The creative willfulness is immediately apparent. Just like the playful spirit. A photograph of four athletes, visibly marked by a match, in trilogue with the group's name and the album title: Stefan Scholer Trio - "Psalm B". A strange, seemingly peculiar combination. Stefan Scholer is aware of this. He accepts the unpredictable nature of the effect. The photograph, taken in 1966 on the sidelines of a Gaelic football match in Dublin, Ireland, by the world-renowned photographer Evelyn Hofer, had a magnetic pull on him. He discovered it in a Hofer exhibition at the Museum Kurhaus in his hometown of Kleve in the far west of Germany. Subsequently, he did everything in his power to obtain permission to use it. The question of 'why?' dissolves satisfyingly in his keen explanation. The pianist and composer follows his intuition unconditionally while also closely reflecting on his decisions. In this case, he quickly arrives at a "profoundly human" element that speaks to him in the image. This, in turn, corresponds to Hofer's intention to capture naturalness. How does the album title fit that? Scholer doesn't construct any intellectual bridges. For him, the term 'psalm' has become a kind of key to a spiritual context in his work over the years, initially stemming from a specific religious connection. He opened this up a few years ago. Even in the expression of these athletes, he senses some of that. That's sufficient. And it might just ignite the curiosity and openness for the sonic content of this album, Scholer's fourth, in receptive listeners.� The introduction to the opening title track sets the tone. In Scholer's highly personal touch, one hears and feels precisely the human element that moves him. His playing is delicate yet possesses an effortless clarity. This almost songlike, narrative melodic expression recurs throughout the pieces, even in complexity. His close connection with bassist Lukas Keller and drummer Simon Braumer, both of whom also played on the previous album "Folklore," results in an unbroken flow. The pianist's leading voice is built on an open, flexible interplay - the leader is also an attentive team player. Motifs from�he world of sports are also hidden in the titles of some compositions: "Ronny & Francesko" (bobsledding) and "Bob Chigarillo" (bodybuilding), loosely based on real-life figures. Scholer draws inspiration from both, exploring themes of culture and world politics. A sense of self-will that nourishes imagination and philosophical reflection. A connection to nature, a sense of sublimity, a longing for peace (even if only in one's own neighborhood), the lingering effects of a past relationship - no matter how profound: Stefan Scholer is audibly searching for positivity, for hope. This is unmistakably present in this album like it is in the previous one. Many of us, he is convinced, have our own personal psalms. Just like the athletes on the cover. He follows his own

Two of the most distinctive voices in Dutch jazz join forces: harmonica virtuoso Hermine Deurloo and guitarist Anton Goudsmit. What begins as a playful exchange between lyricism and groove unfolds into a concert full of unexpected twists, inventive improvisations, and idiosyncratic compositions-plus recognizable covers. Rooted in Amsterdam's jazz scene, they combine melodic power with unpredictable energy. The warm, storytelling sound of Hermine's harmonica is the perfect counterpoint to Anton's unstoppable guitar playing: a creative whirlwind with irresistible groove, humor, and a unique musical signature. Together they take you on a ride filled with stories, rhythm, playfulness, and emotion-sometimes whisper-soft, then exuberant and explosive. Anton Goudsmit (guitar/compositions) enchants with inventiveness, infectious joy, and a groove that immediately draws the audience in. Hermine Deurloo is praised for her warm, lyrical tone and virtuosic, melodic storytelling style. She has performed with a wide range of artists-from Steve Gadd and Mike Bodde to the Metropole Orchestra-and refuses to be boxed into a single genre.

Almost two years after the group's first album, What The Moment Brings, the follow-up is here. A few minutes into the first song, it becomes obvious why I fell in love with this music in the first place: the beautiful compositions and this outstanding group of musicians. The two strong and lyrical leaders are complemented by the superb rhythm section of Niklas Fernqvist, with his elegant tone, and Paul Svanberg, with his undeniable swing.