Evi Filippou – vib, mar
Robert Lucaciu – b
The dynamic collaboration between the Greek vibraphonist and the German-Romanian double bassist has given rise to an artistic partnership that defies the constraints of rigid genre categorization. Their musical research journey is based on a variety of sources: from the complicated compositions of 20th and 21st century classical music to the spirited rhythms of jazz and evocative stories interwoven in the traditions of folklore. This joint sonic exploration transcends the boundaries of predefined labels: The essence of their work lies in the realm of boundless creativity. The interweaving of their unique backgrounds results in an exquisite tapestry of sound in which the vibrancy of the Balkans merges with the cosmopolitan influence of contemporary European musical landscapes. Like a delicate thread of free improvisation, their performances unfold in an unscripted dance that mirrors the flow of life itself. In this tapestry, the notes flow like rivulets of emotion, merging and separating to capture moments of sorrow, joy and the indefinable spaces in between.
The duo’s explorations are characterized by a shared pursuit of personal expression. In a world defined by diverse influences, they create a listening experience that is both timeless and contemporary – a testament to how musical traditions and innovations intermingle at the rhythmic core of the human experience.
“The duo are not only phenomenally well attuned to each other, they also know how to bring complex structures and compositions to the stage in an extremely entertaining way. The way they grin at each other while playing or lounge on their instruments during each other’s solo moments is a feast for the eyes. In their performance, there is no question that they are 100 percent there for the audience at every single moment. This interplay has a class that is reminiscent of performances by Gary Burton and Chick Corea in the past. But that’s not all: between songs, they take a stand on political, artistic and human issues. The fact that free jazz in the broadest sense of the word and sound can be presented in such an inclusive and non-exclusionary way is something you really only experience very rarely.”
(Jazzthing 04/2024)
The two are planning their first joint album for spring 2025. The accompanying release tour will take place in May 2025.
