"Across Mountains" is a captivating journey into the world of avant-garde jazz, brought to you by the renowned Markus Stockhausen, along with Greek pianist Vangelis Katsoulis and Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen. This album, released on February 4, 2022, via O-tone, is a testament to the enduring creative bond between these three musicians, who have known each other since 1996.
The album features six intricate compositions that span a total of 55 minutes, each track a unique blend of Stockhausen's trumpet and flugelhorn, Katsoulis' piano and electronics, and Andersen's bass and loops. The record opens with "Beyond the Dark," a hauntingly beautiful piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. "To See" follows, a track that showcases the trio's ability to create intricate, layered soundscapes. "Invitation to the Unknown" is a standout, with its eerie, otherworldly atmosphere, while "The Rebel" is a more upbeat, energetic piece that highlights the musicians' improvisational skills.
"Arco Flight" is a delicate, introspective track that features Stockhausen's trumpet in a more subdued role, allowing Katsoulis' piano to take center stage. The album closes with its title track, "Across Mountains," a powerful, dramatic piece that brings the record to a thrilling conclusion.
"Across Mountains" was recorded remotely during the 2020/21 lockdown, a testament to the musicians' ability to adapt and create despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The result is an album that is as innovative as it is beautiful, a true showcase of the musicians' individual talents and their collective chemistry. Whether you're a long-time fan of avant-garde jazz or a newcomer to the genre, "Across Mountains" is sure to captivate and inspire.
