Metamorphosis

Niklas Lukassen
Duration: 3:24
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It is not so common for a bassist to master his/her instrument while simultaneously creating sophisticated compositions and setting a striking vision for his/her own quartet. Yet, Niklas Lukassen has accomplished just that with his debut album Still Waters (Heartcore Records, 2026) and live sound. The core group he has put together are seasoned, multi-national talents, namely Ben Van Gelder on alto saxophone, Kit Downes on piano and Francesco Ciniglio on drums. Here on the live, in-studio version of "Metamorphosis," they fashion a dynamic conversation out of the complementary phrases scored for and improvised by each instrument. The piece shifts shape as it progresses, moving from introspection to open-air swing then into odd meters, before coming to rest with Lukassen’s bass cadenza. "Metamorphosis" grows on you, or rather, makes you grow. Read the album review, Niklas Lukassen: Still Waters.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.