“Bridge of Melodies: From Scandinavia to India”
Danish saxophonist Lars Møller (born 1966) is known for his emotional and rhythmic melodicism, combining American, Indian and Scandinavian musical influences to create his own personal Nordic sound. Møller, who is not only a saxophonist, but also a composer, conductor and innovative big band leader, is regarded as a leading figure in contemporary Scandinavian jazz music. As the leader of both small ensembles and big bands, he has performed across Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia and has released several recordings, including the award-winning Kaleidoscope (1998).
In this project, Lars combines jazz and Indian traditional music together with two of the finest young musicians of his generation - shehnai master Ashwani Shankar and tabla virtuoso Zuheb Khan. This is Indo-jazz of the highest international caliber, featuring inventive rhythms and emotionally expressive melodic ragas. Thanks to Møller’s innovative approach to orchestration and his interest in the music of different cultures, he is able to create a unique musical voice that connects different traditions. Lars’s relationship with India and its music spans more than 30 years and he has studied as an apprentice under several masters of traditional musical instruments.
The concert program explores the meeting points between the Scandinavian jazz tradition and Indian traditional music, creating a unique intercultural experience. By combining the melodic and rhythmic richness of Indian music with the harmonic and atmospheric expansiveness of Scandinavian jazz, the music is designed to inspire and challenge both Indian and Western musicians alike.
Lars Mollers – “LarsRagaMeditation”
