The revered philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein said that, "the limits of my language mean the limits of my world". A sentiment wholly endorsed by Carvalho. He elaborates, “if it is a fact that there is, and probably always will be, a gap between meaning and interpretation, emotion and intention, it is also true that by expanding our lexicon, we automatically increase our expressive capacity. If there is no such word in our language, it does not mean that there isn’t in another. These words have the potential to open up our minds for new perspectives, and to cultivate our imaginations! The world is bigger and deeper than what we really know and the mental projection we create of it, that is, our reality. That is why, I believe that as we learn new words, our conscience becomes more sensitive to others, we become more empathetic, and ultimately our world becomes richer. These so-called untranslatable words entered my world and inspired me to write a new cycle of compositions.”
Musically, the song cycle that comprises Lost In Translation was also born from the influences that Carvalho has absorbed in recent years, including being part of the New York City jazz scene, which continues to leave a huge impression on the bassist, and also regular travel for performances to many countries. As a composer, Carvalho’s relentless search for new sounds has led him to discover and explore musical avenues such as improvised music, experimental and contemporary classical music. Lost in Translation Vol. II, like it’s predecessor, embraces the unknown, by having a very strong improvisational and spontaneous component, making each performance completely unique for this ensemble.
Described by Carvalho as a, “contemplative, intimate and at the same time, a rough album”, this sequel is comprised of seven new compositions by Carvalho, and one by André Matos, where improvisation, spontaneity and timbre-textural exploration are at the center of the trio’s sound. Returning to the idea that learning untranslatable words can be a bridge between cultures, the new album features compositions inspired by words from languages such as Farsi, Hausa or Finnish.
“It’s unquestionable that music is a language, and curiously a universal one. From the most remote tribes of Papua New Guinea to the cosmopolitan and avant-garde movements of large cities, music serves as a vehicle for communication and interaction. It’s this link between language and music, unique words and unique musical moments that Lost in Translation Vol. II explores. If learning a new word is, by itself, already a rewarding and exciting thing, if we add music to this learning process, the experience will surely be enhanced. These particular words inspired me to research and learn more about different cultures and, just as I had an epiphany when learning them, I would like this second volume of compositions to generate the same kind of sensation in the listener,” said Carvalho.
With performances scheduled at the Grândola Jazz Festival (March 31st), Centro Cultural de Belém (April 1st), TBA Braga (July 7th), and The Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, (August 10, 11 & 12), the new album has the support of Antena2, Companhia de Actores and Teatro Municipal Amélia Rey Colaço. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Tiago de Sousa, Carvalho will also release several videos of the trio made by Pedro Caldeira and with photography by João Hasselberg and assistance by Martim Torres.
Carvalho also shares that, because this subject is so special to him, he is working on a documentary with director Pedro Caldeira, which will involve the contributions of various linguists, anthropologists, psychologists, as well as accompanying the trio from its genesis to the recording and music performance.
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