Trombonist, composer, and arranger Lis Wessberg introduces “Birds,” a sincere and melancholic piece, the first single from her upcoming album TWAIN WALKING. Click play, close your eyes and imagine birds gracefully soaring in formation, exhibiting synchronized movements and intricate patterns.
Read our discussion with the artist below!
Describe your sound in 3 words.
Soft, present, intense
Can you tell us more about BIRDS your first single from your upcoming album TWAIN WALKING, and how it connects with the concept of birds in formation?
BIRDS, the first single from our upcoming album TWAIN WALKING, explores the theme of unity and collective strength, much like birds flying in murmuration. In nature, birds fly together to cover long distances more efficiently, and this symbolism resonates with the concept of our album. TWAIN WALKING is about togetherness and the beauty of moving forward as one.
Artists and people that have influenced you?
I am inspired by a variety of artists and genres. My influences include jazz legends like Miles Davis, Lee Konitz, Ben Webster, and Chet Baker, as well as more contemporary artists like Radiohead, Massive Attack and Mark Hollis from Talk Talk.
Your journey as a trombonist started by chance at the age of 8 when the only instrument available was the trombone. How did this random choice shape your musical identity, and what drew you to continue pursuing the trombone as your instrument of choice?
It’s true that it was completely by chance that I started playing the trombone. The trombone was the only instrument available in the town’s harmony orchestra, and since I longed to play in the orchestra with other young people, it became my choice. I thought I would switch instruments later, but I fell in love with the beautiful sound and soulful character of the trombone. When I play it, I feel as if it’s me singing – using my voice – and this is also clearly reflected in my compositions, which are often dreamy and relatively slow in tempo.
With a career spanning over 40 albums, could you share a memorable experience that stands out in your mind?
Actually, it’s been over 50 albums now, so it’s not easy to choose, but there are still 5 albums that stand out for me as ones that have meant something very special.
- Jan Kaspersen’s SOB orchestra. Double Live Album from Copenhagen Jazz House 1994.
A fantastic orchestra that toured for more than 20 years, with the best jazz musicians. - Lennart Ginman’s release – Ginman/Jørgensen from 1998
The first album where I participated as the only brass player and soloist on the whole album. A great challenge that developed my playing a lot. - Frederik Lundin Overdrive – Choose Your Boots, from 2001.
This orchestra toured all over the world and played at the biggest festivals. It was an amazing experience. - Steen Rasmussen Quinteto – Em Sau Paulo, from 2002.
Recording with this band was fantastic, as it was where I was truly introduced to refined Brazilian music. And it was recorded in the most fantastic sound studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil. - And, of course, my own debut release –
Lis Wessberg – Yellow Map, from 2021.
This release was so well received by both audiences and critics, and I can hardly wait to release my next one, TWAIN Walkin, this April.
You have toured extensively in both Denmark and abroad. Can you share something funny that happened during one of these gigs?
Oh, there are so many great experiences to choose from.Especially, live concerts at larger festivals are always exciting because you meet so many different great artists from all over the world.
For example, I played at a German festival with the Danish saxophone player and composer, Fredrik Lundin. Lundin Overdrive was the name of the band, and we played right after Zawinul Syndicate. To sit, eat, and talk with these fantastic musicians is a good example of the many wonderful experiences you get when touring as a musician.
Another great experience was a tour with Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band, where Randy Brecker was the soloist. We played a concert at a festival in Malaga, Spain, and it was very inspiring playing together with this great trumpet player.
A rather sweet and quite funny experience was when I did a TV show in Denmark with a big band back in the 90s. This time, Ray Charles was the guest soloist, and of course, it was fantastic to stand on the same stage with this great legend. After the TV show ended, Ray Charles invited me backstage to meet him, and I must admit I was quite nervous. There, I received a kiss on the cheek, and afterwards, I and two other musicians from the big band were invited out on the town, where we rode around Copenhagen in a large white limousine. Whenever we arrived at a nightclub, we heard someone say ‘this is the Ray Charles Band,’ and all doors opened for us. Quite a funny experience 🙂
If the music of Lis Wessberg was a film, which film would that be?
It could be The Revenant. I love Sakomotos Music. Beautiful, dark, sad and intens.
What would be the tagline to the sitcom of your life?
Spend all your waking hours with people who enrich your life in the best way possible.
Thank you!
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