Sinne Eeg & Thomas Fonnesbæk - Eeg / Fonnesbæk (2015)

With the very first notes on this remarkable album, the question arises why the duo combination of vocal and bass is such a rare treat. Only a few albums exclusively present this musical constellation that allows so much space for creativity and spontaneity. Some may be acquainted with Sheila Jordan’s work with bassists Steve Swallow, Harvie Swartz and Cameron Brown – or Jordan’s duo with Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen on the fine 1978 album SHEILA. When approached with technical and musical virtuosity, it is a constellation that works. Sinne Eeg and Thomas Fonnesbæk command their own natural and distinguished place on the short list of vocal/bass duos. The album marks a charming musical engagement between two virtuosic and original artists, bringing the best out in each other in fresh and congenial interpretations of classic evergreens.
One of Scandinavia’s most talented and popular vocalists, accompanied by an experienced and virtuosic bassist. They gave us a small taste of their duo work on Sinne Eeg’s latest album FACE THE MUSIC, and on EEG FONNESBÆK, they unfold their artistry throughout a full CD. Eeg constantly pushes herself toward new horizons. She never rests in rehearsed working routines. The restrictions of the duo format present a challenge that is rewarded with an exceptional musical freedom. It takes guts to perform a whole concert or record a whole CD only accompanied by a bass, but Sinne Eeg is attracted to the rich resonance of the bass and its rhythmic and harmonic drive. She embraces the sound of the bass much like the bassist caresses the strings. Sinne Eeg sings without the time-keeping of a drummer or the chords of a pianist while still retaining all her artistry and interpretive powers. Sinne and Thomas listen intensely and inspire each other and take chances. And isn’t that what jazz is all about – spontaneity, communication and interpretation?

Sinne Eeg is a cherished jazz vocalist with a list of fine recordings to her name. In 2007 she released WAITING FOR DAWN, and since then audiences and critics alike have agreed in their enthusiastic reception of her recordings and performances. She tours successfully internationally, and has received numerous awards including the DR P2 Jazz Prize (2009), and three Danish Music Awards for WATING FOR DAWN (2007), DON’T BE SO BLUE (2010) and FACE THE MUSIC (2014). In 2014 she was awarded the prestigious Ben Webster Prize and in 2015, 60 French critics paid their tribute with one of Europe’s most distinguished awards, Academie du Jazz, for FACE THE MUSIC. The world has truly discovered this great Danish vocal talent. Danish bassists have a special star on the international jazz firmament.
One of the most remarkable among the many new names is Thomas Fonnesbæk. He plays with virtuosic technique, melodic intuition, and an exquisite sound that is reminiscent of the deceased Danish jazz giant Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Fonnesbæk appears on more than 100 albums, and he has worked closely with jazz pianist Thomas Clausen, whose group he joined in 2006. He has been a member of Swedish pianist Lars Jansson’s Trio since 2009, and he is a popular accompanist for visiting international musicians. In 2014 he released SOUND OF MY COLORS - his debut as bandleader.