DIPLOMAT
DEM DEUTSCHEN JAZZ (BERTHOLD RECORDS)
The album title DEM DEUTSCHEN JAZZ, also the name of one of its tracks, is a homage to the strength of the contemporary German jazz scene and there is no doubt that this new album does it great credit.
DIPLOMAT's music oozes creative quality, whilst displaying a deceptive lightness of touch.
It can also bring smiles to the faces of discerning listeners with its humorous references to a range of jazz influences, not least bebop and swing.
"It has much to do with Berlin, where we're based," says Ruppnig. "People here don't like to be boxed in.
It's about consciously breaking the rules, whilst getting the right balance between jazz tradition and avant-garde.
It's typical Berlin.