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Opalińska & Whates

Opalińska & Whates. Both versatile and strikingly original musicians, Mira Opalińska (piano) and Douglas Whates (bass) have performed together in many different settings-- their musical paths crossing on projects ranging from contemporary classical to European jazz--this duo emerging as the solution to a common desire to perform music with a pure, intimate dialogue.

Theirs is duo of equality and balance in which both improvising instrumentalists choose neither to compete nor vai for attention, but rather expound and converse as one. Brought together by a common aesthetic--not least that music should be deeper than arbitrary patterns of notes--it is that which fuels their inspiration today; here are two musicians, each with distinctive yet complimentary voices, whose sensitive approach and evocative harmonic language combine to conjure music from an enticing palette of the subtlest hues.

Piano and Bass duo Opalińska & Whates release "Lumière," March 21 2012

Source: Douglas Whates
January 30, 2012

Lumière—an engaging new album from Mira Opalińska and Douglas Whates. With a lightness of touch and a darkness of sound, the piano and bass duo improvise on their unique arrangements of works by classic film and world cinema composers. Whether reinventing the familiar or unearthing unexpected gems, the duo explore these moving and expressive scores to create inspired, extraordinary music of brooding intensity. For those who can't wait until the official release, stream the entire album at soundcloud.com About Mira ...
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‘Absolutely beautiful.’ — BBC Radio Scotland

‘The duo’s sound is beautiful and explores the tension between stillness and motion (…) On my list of great recommendations.’ — The Walker’s Vol.29 [Japanese music magazine]

‘Sparse, intimate interpretations of works by film composers from around the world. The pair distil the very essence from their chosen themes, investing the music with a tranquil, crystalline beauty.’ — Ian Mann (thejazzmann.com)

‘There’s an ECM-ish quality about the music (…) the duo have created their own very personal soundworld. Several of these pieces are very familiar but Opalinska and Whates put their own distinctive stamp upon them, something of a triumph initself.’ — Ian Mann (thejazzmann.com)