Leviathan Alawari

• 1 Evangelisten 05:44
• 2 I Push Too 02:57
• 3 Degrowth 03:20
• 4 Procession 06:24
• 5 Ako Pôjdem 02:37
• 6 Himmelhænder 03:41
• 7 The Mind 03:01
• 8 Jamal 02:56
• 9 The Mourners 05:42
• 10 Spinner 02:26
• 11 Peace Train 05:09
• Total Runtime 43:57

Info for Leviathan

Danish instrumental collective ALAWARI was founded in 2016, and rapidly garnered a name for themselves on the European jazz scene for their explosive live performances, going on to win Denmark’s Young Jazz competition in the same year. A contrast to their eponymous 2022 debut - a cacophonous musical reflection of revolution - their upcoming release is an exploration of spirituality, transformation, and the totality of the human experience.

Leviathan oscillates between symphonic grandeur and intimate vulnerability, with moments so delicate that every breath can be felt. In this way, the sextet aims to demonstrate that the path to the divine is found through collective unity—a shared experience that transcends the individual.

From lamenting melodies on a solo trumpet eventually accompanied by a dense, ominous synth, to hypnotic patterns on a percussive close-mic’d saxophone, to thunderous rhythm section grooves with searing horn harmonies, ALAWARI’s innovative and dynamic arrangements offer something brand new and unexpected around every corner.

Despite being a six piece, the ensemble’s sound feels comparable to that of an orchestra or big band, combining through-composed classical-influenced orchestration, intricate interlocking parts, lush waves of texture and a warm, raw, intimate production style to craft a larger-than-life listening experience. Leviathan embarks on a profound journey, capturing the divine and spiritual forces that permeate the arts. The album serves as a vessel—slowly navigating like a majestic ship or a steadfast train, embarking on a peaceful yet powerful crusade. It invites listeners to traverse a landscape of sorrow and joy, pain and exaltation, silence and intensity.

Through this journey, ALAWARI aims to reveal the primordial truth: that the spirit precedes all, and that the mundane backdrop of everyday life can be transformed and painted anew, if carried by the right vessel.

Sune Sunesen Rendtorff, piano, synthesizer
Carlo Janusz Becker Adrian, trumpet, flugelhorn
Frederik Engell, tenor saxophone
Michela Turcerová, alto saxophone
Rafał Różalski, double Bass
Simon Forchhammer, drums

Recorded at Monochrom Studio, Gniewoszów, Poland, February 27th - March 3th, 2024
Recorded by Ignacy Gruszecki at Monochrom Studio
Mixed by Adam Lilienfeldt
Mastered by Brian Mørk Hansen
Produced by Frederik Engell, Simon Forchhammer, Carlo Janusz Becker Adrian & Rafał Różalski

ALAWARI
is a Copenhagen based musical project with a European sound that brings modern history together in one burning expression.

Fragments from ancient wars and revolutions resonate in the music that brings both elements of classical music and jazz into a strong format that has never been more relevant. An orchestral, compositional and improvisational music that seeks to overwhelm and undress the listener’s reservations.

The band released their self-titled debut album on the Danish label April Records in April 2022.

“A remarkable record for our times and I can’t find a fault anywhere. 10/10” – Truth & Lies Music Blog

“Our concept has the potential of reaching a more diverse audience than what we typically find in a conventional jazz setting. With the right partners we believe that we can help bringing new listeners into the art music scene.”

This album contains no booklet.