Lars Pagelsen Trio, Inner Peace

Lars Pagelsen Trio’s CD album “Inner Peace,” has been produced to a remarkably high standard in terms of sound quality. Its dynamics, spatial imaging, and tonal balance are impressive in their naturalness and transparency—qualities that stand up well, even when compared with well-received international productions. This makes the album particularly interesting for audiophile listeners. 

The recording captivates listeners with its natural sound stage, clearly contoured instruments, natural timbres, and high transparency. Piano notes are palpable in the room, the bass is precisely defined and tonally balanced, and the drums are dynamic and finely resolved—without artificial effects or exaggerated compression.

And the trio also shows its musical prowess. Its performances, described as “Mindful Jazz”, are less a style than an attitude. They leave room for nuances, rely on clear harmonic structures, and give each note the chance to take shape. Jazz music should remain comprehensible to its audience—was written in the announcement of the Trio’s live concert at the Elbeforum in Brunsbüttel. “Mindful jazz” thus describes a conscious focus on the essentials: sound, time, and the spaces in between.

Lars Pagelsen has taken a deep interest in jazz since the age of 18. His enthusiasm for the piano and for composing was encouraged by his piano teacher early on, who taught him the basics of notation and independent composition. Today, Lars studies jazz at Dr. Hoch's Conservatory in Frankfurt am Main—an educational path that is by no means standard, given the limited number of places available. It is not surprising then that Lars writes all arrangements for the trio himself.

The album “Inner Peace” was recorded at D-Room Studio in Gehrden near Hanover in 2024. Hervé Jeanne directed the recording, and Ralf Jackowski was responsible for mastering the CD. Lars was accompanied by Eleni Granitza on bass and Nicolas Rotermund on drums. The interplay between the musicians and the album’s thoughtful production have led to its cohesion and tonal depth.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Lars Pagelsen Trio has been performing with a new lineup: Alisa Pou Montz on bass and Felix Lothwesen on drums further expand the tonal spectrum. Alisa Pou Montz, a sought-after musician on the Frankfurt music scene, contributes a clear and groovy bass; while classically educated Felix Lothwesen lends his drums a versatile touch with stylistic openness and perplexing tonal differentiation.

“Inner Peace” thus documents not only a musical approach, but also a snapshot of the development of Lars Pagelsen—thoughtfully produced, sonically sophisticated, and with audible attention to detail. I am very much looking forward to the first recordings of the new lineup. The audiophile community can only hope that future recordings will be approached with similar care. — Let’s keep your finders crossed.

Purchase album here >