Performers
Some duos are put together specifically for a particular purpose. Others come about naturally. Such is the case with pianist Bill Laurance and bassist Michael League. The two have known each other since their student days, when they bonded as like-minded musicians.
Anything that was fun was fair game: classical, soul, folk, jazz. It was the formative phase of a collective that would go on to become known as Snarky Puppy and tour the world. Their duo is a counterpoint to the larger ensemble. Here, the focus is on the intimate perspective, with Laurance on the piano and League on the fretless bass guitar and oud. They do without a backing band, which gives them musical freedom. The sound of the oud opens up further creative space – sonic canvases that allow for delicate, richly detailed soundscapes.
In Frankfurt, the pair are presenting their new album, recorded in April 2026 during a week-long recording session at Château Palmer, one of Bordeaux’s most famous vineyards. The focus is on purity and organic sound, without much technology or overdubbing, incorporating elements of soul and jazz. League explores the oud from his own perspective, whilst Laurance reduces the piano to melodies and concise improvisations. A creative dialogue between two musical companions.
(The ACT Agency)