Recorded live in concert at the ARTACTS festival, at Alte Gerberel St. Johann in Tirol, Austria, on March 3rd 2023, Live in St. Johann brings together three improvisers who each have a recording history reminiscent of Who's Who in Improv: French double bassist and voice improviser Joëlle Léandre, Austrian Elizabeth Harnik on piano and objects, and Slovenian drummer and percussionist Zlatko Kaučič. Although this album is the first one to feature all three players together as a trio, in 2016 Léandre and Harnick had recorded the duo album Tender Music (Trost Records, 2018), and in 2022 Kaučič and Harnik recorded One Foot in the Air (Not Two Records, 2023), both live in concert.
Live in St. Johann comprises five tracks entitled "Live in St. Johan" 1 to 5 with durations varying from 4:51 to 17:05, the entire album lasting 46:55. The music is credited to all three trio members, invariably an indication that it was freely improvised by all the players. After a brief introduction, all three launch into the opener and longest track in which each of them contributes equally with no-one dominating or hogging the limelight; this is truly a trio of equals who are listening to one another while playing and adjusting accordingly. For the last five minutes of the opener, Léandre uses her voice in addition to her bass; rather than singing she vocalises so as not to dominate. The live audience clearly appreciated this as they applaud loudly.
Similarly, after the applause has died down, Harnik also deploys her second instrument — objects — which expand and augment the soundscape without being a distraction. In response to this, Kaučič provides percussion which fits in perfectly. Altogether, the trio do not sound as if this is their first time playing a gig together, more like a seasoned and experienced group. The music never flags or marks time as one of the three is always ready to provide something to stimulate the others and trigger their responses. Overall, this album is a great success, a shining example of group improvisation and interaction. We must hope they record together again soon.
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