Review Text
Last Winter in New York, I decided to make a recording with music that reflects and tells the stories of my European background. The basic idea was to use only European composers as a source of inspiration, emphasizing less of my knowledge about the American jazz tradition. No stride piano and no blues driven playing. The main influences in these compositions are Chopin's Nocturnes, Brahms' Symphonies and Prokofiev's ballet, Romeo and Juliet. As the compositions emerged I soon realized that a duo would be the perfect setting for creating an intimate and warm sound, and so I contacted Dick Oatts. Dick Oatts is a unique performer. His playing is outstanding, his experience something to lean on and at the same time he is willing to take musical risks and is always in the moment.
