Swiss drummer, composer, and curator Florian Arbenz returns with a bold new chapter in his ongoing Convergence project: Moon, recorded in Basel with a truly international ensemble. Released on 10 October 2025 (Hammer Recordings), the album blends Swiss precision, Cuban fire, and European imagination into a sound that is both rooted and forward-looking.
The seeds of Convergence were planted nearly 30 years ago, when Florian first met Maikel and Jorge Vistel while studying in Havana. After losing touch, the trio were brought back together in Madrid in 2019 by saxophonist Greg Osby, and since then they have toured and collaborated widely across Europe and South America.
For Moon, Arbenz is joined by his twin brother Michael Arbenz (piano), João Barradas (accordion), and Rafael Jerjen (bass) alongside the Vistel brothers. Each brings a strong identity, but the music thrives on a shared language of groove, trust, and interplay. The unusual blend of piano and accordion expands the palette, with Barradas’ lines connecting seamlessly to the horn front line. The result is a group sound at once intricate and playful, full of virtuosity yet committed to groove and spontaneity.
The repertoire reflects the ensemble’s wide horizons: original compositions by the Vistel Brothers and Arbenz himself (Preludio, Suite, JM, Tein, Motion, Wild Flower, Moon) sit alongside influences that stretch from Cuban rhythmic traditions to European classical harmony and modern jazz improvisation.
Despite their complexity, these pieces remain alive with energy and fun: music that celebrates both 21st-century freedom and deep respect for its roots.
Moon isn't just the second Convergence release - it's music built on friendships rekindled across continents and traditions meeting in new ways. Florian Arbenz sees jazz not as a fixed style but as a framework to adapt and reshape. On Moon, that means using the drums to set space and colour for strong musical voices to connect. The result is direct, modern jazz that respects its roots while speaking today's language.
lançado em 10 de outubro de 2025
Florian Arbenz: executive producer for Hammer-Recordings
Hannes Kumke: recording, mixing, mastering
Daniel Roth: graphic design
Recorded 10th September 2024 at Hammerstudios Basel
jazz contemporary jazz free jazz improvisation jazz modern jazz swiss jazz Basel
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