The sound of Europe, from the highest North to the deepest South.
"Mare Nostrum is a perfect hybrid of European sen-sibility and the jazz idiom. Delicate and irresistible.“ - The Guardian

Paolo Fresu, trumpet & flugelhorn
Richard Galliano, accordion & melowtone
Jan Lundgren, piano

What began in 2005 as an experiment – just three concerts in Sweden bringing together a triumvirate of leading figures from European jazz – has developed in the past 20 years into one of the most distinctive line-ups now defining the ‘Sound of Europe’. Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, French accordionist Richard Galliano and Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren tell musical stories through Mare Nostrum, narratives from the northernmost to southernmost points of the continent. The trio combine their influences, which range from folk, classical and popular music, with the freedom of jazz.

Over the course of hundreds of concerts and through three acclaimed albums, not only has this all-star project evolved into a highly empathetic working band, the three musicians have also become close friends whose affinity and chemistry can be heard and felt on Mare Nostrum IV. The mastery of Fresu, Galliano and Lundgren is in the nuances, the way they conspire together to make beautiful and often melancholic melodies flow, in their scintillating textures, and in the music’s subtle twists and turns. There is also delight in the sheer sound, from the intent and purpose behind every single note to the unique sonic identity of the trio as a whole.