I am delighted to see Music Information Centre Lithuania's decision to expand the Note Lithuania compilation series into the field of improvisational music. I believe that Impro Shorts not only shows the already mature and rich Lithuanian improvisational music scene and its performers but also provides a real sense of discovery for curious festival organisers, music professionals and media representatives propagating such music. I myself have experienced this sense of finding and broadening the perception of improvisational music from the very first compilation!
Antanas Gustys, founder and director of Vilnius Jazz Festival
I hope the listener will feel and perceive the sound, the silence, the images, and the resonant spectral space of 21st century Lithuania.
Arkadij Gotesman, percussionist, educator
Over the decades of Lithuanian jazz, famous for its freedom of improvisation, many original sonic ideas have launched into the universe. This compilation is an aspiration to catch at least some of them and return them to the listener. Here we have an opportunity to take a look at the rich panorama of the Lithuanian improvisational scene, which reflects multi-layered games with musical material and ignores genre boundaries. Having paused the restless rush of the 21st century, and following the creators' colourful images and experiences, you can explore the nature of sound or rediscover familiar instruments.
Jūratė Kučinskaitė, jazz musicologist, educator, radio host
While being the first of its kind in this particular genre, this compilation sheds light on the unexpectedly rich landscape of Lithuanian improvised music. You will discover a wave of promising young talents - some of whom were nurtured by a relatively new programme (Contemporary and Improvisational Music Specialisation) at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and its valuable exchange opportunities. As this release showcases strong and expressive solo voices, I am excited to witness new ensembles and collaborations take shape in the near future!
Greta Jakobsonaitė, project manager at the Music Information Centre Lithuania
Thank you to all musicians, participants. This was utterly interesting. Time… it is time to go to Mars.
Juozas Milašius, guitarist
Graphic design: Jurgis Griškevičius
Mastering: Artūras Pugačiauskas
Language editing: Howard Jarvis
Editors: Marija Astromskaitė, Radvilė Buivydienė
Producer: Marija Astromskaitė
Compiled and released by Music Information Centre Lithuania
Financed by Lithuanian Council for Culture