Gutfleisch - Schürmann - Frey feat. Hendrik Meurkens

Release: May 26, 2023

Gutfleisch/Schürmann/Frey have spent the past six years establishing themselves as one of Switzerland’s leading piano trios. Joining forces with chromatic harmonica/vibraphone phenom Hendrik Meurkens, their first collaborative body of work ‘Roundabout’ is set to release on May 26th.

Formed in 2017 in Switzerland’s cultural capital of Basel, Gutfleisch/Schürmann/Frey came together through their mutual love for swing, hard bop and modern jazz. All renowned musicians on the European scene in their own right, they’ve shared the stage with the likes of James Carter, Benny Golson, and Jorge Rossy.

2020 saw the trio begin their collaborations with Meurkens, who is viewed internationally as the most significant chromatic harmonica virtuoso since the Belgian legend Toots Thielemans, and has worked with icons of music including Astrid Gilberto, Olivia Newton John and Charlie Byrd.

Realizing the swinging trio served as the perfect backdrop for Meurkens’ melodic improvisations, the quartet embarked on two tours of Switzerland before heading to Hammerstudios to record their first album.

A collection of 12 original compositions put forward from each corner of the four piece, ‘Roundabout’ sees the ensemble express their respect for the jazz legacy, balanced with an apparent desire to explore their own individuality.

Ballads, uptempo tunes, deep swingers, and latin grooves are all represented on this varied body of work that is sure to appeal to anyone versed in the idioms of jazz. A profound sense of playfulness and joy is unmistakable in every beat, as the experienced musicians navigate the diverse array of styles at their disposal with confidence and ease. Unpretentious virtuosity, excitement and the energy exuded by experienced instrumentalists pushing each other to their limits show that this quartet undeniably embodies the spirit of the American artform.