Jaël Joins “Ensemble”

Out now via Zealand Records is “Ensemble”, an “ensemble” album from Ex-Lunik singer Jaël Malli with her old Lunik cohort Cédric Monnier, with Domi Schreiber and the Ensemble Paul Klee.

“Experimental”, contrary to prejudice, does not mean “difficult” by definition. For proof see the above-mentioned Kush K, and also “Ensemble”. Lunik, purveyors of a classy style of pop chanson, collected platin and gold albums galore during their heyday in the early 2000s. Since then, Jaël has released a number of excellent singer/songwriter albums, the last, so far, being the autobiographical “Midlife” (2023). The Ensemble Paul Klee, on the other hand, are a group of classical musicians based at the Paul Klee Zentrum in Berne” who are “inspired by Schönberg’s groundbreaking and experimental work, Pierrot lunaire” and “eager to collaborate with actors, designers, writers, or even rock musicians.” The album “Ensemble” is the result of a collaborative live performance in Berne that all concerned became convinced shouldn’t be left to be a one-off experience. Anyone familiar with the Ensemble Paul Klee’s usual output – it often delves into the more daring corners of New Music – might be surprised at the results. Here, the Ensemble (double bass, cello, violin, clarinet, flute) weaves a beautifully textured and quietly powerful backdrop that enhances both the impact of the songs as well as the singer’s supremely calm and beautifully expressive delivery.

Jaël
Lunik
Cédric Monnier
Domi Schreiber
Ensemble Paul Klee
Midlife
Schönberg