Morning Improvisations by Marc Egea & Paul Safar
During Spring of 2020 in the beginning weeks of the coronavirus pandemic quarantine, we decided to try a musical experiment over the distances and the internet. One of us would send (via email) a non overdubbed “free improvisation“ recording. The other would respond by playing to it also in a very free manner thus resulting in a recorded duo that still retains some of the spontaneity of being improvised live. The first handful of movements were started by Paul in Oregon on the piano early in the mornings inspired by the quote below. The last few improvisations were started by Marc on the hurdy gurdy in Sant Iscle de Vallalta and passed on to Paul to collaborate. The two of us have corresponded via email the last two years because of Pauls interest in the gurdy and we met briefly in person in 2019 in Catalonia. Besides that two day visit, however, we had never played music together. We have hopes of someday visiting in person again and making music together but if it weren’t for the Covid-19 situation, this particular project would not have occurred. Human nature wants to connect with others in whatever the format. Surely many stories are floating around now where one finds unique creations happening during challenging times. This is one of them. We hope you enjoy our Suite.
-Paul Safar and Marc Egea
“Look well to this day, for it is life,
the very life of life.
In it lies all the realities and verities of existence:
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
Splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow only a vision.
But today well lived
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day,
For it and it alone is life!
Such is the salutation of the dawn.”
- Kālidāsa
Credits
Marc Egea: Hurdy Gurdy
Paul Safar: Piano
Recorded and mixed in Marc’s Home Studio (Sant Iscle de Vallalta, Barcelona, CAT) and in Paul’s Home Studio (Eugene, Oregon, USA) during March and April 2020
All compositions by Paul Safar & Marc Egea
(with the participation of Paul’s neighbor’s saw on tracks 6 & 8)
Photo cover and cover: Marc Egea
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Since 2005 he has been a freelance musician and has played with numerous artists in many different musical styles. He was a founder member of the quartet “Kaulakau”, “Dindùn” amongst others. He is a member of the “BiB” (Barcelona Improvisors’ Orchestra). In addition he continues to develop his creativity as a musician, composing and performing in the fields of dance, theatre and poetry.