Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn - Hindemith Abstractions (2026)

The German jazz quartet Schmid’s Huhn, established over 13 years ago, has announced its fourth album, 'Hindemith Abstractions.' This new conceptual work is explicitly inspired by the repertoire of classical composer Paul Hindemith, particularly his piece for early electronic instruments (trautoniums). Drawing on his musical language, the band developed a four-part suite titled 'The Little Jazz Musicians’ Favorites,' recontextualizing Hindemith's harmonies and motifs through post-bop, cool jazz, and avant-garde jazz. The release also features a five-part fully free improvisation, 'Reflections on Hindemith.' The album showcases the long-standing, intuitive interplay of the quartet's members—all influential figures in the contemporary improvised music scene—and marks a more focused, conceptual milestone in the evolution of the ensemble's distinctive sound.

Stefan Karl Schmid: tenor saxophone
Leonhard Huhn: alto saxophone
Stefan Schönegg: bass
Fabian Arends: drums

Tracklist:
1. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - The Little Jazz Musician's Favorites - Part 1: Form
2. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - The Little Jazz Musician's Favorites - Part 2: Free
3. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - The Little Jazz Musician's Favorites - Part 3: Vamp
4. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - The Little Jazz Musician's Favorites - Part 4: Pedal
5. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Intermission
6. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Reflections on Hindemith - Abstract 1: Thirds
7. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Reflections on Hindemith - Abstract 2: Affinity
8. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Reflections on Hindemith - Abstract 3: Spinning
9. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Reflections on Hindemith - Abstract 4: Chase
10. Schmid's Huhn, Stefan Karl Schmid, Leonhard Huhn, Stefan Schönegg, Fabian Arends - Reflections on Hindemith - Abstract 5: Syntony