Stefan Karl Schmid, Lars Duppler, Hilmar Jensson // Blíður (CD)

The two half-Icelandic musicians Lars Duppler and Stefan Karl Schmid have been playing the world's stages together for a good decade now. Born from the idea of exploring the music of their second home, Iceland, they have developed their very own duo sound over time. This is characterised by atmospheric soundscapes, nuanced interplay and captivating improvisations, which they translate into their own compositions and arrangements as well as traditional Icelandic music. Time and again, the two seek to collaborate with other artists, thereby expanding the context of their own work.

Following their debut album "Hringferð", which was produced in cooperation with Deutschlandfunk Cologne, Duppler and Schmid travelled to Iceland in February 2023 to record their new album BLÍÐUR. The duo was joined by the exceptional guitarist Hilmar Jensson, who lives in Reykjavík. Recorded in the famous studio of the band "Sígur Rós" in Mosfellsbær, a completely new, exciting sound cosmos has been created here. 13 works composed especially for this occasion reflect the unique atmosphere of the Icelandic winter and thus take an intimate look at the perfectly interwoven and virtuoso playing of the protagonists.

Stefan Karl Schmid - tenor saxophone clarinet

Lars Duppler - piano

Hilmar Jensson - guitar & efx

Recorded at Sundlaugin Studio, Mosfellsbær, Iceland on February 22 & 23, 2023 by Birgir Jón Birgisson

Mixed and mastered by Christian Heck at Tonart Studio, Kerpen, Germany

Produced by Stefan Karl Schmid & Lars Duppler

Cover art by Philipp F. Trübiger

Photos by Marino Thorlacius