One of the most auspicious debuts by a trumpeter since Wynton Marsalis' self-titled first album for Columbia Records in 1982, Jakob Bänsch's 'Opening' is a stunning musical manifesto by the preternaturally gifted Young Lion who hails from Pforzheim, Germany. Both trumpeters were just 19 years old when they recorded their respective debuts, 40 years apart. Marsalis went on to become perhaps THE most accomplished and widely acclaimed trumpeter of his generation, as well as an international ambassador for jazz. Bänsch's 'Opening' is a harbinger of great things to come. "Wynton is a big idol for me," said Jakob. "Technically alone, he is probably the world leader in jazz trumpet improvisation. And his classical playing has in some ways evolved trumpet playing itself." Like Marsalis, the dextrous Bänsch is equally proficient in both classical and jazz. His classical trumpet training can be heard in the impeccable command of his horn that he exhibits throughout Opening, as well as in some of his thoughtfully ambitious writing, like his Mahler-esque "Yearning." He also cites Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard as major jazz trumpet influences, which is apparent in his razor-sharp articulation, bravura phrasing and blistering high-note attack on tunes like the swinging "Repression," the engaging Latin flavored "Partida," the driving, percussion-fueled 6/8 romp on "Exosphere" and the dramatic title track. Joining Jakob on his recording debut are pianist Niklas Roever, bassist Jakob Obleser and drummer Leo Asal.
