Gebhard Ullmann - Kreuzberg Park East (1999)

Ullmann is known for his outstanding work on clarinet, but here he is featured on tenor and soprano saxophones as well as bass clarinet in a serious and invigorating set of eight original compositions. Joined by long-time collaborator, tenor saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, the two reeds float with alternating feverish intensity and spacey lightness over the superb rhythm of bassist Drew Gress and drummer Phil Haynes. The horns continually lock horns as the structured compositions lay the groundwork for fascinating fare. Eschewing the music of ecstasy (which has never been his style) and instead embracing a sophisticated and delicate, though occasionally muscular, alternative, Ullmann focuses on detailed compositional techniques that highlight the creative sides of the saxes. Ullmann has always favored conglomerations of reeds, and he is able to overcome limitations of timbre with great soloing and effective writing.