Strings & Wings, the concept
My previous two albums are solo mandolin projects where virtually all the
music is composed, arranged and rehearsed prior to being recorded. For this project I wanted to present music that is created spontaneously. The idea
of making an album of duets has always intrigued me, as it offersthe great experience of playing with a variety of musicians. There areseveral existing albums of duets where the music is either composed by themain player or consists of standard and traditional tunes, but I was compelled to try entirely free improvisation. Two musicians seems to be an optimal number for this kind of musical communication. 

The project features acoustic string instruments exclusively and presents a collection of various instrument families. They represent many nations, ethnic groups, traditions and music styles. The result is a variety of plucked, picked, strummed, bowed and hammered sounds. Each composition features a player who embodies a unique style on the particular instrument and who has broadened its limits. I am delighted to present these musicians, many of them legends of their instruments, and my personal all-time heroes.

For each duet we met at the recording studio (in some cases it was the first time we ever played together). One of us would start playing and the other would join in. (In a few instances there was the suggestion of an initial key suited to the particular instrument). What follows are spontaneous and mystical duets that have captured a soulful exchange of two musicians at that moment in time. This musical interplay would not have worked if planned. It is the difference between reading a speech that has been edited several times and really speaking from the heart. As with free spirits, the results were unpredictable. You may discover something new each time you listen to this recording.  Thank you for joining the adventure!