A striking musical rapport between Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen and Dutch pianist Harmen Fraanje is palpable in the duo’s quietly lyrical investigations on Touch of Time. These are delicate melodies and textures, flowing between two musicians, who are deeply in tune with nuances of tone-shadings and the detailed development of a musical idea. In both freely improvised forms and carefully wrought themes, their instruments connect gracefully, picking up and finishing each other’s phrases. Touch of Time, recorded in January 2023 at the Auditorio Stelio Molo in Lugano, was produced by Manfred Eicher.
ECM Records
Release date: January 26, 2024
Henriksen and Fraanje, a duo born from a serendipitous encounter during ECM‘s 50th Anniversary festivities in 2019, represent a captivating collaboration of two distinct musical minds. Since their chance meeting, they’ve forged a musical bond that transcends conventional boundaries, consistently enchanting audiences with their seamless interplay and shared artistic vision.
Following their introduction, Henriksen and Fraanje quickly found themselves sharing a stage, captivating an audience with an improvised performance that showcased their remarkable chemistry and improvisational prowess. The music showcased in Touch of Time exudes a serene, mesmerizing quality. Delicate melodies gracefully weave between Henriksen and Fraanje, evolving organically from their musical dialogue. Solos emerge seamlessly from these exchanges, prompting deeper musical conversations. Despite the subdued nature of these interactions, listeners are granted the privilege of eavesdropping on the intimate musical dialogue unfolding before them.
The utilization of electronics in Touch of Time is both restrained and artful, serving to complement rather than overshadow the acoustic instruments and melodies. Tracks like ‘Redream’ and ‘Mirror Image’ exemplify this approach, where electronic elements delicately intertwine with the music, adding depth and nuance to the overall texture while preserving the integrity of the acoustic soundscapes.
The harmonious blend of Fraanje’s expressive and tender keystrokes with Henriksen’s pristine trumpet melodies is a revelation, marking the dawn of a profoundly fruitful partnership. Henriksen’s trumpet work, renowned for its unmistakable clarity and warmth, has solidified its place as one of the most distinctive voices in modern music. With his trumpet, he effortlessly achieves a rare purity and beauty, imbuing the instrument with a depth of emotion seldom encountered.
Furthermore, Henriksen’s command of the trumpet transcends conventional norms, occasionally evoking the serene tones of the traditional Japanese shakuhachi flute rather than typical brass sounds. This exceptional range of timbres adds an extraordinary dimension to his musical repertoire, enriching the sonic tapestry with a diversity of hues rarely found elsewhere.
This album is a captivating journey, gently enchanting listeners with its subtle allure across ten mesmerizing compositions. Each track speaks volumes in soft whispers, inviting contemplation and reflection. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those serene moments when time seems to pause, allowing listeners to get lost in its spellbinding melodies.
