Ben Vanderwal - Lugano (2026) Hi Res

The 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 cross-fade into one continuous work, unfolding more like a single extended form than a collection of individual tracks. Live, the 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.