Release on 22 November 2024

Ana Pilat - Voice
Latvian Radio Big Band

When I started reimagining the tunes I had composed for Trio or Quartet settings for a larger ensemble, I realised this would inevitably limit the improvisational freedom of each player. I also thought that abandoning the idea for this reason would be like comparing apples and oranges—the small ensemble, with its intimacy and full improvisational freedom, and the large jazz ensemble, with its rich palette of colours, interwoven melodies, and dynamic grandeur, are simply two distinct ways to express music, like changing the dress for a different occasion. And so, I began to sew a new wardrobe for the Songs and Dances on this recording.

Three main elements thread through the compositions and arrangements of this collection. Firstly, the presence of irregular time signatures. The fact that some tunes on this CD are written in metres of 5/4, 11/8, 7/4, 15/4, or 17/8 is not a deliberate choice of mine. The way these odd metres slightly alter the passing of time—or at least the way I perceive it—inspires me and leads me on a search for a particular state of rhythmic and melodic flow that ultimately lets the concept of time signature itself lose its importance.

Secondly, I am captivated by the magic that happens when a melody is accompanied by words: lyrics seem to emancipate a melody from the composer’s original intent; what has been a tune becomes a song, with a life of its own.

And thirdly, I am fascinated with textures, with the changing colours of intertwining wind instruments—the human breath at the source of the sound we hear—and the harmonic and rhythmic authority of the wind ensemble in conjunction with the rhythm section.

Ana Pilat presents the songs on this recording with great warmth, carrying the lyrics with a profound understanding for their meaning. She balances the necessary simplicity of interpretation with a nuanced sense of drama, and breathes life into both melodies and lyrics.

The Latvian Radio Big Band has earned its place among Europe’s foremost jazz ensembles by numerous collaborations with international jazz luminaries and a catalogue of recordings held to the highest standards.

Recording this album with Ana Pilat and The Latvian Radio Big Band was an incredibly inspiring journey. Each musician brought their distinct personality to my music, generously offering their genuine dedication and heartfelt musicality.

Credits:
Recording date: 14,15,16 September 2023
Recording engineer: Gustavs Erenpreiss
Recorded at: Riga Sound Recording Studio, Riga, Latvia / Rīgas Skaņu Ierakstu Studija, Rīga, Latvijas Republika
Mixed by - Björn Meyer | greencube | Atelier 363 PROGR Bern / Switzerland
Mastered by Francesco Marzona - www.francescomarzona.com | Udine / Italy