What does music sound like inspired by a destructive cyclone? In December 2016, Lukas Mantel experienced it firsthand in Chennai and was fascinated and shocked in equal measure. In answer to his unique experience, he bundled his impressions into an album: “Vardah”.

Lukas Mantel gathered a hand-picked ensemble of proven virtuosos. Tenor saxophonist/clarinetist Rafael Schilt, trumpeter Matthias Spillmann, guitarist Travis Reuter, Max Petersen on the Fender Rhodes and bassist Lukas Traxel all put themselves at the service of Mantel’s compositions, in that on the one hand they revitalize the music and on the other hand they always keep the big picture in sight in solos and improvisations. In alternating, small and larger instrument groups, the Lukas Mantle Sextet consequently creates a harmonicmelodic fabric similar to a climbing plant that can develop organically. The music spans a wide range between rhythmic complexity and seemingly folkloric melodies.