Jan Lundgren & Yamandu Costa – Inner Spirits (ACT, 2024)
Pianist Jan Lundgren from Ystad, Sweden, and guitarist Yamandu Costa from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, form a remarkable duo. The challenge of combining guitar and piano is no small feat, yet their musical chemistry and collaborative spirit shine through in both live performances and this extraordinary album. Inner Spirits draws influences from jazz, Western classical music, and traditional South American styles.
Both artists are internationally acclaimed in their fields. Yamandu Costa, a standout guitarist of his generation, has six Latin Grammy nominations and one win. He’s renowned for his elegance, harmonic creativity, and deep knowledge of Latin American music, excelling in settings from solo performances to symphony orchestras. Meanwhile, Jan Lundgren, a significant force in European jazz over the past two decades, is celebrated for his work with the Mare Nostrum trio alongside Paolo Fresu and Richard Galliano.
The duo first crossed paths in Malmö, Sweden, in 2019, instantly connecting over dinner. Lundgren invited Costa to his Ystad festival, sparking a mutual admiration that led to the question, “Shall we do something together?” The Stockholm Konserthuset supported the idea, and their first concert took place on February 17, 2023. This successful collaboration prompted further concerts and the decision to record an album.
After refining their repertoire at the ACT Art Gallery, the duo recorded Inner Spirits at Emil Berliner Studios in just a day and a half in February 2024. Produced by Andreas Brandis and engineered by Rainer Maillard, the album highlights their seamless interplay, with piano and guitar roles naturally shifting between lead and support.
Their connection stems from a shared focus on melody. “That is where we find each other and why we like each other,” says Lundgren. Costa adds, “We play original music. I believe that in this way we can have something sincere and true to our purposes.“
The album opens with “Para Aprender A Amar,” featuring an Ecuadorian pasillo rhythm and Costa’s seven-string Brazilian guitar. Other highlights include the lovely “Fresu”; the lively Brazilian choro “Diplomata”; and a lesser-known piece titled “Garoto” by Brazilian maestro Jobim. Moreover, Lundgren’s compositions also reflect the album’s personal and authentic nature, with dedications to his Mare Nostrum partners and his wife, singer Hannah Svensson.
Inner Spirits features an engaging mix of styles, pace, and moods. Lundgren and Costa’s empathy, mutual respect, and exceptional musicianship make this album a standout in the field of piano-and-guitar recordings.
Buy Inner Spirits.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
