Guitarist Edgars Rugājs will present his debut jazz album “Farewell Diner” together with his quartet on 4 October. The record combines Rugājs’ original compositions with a selection of carefully chosen jazz standards.
Created in Iceland, the album serves as a musical testament to a significant chapter in his life. Farewell Dinner symbolizes the culmination and closure of important life stages — not as a final goodbye, but as a gesture of gratitude to what has passed. The compositions emerged during a time of great change, with their titles reflecting the whirlwind of thoughts that filled this period. The title piece “Farewell Dinner And Chips” was inspired by a farewell meal at a restaurant, where the food was so disappointing that simple chips had to be ordered on top.
Edgars cites the music of Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Tadd Dameron, as well as his surrounding environment, as the main sources of inspiration.