The quartet led by British saxophonist Andy Sheppard continues the sonic explorations that began with the album "Surrounded By Sea"—a work praised by Télérama for its "subtle serenity." In their new program, comprised of Sheppard's own compositions (supplemented by the title track from Brazilian singer-songwriter Renato Teixeira), guitarist Eivind Aarset's drones and electronic soundscapes—amplified by the generous acoustics of the Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano—create an atmosphere conducive to improvisation. The highly atmospheric, ambient music clearly has a liberating effect on Sheppard, as well as on Michel Benita and Sebastian Rochford, who move freely between conventional rhythmic structures and make expressive musical statements. "Romaria," produced by Manfred Eicher, was recorded in April 2017.
