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Saxophonist Ben van Gelder and guitarist Reinier Baas proudly announce the release of their third collaborative record, ‘This Is Water’. This album is a testament to their unique artistic synergy, drawing from a shared musical vocabulary developed during their 15-year collaboration. Baas’ spirited approach to the guitar, characterised by unexpected rhythmic and dynamic shifts, seamlessly complements Van Gelder’s blend of transparent lyricism and explosive virtuosity.Four deeply authentic musicians – each of them admired greatly by the duo - make a guest appearance on 'This Is Water'. Baas and van Gelder wrote new music for each of them specifically. These tailor-made songs are intended as vehicles for expression that cater to the strengths of each guest, with a focus on improvisation. Pianist Cory Smythe adds singular, ethereal textures, challenging the duo to venture into unknown, microtonal territory. Drummer Jeff Ballard - a childhood hero to Baas and van Gelder – radiates a deep understanding of music, and its power to connect and communicate selflessly. Lastly, ‘This Is Water’ features drummer Han Bennink and pianist Marta Warelis, both uncompromising and willing to sacrifice perfection for the sake of emotional resonance.
‘This Is Water’ is inspired by the commencement speech of the same name by American novelist David Foster Wallace. In this heartfelt speech, Wallace presents the following parable:
“There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” The two young fish swim on for a bit, eventually one of them looks over at the other and asks “What the hell is water?”
With this parable, Wallace introduces the idea that individuals should exercise conscious choice to interpret reality. Wallace suggests that through "simple awareness," people possess the freedom to find significance and liberation even in the most mundane aspects of life. He reminds us that even the most tedious moments are "on fire with the same force that lit the stars".
To celebrate the release of ‘This Is Water’, Ben van Gelder and Reinier Baas will embark on a tour of Europe in the fall of ‘24.
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