Home » Jazz Musicians » Thomas Backman
Thomas Backman
Ilaria Capalbo: The Brightest Sun
by Ian Patterson
"Look at the darkness," penned Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran, “giving birth to the sun." The arrival of a firstborn child also gives birth to the mother, who did not exist before. For Stockholm-based bassist-composer Ilaria Capalbo the profound experience of motherhood triggered a musical response of significant measure. Whereas her impressive debut, Karthago (Bluenord Records, 2022) was a predominantly acoustic affair, The Brightest Sun sees the Neapolitan introduce a little more electricity via bass guitar and pedal effects. Sparingly used, ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: Karthago
by Emmanuel Di Tommaso
Nell'epoca dell'accelerazione permanente in cui ogni idea deve essere smart e leggera affinché possa cogliere in pochi secondi la fragile attenzione di un pubblico stordito da infinite ondate di suoni, di immagini e di notizie, soltanto gli artisti dotati di una propria voce autentica possono avere il coraggio di dare vita a opere concettuali che richiedono (e meritano) tempo e attenzione, e che sono fondate sul desiderio di condividere emozioni e significati profondi. È sicuramente un'opera di questo ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: Karthago
by Ian Patterson
For her debut as leader, bassist Ilaria Capalbo takes as her muse the ancient city-state of Carthage, the former Mediterranean powerhouse, in what is today modern Tunisia. Repeatedly sacked by a series of invaders, Carthage's colorful history, and its near mythical figurehead, queen Alyssia (or Dido), has inspired writers, poets and composers since Roman times. It is a bold canvas on which to inscribe musical notation, particularly for a debut, but the Stockholm-based Italian's writing for this lithe quintet, full ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: Karthago
by Chris May
Bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo was born and brought up in Italy but spends much of her time in Sweden, where she recorded Karthago and assembled the band which performs on it. It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. Ciao, Capalbo. Karthago was inspired by the ancient city of Carthage, which during the age of the Roman Empire ...
Continue ReadingViktor Skokic Sextett: Basement Music
by Mark Corroto
Basement Music, the title of bassist Viktor Skokic's premiere as a band leader, refers not to the social isolation of the 2020 global pandemic, but to the sites of his compositional efforts. Written in his basement, and recorded prior to the lockdown, the music is actually the converse of social distancing—'converse' as in conversation. His 'Sextett' navigates some precarious and complicated directions, such as the album's opener “Tre." Constructed as a puzzle with odd-shaped pieces, the music favors sharp turns, ...
Continue ReadingPhotos
Music
Thomas Backman
Instrument: Saxophone, baritone
