With her new octet project, Julia Hülsmann is once again one of the most exciting voices in European jazz. The Berlin pianist, described by the Süddeutsche Zeitung as the "most sensitive soul among German jazz pianists", has always been fascinated by the human voice. Collaborations with Rebekka Bakken, Roger Cicero and Theo Bleckmann have impressively shown how naturally she integrates vocal soundscapes into her music. For her current octet, Hülsmann has now put together an extraordinary ensemble: three charismatic singers shape the sound. Each of these voices brings its own timbre, its own energy – and together they merge into a colourful, dazzling choir. They are joined by a top-class instrumental quartet. The tonal range is correspondingly wide: sometimes a classical-looking piano string trio acts, sometimes a grooving jazz trio – and often both worlds meet in sophisticated dialogues. The Mitteldeutsche Zeitung raves about "the most beautiful cross-connections between cello, violin, double bass and drums - a concept that powerfully sweeps the audience away". The result is an evening full of poetry, energy and sonic opulence: a great ensemble sound that nevertheless retains air and transparency – and which shows how jazz can sound today when courageous voices meet one of Europe's most influential pianists.

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