Maur-Vantomme Quartet album release 'Old Friend'

Laurent Maur & Dominique Vantomme – a 25-year musical journey, now finally on record

Some musical encounters are so powerful that they last a lifetime. When Laurent Maur (harmonica) and Dominique Vantomme (piano) first met in Paris twenty-five years ago, an instant and special connection was born. Two musicians with their own voices and universes, yet sharing the same openness to adventure and the same quest for a story that goes beyond notes on paper.

Over the years, they have shared stages across the world, written music together, and refined a language that only they fully speak. And yet, one thing remained absent: a recording that captured this long-standing collaboration. Until now.

At Finster Studio in Antwerp, under the expert ears of Joris Callewaert, they decided to take the leap. In just a single day, their first joint album was recorded – a deliberate choice to preserve the spontaneity and intensity of their playing. No endless polishing, no compromises: just the pure energy of the moment.

For this project, they embraced the power of the quartet and invited two musical soulmates: Werner Lauscher (double bass) and Domenico Verderame (drums). Together they form an ensemble where sound, rhythm, and imagination merge seamlessly.

The album offers a rich palette of original compositions – by Laurent, Dominique, and Domenico – ranging from lyrical melodies to rhythmic outbursts. On top of that, they chose two covers, which in their interpretation take on entirely new forms, respectful of their origins yet imbued with a fresh, personal signature.