Shuteen Erdenebaatar, Nils Kugelmann: Under The Same Stars

Mongolian-born pianist Shuteen Erdenebaatarand German multi-instrumentalist Nils Kugelmann both garnered considerable praise for their debut albums, which focused on group formats. Under The Same Stars finds them united in an intimate duo debut.

The duo has been performing together for many years. In addition to upright bass, Kugelmann plays contra-alto clarinet. The combination of clarinet and piano creates an intriguing and highly effective soundscape. Drawing from jazz, cinematic and classical influences, their music features memorable melodies that will appeal to non-jazz listeners and improvisation enthusiasts alike.

The opening track, "Mirror Under Water," is a perfect introduction to their sound. Erdenebaatar's piano is full of lyrical and melancholy classical influences that contrast with the reverberating of the contra-alto clarinet. Its novel sound has an impressive range as it weaves around and interlocks with the superb melody.

"Train To The Past" gradually unfurls as the duo build swirling rhythms, with the clarinet pulsing with power. Kugelmann reveals a different side of the instrument on the understated "Mystery Of The Woods," his breathy, restrained playing entwining around the piano's cyclical melody lines. That restraint continues in "Maybe The Clouds," where clarinet and a repeating piano motif create a hypnotic drifting soundtrack.

There are two guest musicians: Jakob Manz fits neatly in, adding alto recorder to the delicate "Whispers Beyond Time" and Dalaijargal Daansuren plays morin khuur (Mongolian horsehead fiddle) on "What Will Remain." This Kugelmann composition proves a highlight; the fiddle plays an achingly sad melody above the clarinet and Erdenebaatar's softly rhythmic piano.

Kugelmann brings his expressive bass lines to "Stars Among Us" and the sprightly melody of "Tiny Wonders." Piano and bass lace tightly together as they pick up threads and phrases as the two instruments take flight on tunes that ebb and flow.

A key strength of the album lies in the compositions themselves and six by Erdenebaatar, four by Kugelmann, all memorable and providing ideal frameworks for exploration. The duo play superbly throughout and have found a remarkable sound in the piano and contra-alto clarinet combination. Their palpable chemistry enables them to convey delicacy, sadness and beauty in a captivating way. If a jazz-meets-classical-meets-cinematic genre existed, this would be a strong contender for album of the year.

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