Soren Kristiansen & Thomas Fonnesbaek - The Touch

Cat. no: 1014347
Format: CD
Barcode: 717101434725
Release Date: 11 Feb 2022
Genre: Jazz

With 'The Touch' Søren Kristiansen and Thomas Fonnesbaek present their take on a classic piece of jazz, playing the music of Oscar Peterson and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen

OP and NHØP were some of the world's greatest virtuosos on piano and double bass respectively, their immense technique and 'touch' made them unique. Their collaboration was likewise special because they were equals. For instance, Oscar Peterson's arrangement for "On The Trail" (Great Connection, 1971) was presumably written because he had found a bassist that could keep up both musically and technically. The music of OP & NHØP is maybe the most challenging repertoire that exists in classical jazz. It requires 'The Touch'… The nuanced, personal touch - the soft, almost inaudible accompaniment and an effortless technique. Søren Kristiansen describes the process: "Exactly like in soccer, The Touch is something you practice. When you play piano or the double bass you need to be able to control the instrument to express yourself freely in the moment."

Søren Kristiansen is one of the best and most respected pianists in Denmark, famous for his great technique, phenomenal swing, and vast amount of repertoire. Thomas Fonnesbæk was the obvious choice as bassist for 'The Touch', and he is one of the youngest Danish bass players who continues the virtuosity which NHØP was the first bassist to introduce. There is a wildness and energy in Thomas Fonnesbæk's musical style that is very unusual. Unorthodox, but technically perfect.

Tracks: Soft Winds / Nigerian Marketplace / On The Trail / Love Ballade / Night Child / On Danish Shore / Wheatland / There Is No Greater Love / Hymn To Freedom

More From This Artist: Soren Kristiansen Thomas Fonnesbaek