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Blurred Image

Duarte Ventura

Label: Fresh Sound New Talent
Released: 2026
Views: 133

Personnel

Album Description

Under the leadership of Duarte Ventura, this ensemble was born out of a genuine desire to bring together musicians with whom he felt a strong musical connection, and with whom it would make sense to share and expand his artistic vision.

The group made its debut in the summer of 2022 as a quartet, featuring Miguel Valente on alto saxophone, José Almeida on double bass, and Luís Possollo on drums. A year later, the need for a broader harmonic foundation became evident, and pianist Miguel Meirinhos joined the project, transforming the ensemble into a quintet.

The music composed by Ventura reflects the sounds and experiences that have shaped him up to this point. Yet, with the collective input of these musicians, it evolves into something more abstract—an ongoing exploration of boundaries, textures, and possibilities within music itself.

More than just a band, this quintet is a collaborative space where each performance is an act of discovery. Their sound merges personal histories, influences, and improvisational freedom, creating a musical narrative that is constantly shifting and expanding.

This award winning group is based on the most promising young jazz musicians from Portugal, who had performed all over the world.

“(...) As a band, their sound is both adventurous and assured: they explore new territory, but always with conviction, intention, and clarity. Duarte’s playing is versatile and nuanced, always beautiful, always in tune with the sound of his band. The result is a recording that captures the development of a singular voice while at the same time celebrating the emergence of a collective sound. It places Duarte firmly within the broader conversation of contemporary jazz.

(...) This is unmistakably the music of a young generation of jazz musicians: modern, complex, and executed with remarkable precision. They are completely at ease with intricate time subdivisions, shifting grooves, and sophisticated harmonic language. Yet beyond the virtuosity lies intensity, passion, and an economy of expression -every note is chosen with purpose. Duarte’s work reflects a deep exploration of a personal language, one that balances complexity with simplicity, intellect with emotion."

Words from Jorge Rossy about Duarte Ventura's debut album "Blurred Image".

Recorded by Nuno Simões at Slow Music Studio, Sintra, Portugal
Mixed and Mastered by André Fernandes
Cover photo by Bernardo Tinoco
Cover design by Joana Franco
Booklet photographs by Maria Bicker
Group photograph by Bernardo Tinoco

Liner notes by Jordi Rossy (full notes in booklet)
Produced by João Barradas
Executive producer: Jordi Puyol

Album uploaded by Duarte Ventura