New Views, by jazz bassist, composer and world-leading music brain researcher Peter Vuust in collaboration with the dynamic ensemble of Aarhus Jazz Orchestra.

The genesis of New Views dates back to 2021, when the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra approached Peter Vuust with the idea of touring while he spoke about the intricate workings of the brain during jazz listening and performance. Vuust and director/arranger Nikolai Bøgelund, who originally intended to intersperse classical big band arrangements with scientific lectures, soon realized the potential for a more engaging experience by showcasing Vuust's original compositions.

Together with organizer and trumpeter Jesper Riis, Bøgelund created a signature set of Vuust's compositions along with three new songs tailored for the occasion. The result was a two-hour show that not only entertained but also educated the audience about musical cognition.

New Views features ten of Vuust's compositions, from the energizing Afrobeat groove of Marrakech to the tender ballad Young Blue Eyes dedicated to Vuust's son, the album traverses a spectrum of moods and rhythms. Tracks like High Five and Giving Birth highlight the virtuosity of the ensemble, while the album closes with the contemplative The End of a Perfect Day, featuring a bass solo by Vuust himself.

Peter Vuust is an award-winning composer and bassist who has released seven albums as a solo artist, but this is his first album with a large-scale orchestra. Reflecting on the collaboration, Vuust said: "...to hear your own compositions arranged so beautifully and played by such an extraordinary set of musicians, each of them solo artists in their own right, is one of the most moving experiences of my career - an ambition I didn't know I had".

With its blend of fun and learning, New Views offers a captivating exploration of musical textures and emotions. Whether you're a big band enthusiast or a music lover seeking new perspectives, this album is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!

Participating musicians:
Conductor - Nikolai Bøgelund
Reeds: Johan Toftegaard Knudsen, Frederick Menzies, Michael Bladt, Cesar Joaniquet & Michael Olsen
Trumpets: Ivar Gudmundsson, Jan Lynggaard Sørensen, Lars Søberg & Jakob Sørensen
Trombones: Tobias Stavngaard, Jonathan Bruun Meyer, Niels Jacob Nørgaard & André Jensen
Piano - Mads Bærentzen
Bass: Frederik Sakham & Peter Vuust
Drums - Morten Lund