Wolfgang Muthspiel: TOUCH

In his latest project, Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel invited two exceptional musical personalities to collaborate: Australian bassist Linda May Han Oh and Lionel Loueke from Benin, Africa.

Three different musical colors, three continents, and three outstanding instrumentalists come together in a concert program that, on one hand, captivates with virtuosity and rhythmic power, while on the other, opens up a space where the protagonists meet in an improvised dialogue.

All three musicians are known for their jazz endeavors. Linda May Han Oh played bass for many years in Pat Metheny’s quartets and has earned an excellent reputation as a leader of her own projects. Lionel Loueke is a key member of Herbie Hancock’s band and, in his trio and solo projects, has given the guitar a new, unique expression. Wolfgang Muthspiel, whose last four albums were released under the ECM label, explores a new dimension of his creativity in this new project.

What connects these three musicians, despite their diversity, is, among other things, the quality of sound that gives the project its title: “Touch.” When a musician is recognizable by a single note, solely by their sound, it can be said that they have found their own voice.

After the first phase of rehearsals and recordings in May 2023, TOUCH will be heard for the first time on European concert stages, including at Jassmine, in May and June 2025.