The Greek duo of lyra player Sokratis Sinopoulos and pianist Yann Keerim’s first studio statement is a deep well of inspired musical dialogues that cross the idiomatic space between European folk tradition and chamber-jazz seamlessly.

Bartók’s six “Romanian Folk Dances” appear in newly shaped guises throughout the album, with Sokratis’s painterly lyra playing setting a lyrical counterpoint against Yann’s in turns rhythmically propulsive and quietly thoughtful accompaniment.

This is the first time the duo is heard distilled from Sokratis’s acclaimed quartet (albums Eight Winds and Metamodal) and their conversations interlock gracefully, always responsive to one another and with a keen sense of space and atmosphere.

Their own duo elaborations join the Bartók studies unnoticeably, as everything becomes connected by the pair’s fluid expression.

1. Vlachia [02:21]
2. Valley [03:25]
3. In One Spot [05:21]
4. Sash Dance [05:09]
5. Dance from Buscum [06:43]
6. Romanian Polka [04:52]
7. Fast Dance [08:47]
8. Mountain Path [02:13]
9. Forest Glade [05:19]
10. Stick Dance [07:43]

Recorded in Athens, in February 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher, this Topos is where tradition meets the present and thus opens on an aching yearn that threads throughout the emotive Vlachia and then we are presented the sweeping elegance of Valley, the veritably shimmering In One Spot, the harmonically-hued Sash Dance and the stirring Dance from Buscum.

Along next is the rhythmically upbeat Romanian Polka and the gently smoldering Fast Dance and they are in turned backed seamlessly by the emboldened Mountain Path, the pensive, yet inquisitively reaching Forest Glade, the set rounding out on an affective stillness within Stick Dance.

Official Purchase Link

www.sokratissinopoulos.com

www.yann-keerim.com