Umbra Il is the new album by pianist, composer, and electronic musician Elias Stemeseder and drummer, composer, and producer Christian Lillinger with the outstanding pianist Craig Taborn. As a core duo, Stemeseder Lillinger are planning a long-term series of releases, each with guest musicians playing a key role. Umbra is their musical cosmos, which Stemeseder and Lillinger describe as a "modular ensemble structure with guest musicians." Now, joined by Craig Taborn, the full spectrum of the European and American avant-garde is present as an inter-textual reference point. Umbra Ill is the musically inspiring result of a live concert at the Saalfelden Jazz Festival. "This music is an invitation to give ourselves up to unknown sounds, which make mind and body move. Something new has been created here, something untamed, a space in which structure and expression pulsate through hitherto unknown channels and new musical forms find their expression", writes Roland Schmenner in the liner notes. An enriching musical expedition.

Cover art and graphic design: Paul Bieri
Cover Photo: Christian Lillinger
Liner notes: Roland Schmenner
Photo: Michael Geißler

All compositions by Elias Stemeseder (akm) and Christian Lillinger
(GEMA). Recorded live on August 21, 2021, at International Jazzfesti-
val Saalfelden at Nexus. Mixed in 2022 by Christian Lillinger. Mastered
in 2024 by Michael Brändli at Hardstudios Winterthur.
Produced by Elias Stemeseder, Christian Lillinger and Intakt Records.
Published by Intakt Records