SUL, a Portuguese trio, challenges traditional musical categories with their unique style resulting from the
mixture of influences of its three members. The rhythm section, founded on a close friendship, has usually
accompanied the great fado singer Cristina Branco in the past decade on records and also on stage where
this instrumental music has been created. This collaboration has created a deep artistic bond. The
members with different musical backgrounds, Bernardo Couto on Portuguese guitar, the mastery of Luís
Figueiredo on piano and the enchanting sounds of Bernardo Moreira on double bass, create a sonic
universe in which their individual influences and passions merge.
‘But fundamentally their music conveys pure optimism, it sounds fiery and spirited, it foams like the gout of the North Atlantic on the Portuguese Algave. It touches with its tender motifs just as much as it impresses with its thunderous improvisations. Here, three professionals make music from the heart, dancing virtuosically through their repertoire of folklore, jazz and charismatic instrumental music.’ – Konrad, Kult Komplott
‘The eight pieces of music on ‘Sul’ move between jazz and fado, which bring a certain virtuosity, especially through the guitarist, but then touch the heart primarily through their soulfulness.’ NRW Jazz
‘With their decades of practised skills, the music of this trio goes far beyond the basics. ‘Typical’ harmonies are improvised in flowing alternation, fast-paced unison passages alternate with melancholic tone sequences, the homeland appears again and again in between, but is constantly abandoned again in search of ‘something new’. Makes you feel wanderlust!’ Na Dann
