Paul Jarret – Tilia (FR/DE/KR)

In Tilia, French-born guitarist-composer Paul Jarret, currently based in Sweden, continues his personal and uncompromising artistic journey with a new quartet of quintet with a key figure in the Berlin jazz scene, Philipp Gropper, the young but increasingly acclaimed double bassist Etienne Renard, and the Korean-born rising star drummer Sun-Mi Hong, who has relocated to Amsterdam.

Their repertoire is based on Jarret's compositions, which combine lyrical, abstract and cinematic moods, leaving ample room for spontaneous creation and interaction between the musicians. The character of the pieces, the energy of the band and the carefully crafted sound overtly reveal the alternative rock influence so dear to the guitarist's heart; in the thick of collective free jazz improvisations and libertarian leanings of the African-American tradition, the influences of Deerhoof, Sonic Youth, Battles and Bon Iver can be detected.

The allegorical starting point for the whole repertoire is the linden tree, botanically known as tilia, which is often depicted in myths as a majestic, sacred and virtuous plant, a symbol of justice and freedom, and which can live for up to a thousand years. The titles of all the compositions are inspired by this tree, whether Baucis (from the story of Philemon and Baucis) or Laima (from the Baltic deity represented by the linden tree).