Equally True

The lyrical compositions and beautiful interplay on Equally True draws similarities with standout ECM albums from Kenny Wheeler, and Tord Gustavsen - But showcases the distinctive personalities and sensitive playing of this exceptional ensemble. "When I was preparing for this album," Karlen recalls, "I was writing a lot of music for chamber ensembles, choirs, big bands, and intricate jazz trios so my goal with Equally True was to have clear, distilled compositions as vehicles and departure points for the players to engage with. I wanted to have pieces that were descriptive enough to capture a specifc environment and mood but open enough for these amazing players to bring themselves into the music." The 10 original compositions elegantly traverse a compelling range of moods and themes. Alongside a Suite of four pieces which were originally commissioned for the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, the music was written while Rafael was 2018 Composer-in-Residence in the prestigious Peggy Glanville-Hicks House. The Arrivals and Prospects Suite, the only pieces to include lyrics, is an extended work exploring charged landscapes of nostalgia and lingering refection, through to anticipation and excitement of future destinations.