Julia Oschewsky: INNER GAME

Julia Oschewsky on vocals, Folkert Oosterbeek on piano, Jonne Beenke on guitar, Petros Klampanis on double bass, and Felix Schlarmann on drums present "INNER GAME," a meticulously playful debut.

Freshly returned to Europe from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, Julia Oschewsky impresses as a composer while also commanding the stage with strong presence and vivacious charisma. Her singing exudes conviction, revealing much of her personal self. The interplay among her musicians is multifaceted and subtle, blending improvisation with theatrical melodies in unusual ways. Memorable themes find their place within expressive arrangements, all exploring new territories of color and sound, rich with tension and vitality.

Improvisation is whimsical and inventive, dedicated to the narrative of each song. The lyrics are contemplative, at times melancholic. Songs like the catchy "roads," the soulful "escape forward," or the almost experimental title track "inner game" have emerged from this process. In addition to original compositions, well-known jazz standards like the incredibly groovy "get out of town" (by Cole Porter) are brought into the band's context, receiving fresh and unconventional interpretations.

Influenced by artists such as Pat Metheny, Julia Hülsmann, Joni Mitchell, and Björk, the Amsterdam-based quintet has developed its own unique musical language over the years.

Julia Oschewsky began her jazz vocal studies at the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2003, completing her Bachelor of Music degree in 2007. During her subsequent Master's studies in jazz vocals (completed in May 2009), she spent six months at the Manhattan School of Music in 2008, collaborating with artists such as Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry, Peter Eldridge, and Dave Liebman.

For more information, visit www.julia-oschewsky.de