It is impressive how, over the last three years, the Austrian keyboard instrumentalist Elias Stemeseder and the German percussionist Christian Lillinger have developed a remarkable artistic partnership, which has already found expression in a series of different recordings. Expanding into a quartet with Peter Evans and Russell Hall, they reveal further facets of their collaboration on Umbra II. Unlike its production-heavy predecessor Umbra, the music on Umbra II is entirely acoustic and the band’s sound has a classical feel. This album, which has the strongest and most direct connection to the jazz tradition to date, was recorded at the venerable Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. “The duo are always looking ahead, whether that means bringing in new collaborators, embracing novel techniques, or adding new tools to its instrumental arsenal. Umbra ll represents one leg of an ongoing journey. Here’s hoping the destination always remains elusive”, writes Peter Margasak in the liner notes.

Cover art: Katrin Lillinger
Graphic design: Paul Bieri
Liner notes: Peter Margasak
Photos: Maureen Sickler/Don Sickler (Group), Sabrina Santiago (Duo), Christian Lillinger (Studio impressions)

All compositions by Elias Stemeseder (AKM) and Christian Lillinger (GEMA). Recorded October 9, 2023, at Rudy Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NY, by Maureen Sickler. Mixed and mastered April 4 and 5, 2024, by Michael Brändli, Christian Lillinger and Elias Stemeseder at Hardstudios Winterthur, Switzerland. Produced by Elias Stemeseder, Christian Lillinger and Intakt Records.