Rooted in a profound connection to nature and memory, Beech is a contemplative suite of compositions inspired by places that have left an indelible mark on Strange"s life. The album"s title references the beech tree, a powerful symbol of Danish identity and renewal.
"When spring arrives in Denmark, you can eat the very first beech leaves. They are very fresh and remind us that the good days are truly here. For me, it was both a symbol of my identity and a tree nourished by both its roots and the light from above." This theme of grounding and growth is woven throughout the album"s six tracks, each representing a significant place in her journey. From the opening piece, A Fairy Tale of a Violin, which pays homage to her childhood in Odense and its rich artistic heritage, to Copenhagen - A Love Story, reflecting her deep bond with the city she now calls home, Strange"s writing crafts an intimate musical picture of identity and belonging. Her time in New York, where she studied with jazz greats such as Chris Cheek and Chris Potter, also plays a role in the narrative, as does her transformative experience in Iceland, depicted in On the Tip of Sólheimajökull, a tribute to the awe-inspiring landscapes that shaped her artistic vision. The album closes with Skrova Fyr, inspired by a remote Norwegian island where Strange spent time in artistic solitude. This final piece embodies the album"s core theme-an immersion in place, both physically and emotionally. "I like to be aware of a place. To be part of a territory, in flesh and blood, rather than just observing it from afar," Strange explains. Beech sees Strange reunite with pianist Peter Rosendal, bassist Thommy Andersson, and drummer Jakob Hoyer, musicians who have become integral to her sound since their first collaboration in 2019. The album also features vocalist Josefine Cronholm, whose ethereal voice mirrors Strange"s singer-like approach to the saxophone, further enhancing the ensemble"s interactive, atmospheric quality. Known for her ability to tell stories through her music, Beech"s meditative compositions, rich timbral palette, and spacious improvisations invites listeners to slow down and explore the sound of six places that have shaped Strange into who she is today.[info sheet from distr.]