Kristin Berardi - Haven (2020)

Berardi/Foran/Karlen create music that brings together captivating melodies, lush harmonies and emotive collective improvisation. The sense of group empathy is striking, with a subconscious understanding of the flow between the voice (Kristin Berardi), piano (Sean Foran), and Saxophone (Rafael Karlen) developed through years of performances and a shared musical vision. Their new album HAVEN features guest Vibraphonist PASCAL SCHUMACHER, from Luxembourg, whose sensitivity and nuance brings a new level of texture and dynamic to this stunning band and music.

With only 4 instruments, the sonic world created on HAVEN is lush. Modern jazz, folk and classical elements combine in intricate, yet light and delicate arrangements, with each instrument taking a lead role. The 10 tracks on the album are split across musicians with Berardi, Foran and Karlen each contributing works. The opener, Berardi’s No Shepherds Live Here brings a sense of calm, yet tells an intense story. Complementing this Karlen’s Ripple and Handwritten sparkle, with the Saxophone and Vocals intertwining, and the piano & vibraphone creating layered harmonic textures. Foran’s works, Orbit and Rambling bring more rhythmic energy, with the insistent pulsing Vibraphone lines giving an almost minimalist aesthetic wrapped with a modernist jazz edge.

The intimacy of this work draws similarities with standout ECM albums from Azimuth, Gary Burton, and Anouar Brahem – But Berardi/Foran/Karlen define their own approach, and with Schumacher it’s a captivating world to be in.