What River is This

Album Description

Lotte Anker's 'What River is This' is a sonic masterpiece that delves into the realms of free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental music. Released on 20 October 2014 via ILK Music, this 10-track album is a testament to Anker's innovative spirit and collaborative genius. Featuring a diverse ensemble of musicians, including Phil Minton, Anna Klett, Garth Knox, Jesper Egelund, Fred Frith, and Ikue Mori, 'What River is This' is a rich tapestry of sounds and textures.

With Anker's saxophone at the forefront, the album navigates through a wide range of emotions and moods, from the haunting 'Indifferent Moon' to the intense 'Dense Matter/no Exit'. The tracklist, which includes 'The Sleeping & The Awake' in four iterations, showcases the ensemble's ability to craft complex, intricate pieces that defy convention. Throughout the album's 47-minute duration, Anker's compositions blend the aesthetics of different musical worlds, resulting in a unique and captivating listening experience.

As a renowned Danish jazz saxophonist and composer, Lotte Anker has established herself as a pioneer in the world of improvised music. 'What River is This' is a culmination of her vision and creativity, bringing together a talented group of musicians to create something truly innovative and groundbreaking. With its eclectic mix of genres and styles, this album is sure to appeal to fans of experimental and avant-garde music, and cement Anker's reputation as a leading figure in the jazz and improvisation scene.

October 20, 2014

(P) 2014 ILK Music

About Lotte Anker

Lotte Anker is a pioneering Danish saxophonist and composer who has carved out a unique niche in the realms of experimental jazz, improvisation, and contemporary music. Born in Copenhagen in 1958, Anker's journey began with classical piano studies, but it was her discovery of the saxophone and the influential works of John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter that set her on a path to innovation. Her music is a captivating blend of melodic intricacy and abstract textures, ranging from minimalist transparency to dense, expressive soundscapes. Anker is renowned for her dynamic interplay between free improvisation and compositional structure, making her performances both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. As a co-leader of the Copenhagen Art Ensemble, alongside Marilyn Crispell and Ture Larsen, she continues to push the boundaries of jazz, earning international acclaim and solidifying her status as one of Denmark's most distinguished musical exports. Her discography, including notable albums like "Birthmark," "Alien Huddle," and "Floating Islands," showcases her versatility and artistic depth, making her a must-experience artist for any jazz enthusiast.