One of Stockholm’s most versatile and probing pianists returned to OTO last Autumn, and we're pleased to release both sets from the evening - a solo and a special duo. Having met in 2014 when playing with Johan Arrias, Lisa Ullén and Welsh violinist Angharad Davies reunite for a gorgeously spacious set. Both extremely technically accomplished but led by a sensitivity to so many musics, their duo set is a highlight.  --- Lisa Ullén / piano Angharad Davies / violin --- Recorded live at Cafe OTO on Sunday 14th October 2018 by Shaun Crook. Mixed and mastered by James Dunn. 

First time trio of Lebanese musician, writer and illustrator, Mazen Kerbaj, joined by Angharad Davies on violin and Sholto Dobie on self built organ and wind chime. Mazen's super extended technique often sees him morph his trumpet into a collection of metal tubes and bells; adjustable passageways for air to pass through and mutate into sound. A meeting with Davies and Dobie makes sense - both are incredibly talented at finding new phonetics in their practice with a sly sense of humour. Unearthly drones materialise, surprisingly delicate as they hover, burble and destabilise.  --- Mazen Kerbaj / trumpet Angharad Davies / violin Sholto Dobie / self built organ, wind chime --- Recorded live at Cafe OTO by Shaun Crook on Wednesday 25th September, 2019. Mixed and mastered by James Dunn. Original image for artwork by Mazen Kerbaj. 

Both great improvisers, but even better storytellers, Davies and Lash carve a huge narrative with this simple approach to strings. As soon as their bows hit string they are growing and swelling together until their huge swathe of sound looms over the room and fills OTO's every nook and cranny. And then, all of a sudden, it disappears - leaving just a ticking, a bowing of floorboards under an invisible, shifting weight. Detailed minutiae with gigantic effect from two of the UK's best.  --- Angharad Davies / violin Dominic Lash / double bass  --- Recorded by Mark Jasper on Thursday 5th May 2016. Mixed by Abby Thomas. Mastered by James Dunn.  --- Tracklisting: 1. 22:32 - 22:32

Japanese experimental guitarist Taku Sugimoto sounds particularly contemplative in this pairing with Welsh violinist Angharad Davies. Exploring the textural and timbral elements of their instruments, the duo create a space for reflection amidst the ghostly echoes of Dalston's Kingsland Road. --- Angharad Davies / violin Taku Sugimoto / guitar --- Recorded by Shaun Crook on Monday 16th March 2015. Mixed by John Chantler. Mastered by James Dunn. Original photograph by Fabio Lugaro.