Episode #47 - Thomas Strønen: Relations

This episode explores the creation of Thomas Strønen's ECM album, "Relations," a collaborative project born from an unexpectedly swift recording session for a different album. Against the backdrop of a quickly completed trio recording session with Manfred Eicher, Strønen was unexpectedly given the opportunity to record a solo album in the same studio. More significantly, the initial solo recording evolved into a collaborative project when Strønen, with Eicher's encouragement, invited four other musicians—Craig Taborn, Chris Potter, Sinikka Langeland, and Jorge Rossy—to contribute to the project. The selection process involved a collaborative brainstorming session with Eicher, focusing on musicians Strønen hadn't previously worked with, resulting in a diverse group with unique musical styles. Each musician approached the project differently, some learning the pieces beforehand and others improvising on the spot, highlighting the collaborative and experimental nature of the album. For instance, Craig Taborn recorded his contributions in a friend's house due to studio closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the album showcases not only Strønen's musical vision but also the collaborative spirit and the unique approach of ECM Records to music production.