With New Conference Call, the quartet of Gebhard Ullmann (reeds), Uwe Oberg (piano), Joe Fonda (bass) and Dieter Ulrich (drums) carve out a distinct territory within contemporary jazz improvisation. Each member contributes unique compositions that act as entry points for fluid ensemble play—Oberg’s “Elastic Joy” launches the album with buoyant energy, Ullmann’s reeds offer tart storytelling, and Fonda grounds the group’s inventions in rich, resonant bass work. Ulrich personalizes the session with a rhythmic approach that’s both conversational and unpredictable, making their dialogues lively and spontaneous.
Rather than presenting predetermined outcomes, the record lets vivid improvisational exchanges unfold in real time. Structures morph and dissolve, with themes appearing and receding—sometimes reflective and pensive, other times tense or volatile. The group’s chemistry is palpable, pushing past mere virtuosity to achieve genuine collective resonance. Their sound embraces the spirit of jazz as an ever-evolving meeting of minds, rooted in tradition yet open to experimentation. Listeners will encounter melodic turns, buoyant grooves, and abstract textures, each track revealing new possibilities within the quartet’s shared language. This release stands as a testament to the quartet’s continued relevance after years of artistic collaboration, offering a fresh chapter that reflects their commitment to risk and nuance. New Conference Call is recommended for those who value the tension between playfulness and rigor—a recording where compositional identities merge to form music that is honest, alive and adventurous.
