Hide and Seek

Hernâni Faustino is a pivotal figure in Lisbon’s free jazz and improvised music scene, renowned for his expressive double bass work that blends rich tonal depth with a wide range of extended techniques. Self-taught, he transitioned from electric bass in alternative rock bands during the 1980s to double bass in the 1990s, dedicating himself to avant-garde and improvised music. Faustino’s playing is characterized by a deep, resonant tone and a mastery of both arco and pizzicato techniques. He often employs unconventional methods—such as percussive bowing, harmonics, and textural layering—to explore the full sonic potential of the double bass. His improvisations are marked by a balance between introspective lyricism and dynamic interplay, making him a sought-after collaborator in the free jazz community. The metaphor of Hide and Seek, new solo record is a powerful lens through which to understand the art of musical improvisation, especially in free or exploratory settings. The roles of the seeker and the hider can mirror the dynamic between musicians as they navigate sound, space, and surprise, sometimes revealing, sometimes concealing. Just as in the children’s game, much of the excitement lies in the chase, the unexpected discovery, the near-miss, or the deliberate misdirection. This interplay creates a rich field of tension and release, listening and reacting, building and withholding.