Lugano III

Cinematic sounds.

Ambient textures.

Get lost in the swirling soundscape.

Songs and forms morphing into each other - like a live ECM mixtape.

Lugano III’s recent album was recorded live in a classical auditorium without baffles or headphones, allowing the ambience of the space to become an integral part of the sound. The nature of the room shaped every aspect of the music -  the repertoire, sonic choices and the improvisatory approach.

Structured across two sides, the record features a sequence of pieces that blend and crossfade into one continuous work, unfolding more like a single extended form than a collection of individual tracks.

Live, this groups performance takes the recorded material as a starting point, recreating the arc of the album while opening up sections for exploration. The group performs as an acoustic piano trio (piano, bass, drums), featuring ambient textures on guitar performed by Theo Carbo.

Lugano III is a collaboration between drummer Ben Vanderwal, pianist Harry Mitchell, and bassist Karl Florisson. All three are recipients of major accolades including Australian Jazz Bell Awards, ARIA nominations, and Freedman Jazz Fellowship nominations, and together they share a deep respect for the American Songbook, a commitment to space and groove, and a love of collective improvisation.
Between them, they have performed and recorded with some of the world’s most iconic artists, including John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Hank Marvin, Tim Minchin, Luke Kennedy, Charlie Watts, James Morrison, Chris Potter, George Garzone, and Kate Ceberano. Their playing is informed by both tradition and modernity, balancing lyricism with sensitivity to texture and silence.

 "simple songs for a complicated world"