Marking a new height in their artistic journey, their collaboration with legendary bassist Ron Carter ‘The Alpine Session: Arbenz vs Arbenz Meets Ron Carter’ is set to be released on February 21st on Hammer Recordings.

For Michael and Florian, Carter has been one of their most influential musical heroes. Miles Davis’s recordings featuring Carter were staples in the Arbenz household, played on repeat throughout their childhood. In their eyes, Carter embodied the groovy, adventurous, and open-minded spirit of jazz like no other living icon.

The six tracks on this recording showcase the individuality of Michael and Florian Arbenz’s playing, their deep reverence for jazz tradition, and the openness and youthful energy that Carter brings to his music. Remarkably, his age (87!)  is never apparent in his spirited and engaging performances.

Playing four original pieces as well as two American Songbook classics – one arranged by Michael – , the trio explores a dynamic range of moods – playful upbeat swing, spacious ballads, and explorative no-holds-barred improvisation. Carter’s enthusiasm for musical challenge is evident, pushing the Arbenz brothers to reach new heights in their solos and dynamic interplay. 

With colorful modern harmony, a diverse palette of propulsive grooves, and the palpable joy of three masters uniting their distinctive approaches, ‘The Alpine Session’ offers a fresh and forward-thinking take on straight-ahead jazz.