Label: Mons Records, 2022

Personnel - Matthias Schwengler: trumpet; Matthew Halpin: tenor saxophone; Philipp Brämswig: guitar; Reza Askari: bass.

Soulcrane was formed in 2015 as a drum-less project led by Cologne-based trumpeter and composer Matthias Schwengler. With him was Reza Askari on bass and Philipp Brämswig on guitar. After their debut album in 2016, the trio was augmented into a quartet with the addition of Irish saxophonist Matthew Halpin. For this new release, Soulcrane & Strings, Schwengler continues his streamlined style, annexing a string quintet composed of three cellos and two violas.

Demonstrating he’s not following a particular model but creating a new one, the trumpeter is as much competent in the arrangements as in his soloing duties. The opener, “From West Coast to East Coast”, confirms what I’ve just said, being one of the three pieces that emerged from his passion for brewing beer, a craft he enjoyed while spending some days in the Bulgarian town of Bansko during the scariest pandemic days. This same southwestern Bulgarian town located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains is referenced once again in “Pirin’s Pearls”, a tribute to its people and culture. While the former piece consolidates the focused pulse of the acoustic guitar, the rustic glow of the strings, and smart jazzy lines; the latter, an ambient ballad in five, is given a gentle Latin-style cadence when the improvisation presents itself.

“Mariya and her Stout” shapes up as another folk jazz ballad with juxtaposed trumpet, saxophone, and cello lines hovering, floating and occasionally touching down before lifting off again. A completely different approach is offered with “Chip & Dale”, a story of two squirrels that never waxes nor wanes but keeps a light steady pace throughout.

The Askari-penned “Maex” is the only piece on the album that wasn’t composed by Schwengler. With the strings holding court throughout, this homage to a late friend is perfectly suitable for a film score. “Chania”, with its asymmetric beat-cycle {8+7}, is a protean chamber jazz number in favor of melodies, which, being sharp, are never smattered. The exciting journey comes to an end with a live interpretation of “Two Bodhi Tree Leaves”, a 7/4 piece retrieved from the last album Another Step We Take (Mons, 2020). Its spacey lyricism verges on the spiritual side, and if the string players are at their absolutely best here, then the enlightenment comes from Schwengler and Halpin, who, after delivering synchronously, split up for lilting individual solos.

Concepts and ideas develop here with a broad sense of communication, making Soulcrane & Strings a strong album well-worth investigating.