Alexander Rues - Debut | Jazz Thing Next Generation, Vol. 112 (2026) [Hi-Res]

This album is a collection of musical portraits — intimate sketches shaped by memory, place, and human connection. It reflects the soundscape of Alexander Rueß’ upbringing near the Baltic Sea, the people who accompanied him along the way, and the impressions gathered through travel and encounter.

At its core, the music is deeply personal. Für Opa is dedicated to Rueß’ grandfather, who never played an instrument yet supported his musical journey unconditionally, driving him to countless lessons and proudly claiming responsibility for his grandson’s talent. Sangen Fra Havet is an homage to the Baltic Sea and the Danish coastline, whose quiet vastness and shifting moods echo throughout the record. Cornflower draws inspiration from the vivid blue flower that grew at the edges of rural fields — a favorite of Rueß’ maternal grandfather — symbolizing memory, landscape, and rootedness.

The album balances composition and spontaneity. Interlude, the only fully improvised piece, captures the natural interplay between guitar, double bass, and drums, allowing the music’s energy to unfold organically in the moment. Throughout the record, lyrical melodies meet open forms, creating space for both narrative clarity and collective expression.

Recorded in Berlin with longtime collaborators Luca Curcio and Sebastian Merk, the trio’s sound is defined by trust, subtle interaction, and shared musical intuition. A special highlight is the appearance of trombonist Nils Landgren on Für Opa, whose music was a formative influence on Rueß’ childhood and whose presence adds a distinctive warmth and depth to the album.

Ultimately, this record is a dedication — to family, mentors, friends, and places that shape who we become. It is an expression of gratitude and belonging, rendered through sound.

Alexander Rueß, guitar
Nils Landgren, trombone
Luca Curcio, double bass
Sebastian Merk, drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Vogelbalz [3:46]
1-2 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Wild Mountain Thyme [4:22]
1-3 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Sangen Fra Havet [5:47]
1-4 Alexander Rues;Nils Landgren;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Für Opa [4:30]
1-5 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Interlude [3:02]
1-6 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - No Surprises [3:50]
1-7 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Cornflower [2:21]
1-8 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Church Street Blues [4:06]
1-9 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - China Calling [5:29]
1-10 Alexander Rues;Luca Curcio;Sebastian Merk - Sadness Is the Gladdest Way to Feel [5:17]