For me, jazz is democracy and a game that requires the right partners. People like Martin Eberle, whose subtle and sensitive trumpet voice can bring amazing depth to the simplest themes, Philipp Nykrin, whose creativity can turn the musical process in the most exciting directions, and Kenji Herbert, who can switch from an explosive soloist to a sensitive accompanist in an instant. This democratic game gains significance only when we bravely embrace mistakes, reveal our vulnerable side and offer our souls to the musical process, to our fellow musicians and listeners. This calls for trust, empathy and openness, alongside the right dose of ego and a willingness to take risks, as music must evolve. And of course, creativity, to stave off monotony. The free improvisations that bridge the compositions, forming the foundation of our musical concept, unfold as a natural outgrowth of the preceding musical events. They organically progress toward the envisioned goal, just like our lives. Because music is life.