GERMANY: Pablo Held-Ascent (2020)

  Pablo Held’s new album, Ascent, his second for Edition Records, is a collaboration between his long-running trio (with bassist, Robert Landfermann and drummer, Jonas Burgwinkel) and the great Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Regarded as one of the most talented and adventurous pianists and improvisors in Europe, Pablo Held is building a formidable reputation, not only as a pianist of outstanding ability but also for his considerable musicality, energy and risk-taking. Ascent is highly anticipated new album, following their 10th album Investigations, praised internationally for its remarkable quality, deep communication and lyrical elegance, prompting All About Jazz to describe the group as “a world-class trio of exceptional talent”. The new album is a deeply satisfying fusion of the powerful and expressive music associated with Pablo Held’s trio and the fluid invention of Nelson Veras’s guitar stylings. 

Pablo Held - piano 
Robert Landfermann - bass 
Jonas Burgwinkel - drums 
Nelson Veras - guitar 

Veronika Morscher - voice (on Forest Spirits & Ascent) 
Jeremy Viner - clarinets (on Forest Spirits & 52nd Street Theme)