D.armstadt ⋅ Even in jazz the suspicion arises that some exceptional talents are getting younger and younger. This may have something to do with the Internet offering, but especially with jazz courses in Berlin, Cologne, Leipzig or European universities, many of which are run by senior management. When Vincent Meissner and his fellow musicians recorded their debut album in January 2021, the band leader, pianist and composer was only 20 years old. As a producer, Michael Wollny probably gave some useful advice during the recording; Meissner also studied with him in Leipzig. In light of this artistic connection, it is quite evident that the young musician’s playing at least alludes to some of his mentor’s stylistic devices.
Vincent Meissner, Josef Zeimetz and Henri Reichmann play in the Stadtkirche without any amplification, which creates an intimate proximity, but offers no possibility of technically balancing the different volume levels of the grand piano, double bass and drums. As a result, bassist Zeimetz’s sometimes almost “vocal” sound can best be identified in two calm introductions, while drummer Reichmann often has to restrain himself, focusing only on the sharp strokes and the sound of the brass. Despite this limitation, the band always knows how to vary their volume and create dynamic changes, even if perhaps not to the best of their ability.
