Reinier Baas - This Is Water '2024

Tracks list

Tracklist

01. This Is Water
02. Skull-Sized Kingdoms
03. Freeze (feat. Jeff Ballard)
04. Brother's Keeper (for Gideon)
05. Recess
06. Miniatures (feat. Cory Smythe)
07. Fan Fiction (feat. Jeff Ballard)
08. Glass
09. Skull-Sized Kingdoms II
10. Love and Strife (feat. Marta Warelis & Han Bennink)
11. Harmonious

Saxophonist Ben van Gelder and guitarist Reinier Baas proudly announce their
third collaborative release, 'This Is Water.' This album is a testament to their
unique artistic synergy, rooted in the American jazz tradition, but with
unmistakably European flair. Drawing from a shared musical vocabulary developed
during their 15-year collaboration, Baas and van Gelder effortlessly navigate a
diverse range of moods and atmospheres.

Four deeply authentic musicians - each of them admired greatly by the duo - make
a guest appearance on 'This Is Water'. Baas and van Gelder wrote new music for
each of them specifically. These tailor-made songs are intended as vehicles for
expression that cater to the strengths of each guest, with a focus on
improvisation. Pianist Cory Smythe adds singular, ethereal textures, challenging
Baas and van Gelder to venture into unknown, microtonal territory. Drummer Jeff
Ballard - a childhood hero to the duo - radiates a deep understanding of music
and its power to connect. He is a selfless and effortless communicator. Lastly,
‘This Is Water’ features drummer Han Bennink and pianist Marta
Warelis, both uncompromising and willing to sacrifice perfection for the sake of
emotional resonance.

'This Is Water' is inspired by the eponymous speech by novelist David Foster
Wallace, delivered at Kenyon College in 2005. In this heartfelt speech, Wallace
introduces the idea that individuals should exercise conscious choice in order
to interpret reality. He suggests that through "simple awareness," people
possess the freedom to find significance and liberation even in the most mundane
aspects of life. He reminds us that even the most tedious moments are "on fire
with the same force that lit the stars".  



DOWNLOAD ALBUM [flac]

Related artists