John Surman, known as a saxophonist and clarinetist, is considered a leading English improviser and composer. His albums, such as "The Road to Saint Ives" and "Saltash Bells," are characterized by folk music influences and a soundscape imbued with a rural atmosphere. Nevertheless, he has a long history of collaboration with international musicians, united by a shared understanding of melody and a musical language that transcends cultural boundaries. During a South American tour, Surman met pianist Nelson Ayres, well-known in the Brazilian jazz scene for his work with Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento, and Banda Pau Brasil. In Oslo, he also met and came to appreciate American vibraphonist Rob Waring, who was recently heard on ECM with Mats Eilertsen. In July 2017, these three musicians came together at Rainbow Studio in Oslo to record a new program of Surman's own compositions and Nelson Ayres' "Summer Song" under the direction of Manfred Eicher.
