Markus Stockhausen and Florian Weber - Alba

The Guardian 80

(ECM)

Trumpeter Markus Stockhausen – son of Karlheinz – has worked with similarly genre-crossing German pianist Florian Weber for six years, but this is the pair’s first recording, and it’s a surprisingly dainty and playful set. Some themes, such as the gliding Mondtraum, apply Stockhausen’s patient improvisations and almost trombone-like low-register descents to a lilting folk melody. He is mysterious and Miles-like over Weber’s guitar-like strumming of the piano strings on What Can I Do for You?; Weber is thumpingly Jarrettish on the scurrying Surfboard and quietly conversational on the dreamy Ishta. The pair suggest warped-harmony baroque counterpoint on Barycenter, and a light-footed dance on Better World – varied elements in a beautiful set that is intimate and outgoing at the same time.