JUNG STRATMANN QUARTET, Confluence

The soulful, rhythmic and impressionistic moods on Confluence, the compelling, richly exploratory debut EP by the Jung Stratmann Quartet, is rooted in and is an impressive, continuously shape-shifting outgrowth of the improvisational blend of drums and bass, lo-fi and electronic styles South Koren pianist Sujae Jung and German bassist Wolf Robert Stratmann create in their improv ensemble Airplane Ears.

Truly an offbeat, freewheeling international jazz affair, the duo expands its artistry tremendously via its intuitive vibing with American guitarist Steve Cardenas and Serbian drummer Marko Djordjevic. To fully appreciate the uniqueness of the quartet, listeners should compare the versions of the collection’s anchor/bookend pieces “Tree Hugger” and “After Sunset” with the renditions Jung and Stratmann recorded as a duo earlier in 2025 on their Tree Huggers EP.

The quartet transforms “Tree Huggers” from something of a darker introspective ballad to a higher energy, swinging and polyrhythmic romp highlighted by Cardenas’ tasteful soloing and Djordjevic’s hypnotic percussive fire. “After Sunset” is still a haunting ballad, but the quartet arrangement offers a more dramatic, dare we say cinematic flair based on Djordjevic’s adventurous drumming and hi-hat bravura.

The EP also shines a spotlight on Jung and Stratmann’s unique storytelling skills as they create a fascinating, ever-evolving migratory journey of a blue whale (“Summer Whale”) and a cheerful, bustling paean to NYC (“The Pull”). The EP also includes “The Wine Tastes Very Dry,” a gently meditative late night piece with a wry sense of humor.