Twain Walking Lis Wessberg

• 1 Birds 04:19
• 2 Posterity 05:38
• 3 Behind the Walls 03:45
• 4 Clouds 05:59
• 5 Anthem 02:39
• 6 Tapestry of Life 03:51
• 7 Like a Sparrow 03:05
• 8 Two Track 05:32
• 9 Twain Walking 05:39
• 10 Ripples 04:05
• Total Runtime 44:32

Info for Twain Walking

Leading Danish trombonist Lis Wessberg is grounded by the concept that a strong melody, and a rich sound are the two most important elements in composition and performance. A continuation of the refined contemporary answer to the ‘Cool Jazz’ sound she’s been cultivating for the past 30 years, her sophomore album ‘Twain Walking’ is set to release on April 12th on April Records.

With more than 50 album credits to her name, and having performed and toured with renowned artists including Marilyn Mazur, Fredrik Lundin, Joyce Moreno, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band feat. Randy Brecker, and more, 2021 saw the release of her debut album “Yellow Maps” to critical acclaim from all around Europe.

Diving deep into the personal exploration of her creative roots, ‘Twain Walking’ hails from the warm vitality of New Orleans jazz, to the reflective hum of the ECM sound, and the boundary pushing songwriting of Radiohead.

With a respectful nod to her influences such as Miles Davis, Curtis Fuller, Danish Erling Kroner, and Palle Mikkelborg, Wessberg operates within the traditions they established. However, resisting producing a mere echo of the past, she cultivates her own distinct aesthetic inspired in equal parts by her heroes as well as contemporary zeitgeist.

Led by Wessberg’s dynamic trombone playing, her breathlike approach to the instrument mimics a lamenting human voice singing intricately lyrical melodies. Rock inspired drum grooves, thick synth timbres, and cavernous reverbs craft an expansive and dream-like contemporary soundworld in which Wessberg’s thoughtfully crafted compositions can unfold. From spacious, Nordic ballads to dance floor psychedelia, the ensemble tackle all ten varied compositions with confidence, maturity, and a dedicated sense of self-expression.

Featuring Estonian rising star Karmen Rõivassepp on vocals, her effortless soloistic contributions explore lyrical themes of recognising the beauty in love in life, elevating the record’s melancholic and reflective tone.

Lis Wessberg, trombone
Steen Rasmussen, Fender Rhodes, Moog, synths, piano
Lennart Ginman, double bass, electronics
Jeppe Gram, drums
Special Guest:
Karmen Rõivassepp, vocals (tracks 3, 7)

Lis Wessberg
is one of Denmark’s leading trombonists, known for her beautiful tone and unique feel on the instrument. She has played and recorded with a large number of top Danish artists within jazz and pop, including Marilyn Mazur, Steen Rasmussen, Lennart Ginman, Fredrik Lundin, Jan Kaspersen, Claus Høxbroe, the DR Big Band, Hanne Boel, and many more.

Lis Wessberg has been featured on more than 50 releases and has toured extensively in both Denmark and abroad.

At major international festivals, Wessberg has encountered many fantastic orchestras and big stars. Some of whom she has played with, and it is not just anyone she can boast of having performed for – Joyce Moreno, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, and Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band feat. Randy Brecker, just to name a few.

Lis Wessberg has role models both on and off the stage, but common to them all is that they are people who appear genuine, searching, and dedicated. Among them, she mentions Miles Davis, Lee Konitz, Ben Webster, Chet Baker, Radiohead, and Mark Hollis from Talk Talk.

Lis Wessberg released her debut album, Yellow Map, on October 1st, 2021. Lis Wessberg and YELLOW MAP are releasing their 2nd album – TWAIN WALKING – on April Records on April 12th, 2024.

Excerpts from reviews in connection with the releases of YELLOW MAP (2021) and TWAIN WALKING (2024)

This album contains no booklet.