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Pioneering electronic harpist Lara Somogyi and award-winning pianist/composer Jean-Michel Blais have joined forces for a groundbreaking album project, désert.

The album emerged from a serendipitous encounter at Lara’s remote studio amidst the serene expanse of Joshua Tree. Entirely improvised, it captures the natural, organic interaction between the two artists, reflecting both their intuitive musical connection and the true essence of the moment in which they recorded it.

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Inspired by the passage from dawn to dusk, their improvisation distilled into eleven tracks – mirroring a journey from illumination to obscurity, from simplicity to intricacy, and from strangers to kindred spirits. Melodies convey transcendence and harmonies channel synchronicity – weaving an unforeseen, timeless narrative.

Alongside the announcement of the album, they are sharing the first single, escaliers - LThe single embodies the serendipity of this collaboration; Lara describes it as “one of those moments when stars align”, and Jean-Michel said, “Weaving through hope, doubt, and acceptance, the piece mirrors the steps we take on our journey toward discovery and healing. The harp’s delicate harmonies create a cloudy tapestry upon which the piano softly lands. Eventually left alone, the piano is later rejoined by the harp, adapting its rhythm, gradually concluding in a quiet celebration of unity and understanding. As it ascends and descends, the music reflects the emotional climbs we may encounter, gently reminding us we are not alone. Together, we can find solace and strength in both music and each other, illuminating the beauty found in light and shadow, through resilience.”

 désert captures the essence of both artists’ creative spirit; Blais, known for his evocative piano compositions, and Somogyi, an electronic artist and harpist renowned for merging her instrument with cutting-edge pedal effects. The two artists explore the boundaries of their musical worlds, forging an album that feels both ethereal and deeply human, rooted in improvisation. désert promises to be one of the most compelling instrumental releases of the year, and will be released via Mercury KX on 28th February 2025.

désert tracklisting:
1. aura
2. révérence
3. yucca
4. mirage
5. cavernes
6. refuge
7. escaliers
8. monarque
9. mythes
10. dusk
11. ascension