Echomyr

Renowned Swedish bassist and composer Lars Danielsson returns with the latest chapter in his celebrated ‘Liberetto’ series, a project that began in 2012 and has captivated audiences with its blend of jazz, classical and folk influences.

Written with his longtime collaborators and their individual voices in mind, this album grows out of long-standing trust, friendship and an ongoing musical conversation within ‘Liberetto’. From intimate solo moments to spontaneous first take recordings and lyrical ensemble writing, the music moves between reflection, joy, spirituality and quiet hope - deeply personal stories shaped into melody, groove and shared presence.

The title Echomyr signifies music that has come from a particularly deep place in the soul. “The album title is a newly invented word,” he says. “The ‘echo’ part describes an expansive field where sound resonates; and ‘myr’ is an old Norse word for ‘moor’. These are sounds from the depths, from deep within oneself. Especially now, we are asking ourselves what it is that makes each of us human and unique. And that is what I have been searching throughout my whole life as a musician: not simply to copy things that already exist, but to find something that comes from my own heart and from within myself.” 

Echomyr sees Lars Danielsson continuing along his own distinct musical path, combining the freedom, harmony and rhythmic intensity of jazz with the vision of a cultivated sound that comes from his classical roots, together with the catchy melodies of popular and folk songs.

Danielsson’s compositions are unmistakable. He is a consummate melodist with a particular capacity to make complex things sound simple and natural. Danielsson, who grew up with rock and roll and free jazz, says that the way he used to compose was in a complicated way, with the aim of hiding behind the complexity. Today, what he seeks is the very opposite: clarity. “It's not difficult to write complicated music. But writing music that people will understand and that nevertheless has personality and depth - that’s my goal.”