Spaces Unfolding

Featuring: Emil Karlsen, Neil Metcalfe, Philipp Wachsmann

*Hand numbered limited edition of 300* Bead Records is proud to announce the debut release 'The Way We Speak' by Spaces Unfolding, a trio compromising of UK stalwarts Neil Metcalfe (flute), Philipp Wachsmann (violin) and Norwegian drummer Emil Karlsen.

"I first met Phil and Neil back in 2019 as part of the London Improvisers Orchestra. Since then, I’ve had the joy of performing alongside them in various contexts although separately, notably with Phil in the electro-acoustic trio Tern and with Neil in various ad-hoc situations on the London improvised music scene. It’s a great honour sharing stage with, what in my opinion is, two of the UK’s most distinct improvising musicians whose influence on the scene is evident. When approaching Neil with the project he, to my surprise, explained that him and Phil had never played together apart from in the London Improvisers Orchestra and in various Evan Parker large ensembles. Two minds who share a commonality in their improvisational approach, and two obvious collaborators whose paths rarely crossed ultimately outlined an intriguing framework for the group to emerge from. Luckily, my idea was enthusiastically received, and thus Spaces Unfolding was created.

We later spent an afternoon in St. Mary’s Old Church in Stoke Newington recording the album without any prior discussions of ideas to explore. The result is an honest representation of what happened in the space. The first encounter of an improvising trio exploring the group constellation within its surroundings. I’m proud to present this group and its music – Spaces Unfolding." - Emil Karlsen