Eva Klesse Septett - "Stimmen" feat. Zuza Jasinska, Michael Schiefel & Philipp Rumsch

In the organizer's words:

Lineup: Evgeny Ring saxophone composition, Philip Frischkorn piano composition, Marc Muellbauer double bass, Eva Klesse drums composition, Michael Schiefel voice, Zuza Jasinska voice, Philipp Rumsch sound design electronics.

With STIMMEN, the Eva Klesse Quartet will release its sixth album in the fall of 2024, presenting its most personal and political work to date. Ten years after their debut XENON, the collective led by drummer Eva Klesse addresses fundamental questions of hearing, visibility and social responsibility. Together with guest musicians Michael Schiefel and Zuza Jasinska on vocals and Philipp Rumsch on sound design and electronics, they have created a multi-layered musical essay that combines jazz with language, electronics and dramaturgical depth.

The quartet, which has existed since 2014 and features Evgeny Ring on saxophone, Philip Frischkorn on piano, Marc Muellbauer on double bass and Eva Klesse on drums, has grown as an artistic collective since its beginnings. Awarded the ECHO Jazz and the SWR Jazz Prize, among others, the band has developed its own narrative signature over the years. STIMMEN is a consistent continuation and expansion of this.

The project was created during the first pandemic-related lockdown in 2020. In a time of isolation, the quartet made a conscious decision to listen and give space to voices that are often overlooked in the noise of the present. In three chapters and 13 pieces, the musicians talk about social upheaval, life and hopes under socialism, political resistance in Russia and discrimination based on gender, origin, skin color or sexual identity. Despite the gravity of many of the topics, a clear message runs through the album: commitment, empathy and attitude can bring about change.
The chapters WITNESSES, PEACEFUL WARRIORESSES and pass the mic were conceived and composed by Philip Frischkorn, Evgeny Ring and Eva Klesse respectively. This equal collaboration gives the album its special dynamic. The voices of the guest musicians are not used for illustrative purposes, but are an integral part of the music. Electronic soundscapes, alienated original voices and choir-like overlays create a dense, emotional sound space.
With STIMMEN, the Eva Klesse Quartet ventures an extraordinary expansion of its artistic expression. Jazz is understood here not only as a musical form, but also as a medium for storytelling, listening and positioning. A sophisticated, moving album that resonates for a long time and invites you to engage with it.