Skylark Quartet | Luna Rossa Al Belvedere | July 7, 2025
The Skylark Quartet returns with Luna Rossa al Belvedere, a richly expressive new album released in July 2025, featuring internationally acclaimed flugelhornist Matthieu Michel. Recorded in December 2024 at Jazzcampus Studio in Basel, the album captures the group’s lyrical spirit and dynamic range, shaped by Mediterranean sounds, jazz tradition, and a touch of rock and free improvisation.
Originally founded in 2021 under guitarist Samuele Sorana, the group evolved into a collective when bassist Tobias Melcher joined forces to present his own compositions. Alongside Patrick Joray (saxophone, flute) and Marton Juhasz (drums), the quartet quickly earned attention across Europe, performing in Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Belgium, and beyond. Their debut album Risveglio marked the beginning of a journey rooted in strong melodies, tonal harmony, and accessible emotional resonance.
Luna Rossa al Belvedere was inspired by a special tour in Austria in 2023, where the group shared the stage with Matthieu Michel for three nights in Graz. That collaboration sparked the idea for a new record. “We wanted a fresh energy and new sound in the band,” says the group. “Matthieu brought not only his artistry but his full presence—he helped shape the music from the inside.”
Compositions on the album reflect the quartet’s wide-ranging influences and dual authorship from Sorana and Melcher. Tracks feature lush arrangements, vamps, rubato tempos, and free improvisation, while also making room for new timbral elements—flute, acoustic guitar, and layered horn lines—all shaped around Matthieu Michel’s lyrical voice.
Each piece tells a personal story. The title track recalls a vivid summer night in Falconara Alta, Italy, under a red moon. Portonovo pays tribute to the seaside beauty of the Ancona region, while Kannenfeldpark in Autunno evokes the quiet colors of an autumn stroll in Basel. Melcher’s Brain Drain reflects on the departure of young talent seeking creative freedom abroad, and Lule offers a heartfelt dedication to a dear musical friend.
Balancing structure and spontaneity, Luna Rossa al Belvedere captures the quartet’s essence: refined, warm, and deeply human. The album is a testament to collective growth, shared experience, and the power of melody to connect across borders.
Line up
Samuele Sorana | guitars
Patrick Joray | tenor saxophone, flute
Tobias Melcher | double bass
Marton Juhasz | drums
Matthieu Michel | flugelhorn
Track Listing
Portonovo
Kannenfeldpark In Autunno
Brain Drain
Preludio
Fluir
Without Being Seen
The Old North
Ylime
Ninna N’Anna
Lule
Eleven
Luna Rossa Al Belvedere