Lennart Allkemper - Awakening (2024) [Hi-Res]

Debut album from German saxophonist and composer Lennart Allkemper. The quartet on 'Awakening' is extremely grounded over long stretches, taking time for improvisations that often begin with the smallest motivic work and steadily increase dynamically and emotionally. There are also metrical changes, but there is no trace of ostentatious complexity, on the contrary: much, if not everything, flows...

Listening to the twelve tracks (all penned by the leader) is fun. Undoubtedly a lot of pieces, but they don't tempt Lennart Allkemper to something, which is the problem with many a debut: namely the (understandable) temptation to want to pack everything into it. Even though each composition reveals a different facet and tells a different story, Awakening as a whole is cohesive and homogeneous.

The rhythm section also has roots in the west of the republic. Bassist Stefan Rey - like Allkemper - occasionally fills in with the WDR Big Band. Drummer Niklas Walter is originally from Hamm and has already played with Allkemper in the Jugendjazzorchester NRW and is also an occasional "sub" for the WDR Big Band. Pianist Billy Test is an American from Philipsburg/Pennsylvania, but has been a permanent member of the Cologne-based WDR Big Band since 2018.