On the second ECM disc from the popular Berlin-based Julia Hülsmann Trio, the leader’s themes stand out in stark relief, as if stamped or printed into the surrounding improvisation. “Imprint” offers highly communicative jazz in which melody, clearly-etched melody, is paramount. Hülsmann is a gifted jazz-composer and there are surprises amongst her pieces here, including a powerfully-swinging Thelonious Monk tribute entitled “Who’s Next”. Bassist Muellbauer and drummer Köbberling also contribute intriguing tunes of their own, and this year’s offbeat cover version is a lilting Austrian Schlager tune from the 1940s, “Kauf dir einen bunten Luftballon”.

Tracklist:
1. Rond point
2. Grand Canyon
3. A Light Left On
4. Juni
5. Storm in a Teacup (Heinrich Köbberling)
6. (Go and Open) The Door
7. Kauf dir einen bunten Luftballon (Anton Profes)
8. Ritual (Marc Muellbauer)
9. Lulu’s Paradise
10. Ulmenwall (Muellbauer)
11. Zahlen bitte (Köbberling)
12. Who’s Next