Haven by Berardi Foran Karlen featuring Pascal Schumacher
Berardi/Foran/Karlen create music that brings together captivating melodies, lush harmonies and emotive collective improvisation. The sense of group empathy is striking, with a subconscious understanding of the flow between the voice (Kristin Berardi), piano (Sean Foran), and Saxophone (Rafael Karlen) developed through years of performances and a shared musical vision. Their new album HAVEN features guest Vibraphonist PASCAL SCHUMACHER, from Luxembourg, whose sensitivity and nuance brings a new level of texture and dynamic to this stunning band and music.
With only 4 instruments, the sonic world created on HAVEN is lush. Modern jazz, folk and classical elements combine in intricate, yet light and delicate arrangements, with each instrument taking a lead role. The 10 tracks on the album are split across musicians with Berardi, Foran and Karlen each contributing works. The opener, Berardi’s No Shepherds Live Here brings a sense of calm, yet tells an intense story. Complementing this Karlen’s Ripple and Handwritten sparkle, with the Saxophone and Vocals intertwining, and the piano & vibraphone creating layered harmonic textures. Foran’s works, Orbit and Rambling bring more rhythmic energy, with the insistent pulsing Vibraphone lines giving an almost minimalist aesthetic wrapped with a modernist jazz edge.
The intimacy of this work draws similarities with standout ECM albums from Azimuth, Gary Burton, and Anouar Brahem – But Berardi/Foran/Karlen define their own approach, and with Schumacher it’s a captivating world to be in.
Tracklist
| 1. | No Shepherds Live Here | 8:48 |
| 2. | Ripple | 5:36 |
| 3. | Foran Policy | 4:19 |
| 4. | Orbit | 7:43 |
| 5. | Revolving Doors | 5:57 |
| 6. | Bush Fire Break | 7:37 |
| 7. | Rambling | 7:22 |
| 8. | Handwritten | 3:04 |
| 9. | Chihuly | 3:07 |
| 10. | Bush Fire Two | 2:48 |
| 11. | Begin Again | 5:39 |
Credits
credits
released November 20, 2020
Vocals - Kristin Berardi
Piano - Sean Foran
Saxophone - Rafael Karlen
Special Guest: Vibraphone - Pascal Schumacher
Recorded by Mark Smith
Mixed by Stefan Glaumann
Mastered by Shawn Joseph @ Optimum Mastering
Artwork and design by Sai Karlen
Produced by Kristin Berardi, Sean Foran, Rafael Karlen and Pascal Schumacher
All rights reserved 2020
www.bfkmusic.com
www.earshift.com
The artists would like to thank: Pascal, Lynette Irwin, Mark, Stefan, Sai, Shawn, Jeremy, Kawai, our families, friends, the loyal supporters of our Pozible campaign, and Arts Queensland for their financial assistance.
License
All rights reserved.
'..Rafael Karlen does not act in a blatant manner, but brings out the lyrical. Truly a feast for the ears!’
– jazzhalo reviewing Equally True
Rafael is an award-winning composer and saxophonist.
Recognised as one of the more creative and surprising musicians on the Australian music scene, his music has been performed by small jazz groups, pop artists, big bands, orchestras and string quartets.