Sara Serpa – voice | Ingrid Laubrock -saxophones | Erik Friedlander -cello
The configuration of voice, saxophone and cello is a unique combination that exposes each instrument with cutting-edge vulnerability. Much like a close up photograph that is saturated with detail, Sara Serpa’s distinctive new trio presents a contemporary approach in writing for the voice, challenging traditional roles and highlighting pristine textures in jazz and improvisational music. Never losing track of the common bond that brings these musicians together, Serpa features two extremely innovative improvisers who have a precise sound and particular musical personalities. Collectively, they create a detailed and exposed close up of her musical world, featuring wordless compositions and texts by Virginia Woolf, Luce Irigaray and Ruy Bello.
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WHAT THE PRESS SAYS:
“Close Up (…) continues to break new ground. Ms. Serpa’s triumph is to bring this ambitious approach to an intimate setting. Even without words she conveys the emotion of her innovative music, and that should broaden its appeal to fans of many different genres.” Wall Street Journal
“Composition-wise, Serpa is ahead of the curve (…) Close Up guarantees an arresting affirmation of her artistic maturity.”
Jazz Trail
“(…) A delicate yet direct new album.” WBGO
“Close Up is her biggest testimony in today’s jazz scene.” Ipsilon, O Público
“Their improvisations wind ever more tightly around each other, with cello and saxophone exchanging phrases and places effortlessly with Serpa’s wordless vocals. More albums like this one, please, and soon.” Free Jazz Blog
“Fearlessly individualistic (…) It’s rare to find artists who can so seamlessly merge classical, jazz improvisation and new music.” New York Music Daily
“Vocalist Sara Serpa is a masterful minimalist who has been creating compelling music in duo and trio contexts for much of the last 10 years.” All About Jazz
“The music is sensual and, in its quiet way thrilling – a delight to the senses as well as the mind.(…) Together they form a band that inhabits its own private world, a sheltered and serene place in which to create, contemplate and renew.” Jazziz Magazine
“Sara Serpa, whose shimmering straight-tone vocals and wordless melody lines distinguish her as a leading musician in experimental jazz, raises the bar ever higher with Close Up (Clean Feed). ” All About Jazz