Composer | Pianist

Do you believe in spring? Simon Wangen (cello) and Philipp Sutter (piano) pose the title of their new project as a question. Where Bill Evans made a demand in 1981, the two Cologne-based musicians believe that in times of uncertainty, crisis, and environmental destruction, it is entirely appropriate to ask a question. But politics and world events aside:

Do you believe in spring? Of course! It's never too late to start something new, get creative, and test your own limits.

Simon Wangen is a classically trained cellist, Philipp Sutter a jazz pianist. Their different musical roots merge on this instrumental album into a lively mix of neoclassical, new jazz, and Cinéma Nordique. Ten pieces come across as sometimes dark, sometimes wild, sometimes delicate, always focusing on the dialogue between the two instruments that harmonize so well. The subtle use of electronic effects repeatedly opens up new perspectives and builds a bridge to contemporary sound aesthetics. Cello and piano—this combination has been established for centuries, but can still add new facets today. Do you believe in spring? begins stormy and turbulent, oscillating between romantic, sad, and beautiful moments, leading from a rather dark beginning to the final and eponymous piece in C major, which leaves the listener with a glimmer of hope...