Wolfert Brederode, Mats Eilertsen, Samuel Rohrer and Claudio Puntin are players of the generation now shaping the future of Jazz in Europe –Musicians who have grown up listening to ECM, musicians who are naturally eclectic in their listening. Wolfert Brederode, for instance, has cited the influence of both Mal Waldron and Claude Debussy.

Band members individually all have strong following through their work in other contexts. Mats Eilertsen has been heard on ECM recordings with Trygve Seim & The Source, with Jacob Young, with Thomas Strønen’s Parish band (featuring Bobo Stenson), and latterly, on CD and around the world, with the Tord Gustavsen Ensemble. Samuel Rohrer is one third of the rapidly-rising Colin Vallon Trio, whose new album “Rruga” is getting much press attention. (These associations open up cross-promotional possibilities.) Brederode and Rohrer have more than a decade of collaborative work behind them and have played for instance in singer Susanne Abbuehl’s band (ECM album: “April”). Claudio Puntin is active also in the world of classical music and has played with the Ensemble Modern, and other leading chamber ensembles and orchestras.