Artvark – Four Fathers

In a hectic world full of distractions, Artvark carves its own path in search of new music and new sounds. Inspired by composers such as Béla Bartók and Charles Mingus the group presents Four Fathers, the highly anticipated sequel to Mother of Thousand and the second chapter of their trilogy, with another key role for the rare slide saxophone. Artvark creates the ultimate soundtrack without film, in which the melancholy of the blues is always present.

With this album, Artvark dives into the many facets of fatherhood, a theme as complex, raw and tender as the sound of their saxophones. The quartet approaches the saxophone format as a living organism that transcends the boundaries of jazz and classical music, resulting in expanded sound textures, layered instrumentation and subtle electronics. For this special production, Artvark is joined by an artistic team: visual artist and concept developer Eric Magnée (who previously collaborated with Ben Wendel and Tin Men & The Telephone), scenographer Thyrza Coenraad, lighting designer Wijnand van der Horst and sound designer Nikki Rutten. Together they create an immersive sensory experience in which Artvark’s central question resounds once again: how far does the world of four saxophones reach?

Eric Magnée visuals/concept, Thyrza Coenraad scenography, Wijnand van der Horst lighting design, Nikki Rutten sound design