The Touch – Soren Kristiansen & Thomas Fonnesbaek

Description

With ‘The Touch’ S?ren Kristiansen and Thomas Fonnesbaek present their take on a classic piece of jazz, playing the music of Oscar Peterson and Niels-Henning ?rsted Pedersen. OP and NH?P were some of the world’s greatest virtuosos on piano and double bass respectively, their immense technique and ‘touch’ made them unique. Their collaboration was likewise special because they were equals. For instance, Oscar Peterson’s arrangement for “On The Trail” (Great Connection, 1971) was presumably written because he had found a bassist that could keep up both musically and technically.

The music of OP & NH?P is maybe the most challenging repertoire that exists in classical jazz. It requires ‘The Touch’? The nuanced, personal touch – the soft, almost inaudible accompaniment and an effortless technique. S?ren Kristiansen describes the process: “Exactly like in soccer, The Touch is something you practice. When you play piano or the double bass you need to be able to control the instrument to express yourself freely in the moment.”

S?ren Kristiansen is one of the best and most respected pianists in Denmark, famous for his great technique, phenomenal swing, and vast amount of repertoire. Thomas Fonnesb?k was the obvious choice as bassist for ‘The Touch’, and he is one of the youngest Danish bass players who continues the virtuosity which NH?P was the first bassist to introduce. There is a wildness and energy in Thomas Fonnesb?k’s musical style that is very unusual. Unorthodox, but technically perfect.