Julia Hülsmann’s Quartet resurfaces with a fresh Norwegian voice on horn in tow and presents an attractive batch of originals that finds the group thoughtfully exploring common ground with a knack for adventure.

As on past outings, each quartet member contributes music to the session, the leader herself being responsible for half the programme. Saxophonist Uli Kempendorff’s introduction to Julia’s trio on 2019’s Not Far From Here already brought a new dimension to the group’s interplay – this sense is again amplified and expanded upon through the addition of Norwegian trumpeter Hildegunn Øiseth, who joins the quartet on trumpet and the supply articulating goat horn for five cuts.

Spellbinding lyricism and playful rhythmic and melodic interaction conspire throughout Under The Surface – a gem in Julia Hülsmann’s increasingly impressive ECM-oeuvre.

1. They Stumble, They Walk
2. May Song
3. Second Thoughts
4. Bubbles
5. Nevergreen
6. The Earth Below
7. Anti Fragile
8. Trick
9. Milkweed Monarch
10. Under The Surface

On an album where spellbinding lyricism and playful rhythmic and melodic interaction conspire throughout, this highly impassioned new recording opens on the heartfelt, post-bop opener They Stumble, They Walk and the seductive May Song (a composition by drummer Heinrich Köbberlingand) then we are brought forth the sumptuous Second Thoughts, the emboldened Bubbles (another Köbberling original) and one of my own personal favorites, the triumphant Nevergreen.

Along next is the opulently styled duo piece The Earth Below and that is in turn backed seamlessly by the playfully perky Anti Fragile, the fashionable Trick, the album rounding out on the confident Milkweed Monarch, coming to an all too soon close on the warmly assured Under The Surface.

The quartet is touring the new music throughout Germany in February-March 2025, with dates in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Mannheim and more.

Featured Artists:
Julia Hülsmann - Piano
Uli Kempendorff - Tenor Saxophone
Marc Muellbauer - Double Bass
Heinrich Köbberling - Drums,BR> Hildegunn Øiseth - Trumpet, Goat Horn

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Julia Hülsmann @ Facebook