The Chicago Plan

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Gebhard Ullmann (tenor sax, bass clarinet) Steve Swell (trombone) Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello, electronics) Michael Zerang (drums, percussion)

ABOUT

Celebrating over 15 years of collaborating together, Berlin saxophonist/composer, Gebhard Ullmann and NYC trombonist/composer Steve Swell join two of Chicago’s finest improvising musicians; Fred Lonberg-Holm, cello/electronics and percussionist Michael Zerang for this new configuration. Building on the strength and ideals of those three cities the quartet creates enough fireworks to light up the night sky with their brilliant sound imagery. Ullmann/Swell’s Chicago Plan thoroughly breaks new ground for what Jazz and New Music ensembles’ approach to what creative music should be.

In 2022 the second CD 'For New Zealand' has been released on NotTwo Records.

Reviews:
' Swell and Ullmann's protean expressionism, coupled with Lonberg-Holm's bold electro-acoustic palette and Zerang's kaleidoscopic percussion yield a multi-hued range of colors on The Chicago Plan demonstrating the limitless stylistic diversity of these global improvisers.'
(Troy Collins, Point of Departure)

' Ullmann and Swell have developed a challenging rapport over the years.  Their moments of collective improvisation -- whether in rhythmic counterpoint or unison fly overs – would strain even the most practiced chops. That they do it for fun is our delight.'
(Lazaro Vega Jazz Director, Blue Lake Public Radio)

' The Chicago Plan is an excellent combination with four like-minded musical adventurers and improvisers.'
(Robert Iannapollo, For New Zealand, The New York City Jazz Record)

' For New Zealand ist ein besonders gelungenes Album, ohne leere Momente, gut produziert und gehört zum Besten, was in diesem Jahr in diesem Genre aufgenommen wurde.'
(Vittorio Lo Conte, MusicZoom Italien)

' Fantastic album. 5 stars. ' (Paul Acquaro, The Free Jazz Collective)