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| New Single from Jung Stratmann Duo Only In Your Memory The Korean-German Contemporary Jazz Duo Jung Stratmann is set to release their second EP, "Tree Huggers, " on May 9, 2025. This collection of four original compositions explores themes of nature and memory, showcasing the unique interplay between pianist Sujae Jung and double bassist Wolf Robert Stratmann. Recorded at Brooklyn's Bunker Studios, "Tree Huggers" represents a sonic evolution for the duo, offering a warm, high-fidelity sound that builds upon their debut EP, "Bird of Luck" and "Live at 29th Street". The EP's tracks highlight Jung and Stratmann's intricate musical dialogue and shared passion for storytelling through music, further cementing their position in the New York contemporary jazz landscape. "Tree Huggers" showcases a delicate and intimate musical conversation between Jung and Stratmann. The duo's intuitive interplay is evident throughout the EP, with their music flowing like a slowly rolling river. Their virtuosic abilities take a backseat to the emotive and sincere quality of their performances, allowing the therapeutic effect of their music to shine through. The compositions reflect the quiet, unfolding growth of love, with the soft interplay between acoustic bass and gentle piano evoking images of roots weaving deeper into the earth. Sujae Jung and Wolf Robert Stratmann bring diverse musical backgrounds to their collaboration. Jung, a pianist from Busan, South Korea, began her jazz journey at Kukje University of Arts before earning her bachelor's degree from the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Stratmann, a bassist from Bielefeld, Germany, studied Audio Design/Music Production in Berlin before completing his jazz studies at the same conservatory. Their paths converged in New York City, where both are currently pursuing Master's degrees in Performer-Composer at The New School. Jung's research focuses on blending Korean traditional music and nature with contemporary jazz, while Stratmann explores incorporating natural sounds and rhythms into his compositions. Both Jung and Stratmann are experienced performers with a wide range of experience across multiple genres. They have honed their skills through collaborations with diverse artists, allowing them to navigate various musical settings with ease. This versatility has enriched their unique sound, characterized by a deep emotional connection and a nuanced understanding of different musical styles. The EP opens with "After Sunset", composed by Sujae Jung, demonstrating the duo's characteristic rubato phrasing and creative harmonic interplay. The title track, "Tree Huggers", draws inspiration from 1970s modern jazz while addressing the duo's shared interest in environmental connection and sustainability. "Green Waters", a collaborative composition, features Stratmann's use of a phasing technique on the bass(a note played simultaneously on two strings with slight variations in intonation), creating an auditory image of forest streams. The EP concludes with "Only In Your Memory", a composition by Stratmann that showcases his skills as both a composer and vocalist, exploring themes of nostalgia and the importance of cherishing memories. Throughout the set, the duo's ability to create space for each other, moving between various registers, dynamics, and moods, allows the music to unfold naturally while maintaining a sense of intentionality and clarity. "Tree Huggers" stands as a strong, standalone release that highlights the intimacy of the piano and bass duo setting. It also serves as a precursor to their upcoming album "Confluence, " which will feature an expanded quartet lineup including guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Marko Djordjevic. This forthcoming full album release, scheduled for autumn 2025, promises to showcase the duo's musical vision in a broader context while maintaining the intimate connection that characterizes their work. With "Tree Huggers", Jung and Stratmann have created a sensory experience that draws listeners into a world of depth and light through their musical palette. "Tree Huggers" will be released on all major streaming platforms on May 9, 2025, and will also be available as a CD and Hi-Res download on Bandcamp. Preceding the EP's release, a single will be made available on streaming platforms to give listeners a first glimpse into the duo's latest work. write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |