On the final evening of the 11th Sindelfingen Jazz Days, the Lukas DeRungs Quintet delights with extraordinary sounds. In the Sindelfingen IG Kultur pavilion, the closing concert will feature laid-back jazz with vocal soaring soaring sounds.
Pianist and composer DeRungs proves himself to be a bandleader with a keen sense for tension, dynamics, and interpersonal connections; and these are necessary for a band to harmonize as we experienced this evening.
With Immy Churchill (vocals), Karim Saber (electric guitar), Jonas Esser (drums), and Jan Dittmann (double bass), an international band will be on stage, dedicated primarily to jazzy “beautiful sound.”
The quintet of current State Jazz Prize winner Lukas DeRungs paints multifaceted soundscapes with depth, or “masterfully interwoven carpets of sound,” as IG Kultur employee Hilmar Kalweit describes his impression at the end of the concert.
The musicians don’t need to put themselves in the spotlight, but rather place their talents entirely at the disposal of DeRungs’ compositional ideas. These primarily move in profound, open, and calm waters, without neglecting rapid surprises.
The opener, “In the Dark,” a ballad that gets under your skin, initially remains lyrically playful before “Wake” catapults you out of the dreamy atmosphere with rapid unison licks from vocals and guitar.
It immediately becomes clear what a congenial group of musicians DeRungs has gathered around her. The British singer impresses with her absolute intonation. In all registers and even in the most difficult interval jumps, such as in “Ophelia” or rhythmic unison phrases with the guitarist, she captivates with a seemingly limitless voice.
Saber, also British, largely restrains his “nimble finger dexterity” and mostly serves the overall sound. But beware if he lets loose! “Oh look, The Sun Is Coming out” grooves almost rock-like in the second half of the evening, with Churchill’s now familiar and repeatedly applauded vocal flights of fancy.
Saber, however, takes it up a notch when he coaxes insane runs from his “singing” guitar.
The likeable combo is a hit, and so it’s no surprise that they are brought back on stage to loud applause at the end of the program.
The encore is “Make Me Believe a Melody,” where Saber once again tears through the scales. With a mischievous smile on his face, he almost imperceptibly interjects the “Summertime” motif, while the dreamy mood continues to lull the audience to a pleasurable sleep.
When the audience still hasn’t had enough, the band settles on “Home” from the Kosmos Suite. During this final piece, the audience also joins in with a simple sing-along chorus before they head home, smiling blissfully and having gained a jazz experience.
Lukas DeRungs – Piano, Composition
Immy Churchill – Vocals
Karim Saber – Guitar
Jan Dittmann – Double Bass
Jonas Esser – Drums
