Egle Petrosiute ft. Kiko Freitas – BIRD’S NOTES release concert
Rising steady, even before releasing her first solo album, charismatic vocalist Egle Petrosiute has earned her place in the Dutch and international jazz scene. Gifted with a warm distinctive sound and curiosity “to study like an instrumentalist, born in a Lithuanian family of jazz lovers Egle recalls singing along with Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and many more since as early as her memory goes. Now a master alumna of the Conservatory of Amsterdam she sings in a wide spectrum of projects – from traditional, contemporary, Brazilian jazz, fusion collectives to instrumentally virtuosic orchestral arrangements – constantly travelling Europe and Brazil. And now it’s finally time for her CD release!
In “Bird’s Notes” Egle reveals her undiscovered sides – a capable arranger, lyricist, composer, producer and leader of her septet. Produced with her husband, virtuoso bassist from Brazil, Matheus Nicolaiewsky, this album is a mix of Egle’s original songs and arrangements of compositions by Brazilian masters. Egle sees her musical world as a blend of American and Brazilian influences now arranged with a feminine and lyrical touch. Highly textured and easy to listen at the same time. Why? Because staying melodic in every aspect is of utmost importance to Egle. “I want audiences to be able to sing along with those intertwining melodies” – she says.
The album as well as the upcoming concert features not only a Dutch all-star band, but also an iconic Brazilian drummer and percussionist Kiko Freitas (voted Best Drummer in World Music, 2019, Modern Drummer Magazine). Breathtaking technique, infinite creative energy, swing and strong groove – just a few words that define this artist of a highest calibre who has been playing with the world-famous singer and guitarist João Bosco since 1999, touring extensively in Brazil, USA and Europe. Freitas has also collaborated with Michel Legrand, Nico Assumpção, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque, Frank Gambale, Lee Ritenour, John Patitucci, John Beasley, Magnus Lindgren, Peter Asplund, Jeff Richman, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jeff Andrews, Hubert Laws, John Leftwich, Wolf Kerschek, Lars Jansson, Nils Landgren, Lars Jansson, James Genus, Ivan Lins, Hamilton de Holanda, Leila Pinheiro, Armando Marçal, Luiz Eça, Francis Hime, Vladyslav Sendecki, NDR Big Band, Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra, Junge Norddeutsche Phillarmonie, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Thomas Törnhaden, Peter Knudsen, among many others.
Line up:
Egle Petrosiute – vocals
Hans Vroomans – piano, keyboards
Matheus Nicolaiewsky – basses
Kiko Freitas – drums, percussion
Rodolfo Ferreira Neves – trumpet
Tom van der Zaal – alto saxophone
Floriaan Wempe – tenor saxophone
“Great singing! I love the dynamics, rhythm and harmony of BIRD’S NOTES” – Rosa Passos (iconic Brazilian singer)
”This release allows us to savour Petrosiute’s talent. Her self-composed song ‘Bird’s Notes’ is about becoming free in the process of creating and subsequently discovering new places to explore. From the evocative opening to the crystal-clear vocals, the number is beautifully structured and includes a devilish bass solo amongst the dramatic delivery. Like a bird flying freely and openly skyward, Egle soars and evokes a spirit flying high and free. She has an elegance to her delivery which offers listeners a sophisticated listen with twists all her own” – Sammy Stein (jazz journalist, writer, columnist, book author)