The to many listeners still unknown Danish-German quartet “Umlaut Urlaub” from Berlin sets an example for young modern jazz from the German federal capital. And it does so in an easygoing and charming way: Completely unpretentious, the compositions are accompanied by an airiness and easiness, while at the same time showing complex structures and partly abstract themes. Even the quartet’s ventures into collective improvisation never end in headless outbreaks. Everything seems to be interwoven. The themes in one moment create warmth and light heartedness and in another ask for the listener’s undivided attention. Tensions and sudden increases with unexpected outcomes can often be found within one track - from intimate moments to the deconstruction of the created worlds. The main part of the compositions lingers in dreamy, slightly melancholy spheres. The saxophonists Wanja Slavin and Johannes Schleiermacher give the tracks their essential musical colouring. They are joined by Andreas Lang (electric bass) and Kasper Tom Christiansen (drums) in the rhythm section. Together they conquer the listener with independence and intelligent interplay.

Andreas Lang (bass)
Kasper Tom Christiansen (drums)
Wanja Slavin (saxophone, clarinet)
Johannes Schleiermacher (saxophone)