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JULIAN AND ROMAN WASSERFUHR Running ACT 9545-2

1. Weary Journey

2. Bachelor [Over the Ear Look]

3. Behind Blue Eyes

4. Adonis

5. Stoned Remote

6. Nowhere Man

7. 7 Gegner

8. Rocholz-Korosak

9. Go On

10. Joy and Sorrow

11. Hilmar

12. Uncertainty

13. See You Again

 

Julian Wasserfuhr – Trumpet

Roman Wasserfuhr – Piano, keyboards

Benjamin Garcia Alonso – Bass

Oliver Rehmann – Drums, percussion

Guests:

David Rynkowski – Vocals

Kaori Yamagami – Cello

Eduard Bayer – Violin

Gerald Wasserfuhr - Clarinet

 

This seems a particularly fruitful period for the emergence of young and talented European jazz trumpeters, for example, Laura Jurd from the UK and the Finnish star Verneri Pohjola. To these two we must surely add the Chet Baker-influenced Julian Wasserfuhr from Germany. At 25, Julian, together with his elder brother Roman, clearly has a bright future. Running, their fourth CD, reveals the benefits of a musical upbringing (not least in the quality of the compositions). Their father Gerald, no doubt an early influence as a clarinettist and music teacher, also appears on the disc. With only two exceptions, Pete Townshend’s Behind Blue Eyes and Lennon & McCartney’s Nowhere Man, all the tunes were written by the brothers. On two tracks where lyrics feature, they have been supplied by the Israeli pianist and composer, Itai Sobol. The results are pleasing to the ear.

Weary Journey , a noirish romantic number contains moody, pure-toned trumpet from Julian, limpid piano from Roman and nimble brushwork from Rehmann. Bachelor [Over the Ear Look] is a sunny, catchy tune, much more up-tempo than the opening track. Behind Blue Eyes is a cover version of The Who song and is taken at a leisurely pace with blues-tinged piano and with Julian on fine form in this tuneful vehicle. Alonso on bass and Rehmann are also heard to good effect. Adonis begins slowly but soon hits its stride, Julian playing fluently, the strength of the whole ensemble apparent. Stoned Remote is a melancholy ballad accompanied by strings with solid bass work once more from Alonso, Roman on keyboard behind Julian’s sublime trumpet. Nowhere Man is sensitively played and thoughtfully improvised by the brothers – a nice solo by Benjamin Garcia Alonso, too. 7 Gegner starts slowly but then picks up momentum. Julian again gets the opportunity to demonstrate his technique but in no way leaves his brother behind. The melody is reminiscent of e.s.t in their prime. Rocholz-Korosak is a faster Latin-tinged piece with the piano prominent. Go On is a showcase for the singer David Rynkowski, a fine soul-influenced vocalist, yet it still provides the group with a chance to show their quality in a supporting role.

Joy and Sorrow is the kind of theme associated with Kenny Wheeler, marked by an appealing simplicity of approach, but for me, not the most satisfying track on the CD. Hilmar is a jaunty piece of writing with string accompaniment. Uncertainty has a bass intro followed by a wistful tune played with feeling by Julian, backed by strings and by mounting vigour from the piano, bass and drums before a sudden stop. See You Again is a nostalgic ballad featuring poignant piano and trumpet work and with a further outing for David Rynkowski who delivers the lyrics movingly.

The overall feel of this album is that of music for late-night listening. The musicians are accomplished and the tunes of a high standard. There is clearly much more to look forward to from this gifted line-up.

James Poore

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