Triosence - Giulia (2022) [Hi-Res]

Triosence: "Giulia" - thoroughly inspired and optimistic jazz trio sound paintings

On their new album "Giulia" the jazz trio Triosence around pianist Bernhard Schüler evokes the beauty of life in eleven colorful pieces that could hardly be more diverse, optimistic and virtuosic. Special guest trumpeter Paolo Fresu also contributes to the album's sonic diversity.

An inspiring sense of "dolce vita" permeates the album recorded by the German-Cuban trio of Bernhard Schüler (piano), Omar Rodriguez Calvo (bass) and Tobias Schulte (drums) in Italy's picturesque Friuli Venezia region in June 2021. "Giulia" is a musical liberation after the forced break of the last months, full of confidence and lightness. The emphatic opposite of a time of fear, uncertainty and lethargy, and at the same time a tribute to the attitude to life of this picturesque Italian region, which until 2001 was still called "Friuli Venezia Giulia".

Mastermind Bernhard Schüler's emotional images set to music evoke life's happy, carefree moments - the physical closeness of a loved one, a trip to Tuscany, or watching squirrels turn the home garden into a madhouse. "The whole thing has a positive sense of optimism that reflects none of the gloom of the past year. And that's a good thing," Schüler says. This is also reflected in the music: Giulia combines diverse jazz styles, tempos and moods. Pieces like "Odd Times" or "Little Big Steps" seem nostalgic and dreamy. Others, however, like "Armandos Farewell" or the title track, have something boundlessly optimistic - while "Squirrels Rock" and "Ambiguity" seem downright rocky. Two tracks on the album ("Quiet Sense" and "Your Nearness") are re-arrangements of familiar Triosence tunes. Leading the way is "Quiet Sense" from 2001, which now shines with Latin vibes. "It's got a whole new intro and a completely different groove," Schüler says, "with percussion, bossa nova solo and an outro that really goes samba. So the theme is the same, but the approach is completely different. I'm very happy with it." Bernhard Schüler feels similarly about his two tribute pieces: One for pianist Chick Corea (Armando's Farewell), the other for his idol Bill Evans, to whom he dedicates Needless To Say. On the latter, his admiration for the influential modern jazz pianist shines through in every note: "I studied him like crazy. I would say he's the biggest influence on me."

Bernhard Schüler also has the greatest respect for his guest on "Giulia" - the legendary Italian jazz trumpeter Paolo Fresu, who contributes to three pieces at once and has a decisive influence on them: "He is one of my favorite musicians," says Schüler. "I had contacted him before, but unfortunately it never worked out. Then last year he replied to me that he wouldn't actually do collaborations, but thought the style and vibe of Triosence was so great that he would make an exception. That made me extremely happy and inspired."

"Giulia" was recorded by renowned sound engineer and producer Stefano Amerio in the summer of 2021 at his Artesuono Recording Studios in Udine. A place that Schüler raves about as much as the entire Friuli Venezia region. The compositions of Bernhard Schüler are also inspired by its flair of harmony, warmth, and confidence. He creates shimmering sound paintings with his music, which he sometimes refers to as "song jazz": "We are concerned with singable melodies with song-like structures. This focus on melody and songs distinguishes us from other jazz trios."