true master of the double bass.