Barcelona based double bassist Manel Fortià is living a very inspired and productive period. In the last two years alone he has released several prolific albums with very distinct projects: “Despertar”(2022, Microscopi), featuring original pieces that came to life during a extended stay in New York and were later recorded with his new European Trio with Marco Mezquida and Raphaël Pannier; “Arrels”(2021, Microscopi), the debut recording of his free-flamenco-jazz project Libérica which was in the top ten Jazz Albums of 2021 by the prestigious Enderrock magazine; the original folk-jazz duo album “Fang i Núvols”(2020, Microscopi) with Catalan singer Magalí Sarewas and “Estándares” alongside Chano Dominguez, Antonio Lizana and Marc Miralta.

Manel’s melodic sense, rhythmic precision and creativity have made him one of the most unique and original musicians of the new generation, and have allowed him to perform with jazz luminaries such as Dave Liebman, Chris Cheek, Eliot Zigmund, Bill McHenry, Ari Hoenig, Arturo O’Farrill, Chano Dominguez, Stephane Belmondo, Scott Hamilton, Dena Derose… at some of the most prestigious Jazz festivals and clubs worldwide with different projects of his own.

Wonderful interaction and beautiful compositions are highlighted on this recording. I hear the influence of Spain throughout. – Dave Liebman

Manel Fortià will be accompanied on piano by Albert Marquès.

Albert Marquès is a Catalan transplant from Spain whose passion at the piano is only matched by his huge humanity and kindness. This is not cartoon jazz, or a stereotypical Latin Jazz trio. It is modern, fusing elements of Rock, Jazz, Flamenco, and R&B with a healthy dose of introspection, and not a fake moment in the recording. Every note is played with grit, reality, and love. – Arturo O’Farrill