Igor Lumpert & Innertextures - I Am the Spirit of the Earth (2022)

This album reflects both Igor’s Slovenian roots and Brooklyn journey. It is music with the power to break down barriers and prejudices. That conviction is heard from the very first notes of the title track.

As for his compositional process, Igor explains that “some pieces on this album started as short sketches that I recorded back home with an iPhone by the river. For example, Slovenian Fight Song is an homage to all the fighters who helped liberate Slovenia. This composition evokes memories of my grandfather telling stories of being a Yugoslav partisan in the Second World War”.

As he attempted to capture and express such profound recollections, Igor realized that he needed a broader palette of sounds than a quartet could deliver. “I had been playing with guitarist Jeff Miles for some time, but only recently started jamming with Peter Evans. Those associations inspired the idea for this expanded ensemble”.

I Am the Spirit of the Earth harmonizes the essential aspects of Igor's music and personality – his wisdom as a composer and bandleader, his pride in his Slovenian roots, and the impact of his decisions throughout life. And all of this is conveyed by a fantastic group of musicians who are very much aware of their leader’s intentions and inclinations.

Igor Lumpert tenor saxophone (solo saxophone on “Čapljinski Tatari”)
Greg Ward alto saxophone
Peter Evans trumpet
Chris Tordini double bass
Kenny Grohowski drums
Jeff Miles guitar on 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9
John Ellis bass clarinet on 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7
Caleb Curtis alto saxophone on 4, 8 and 9