The story of UMIAK began in 2019, when Eva-Maria Karbacher and Christian Moser began exploring sounds together. In 2021, they invited cellist Alfred Zimmerlin to join the band for performances that included a dance project - a move that all three embraced, solidifying UMIAK as a trio. They have since become a "working band", improvising delicate chamber music during concerts.
The trio's playing is characterised by attentive interaction and a heightened sensitivity to sound shaping. In UMIAK's music, texture-oriented interplay and the homogeneity of sonic elements find their place alongside the allowance of ruptures, absurdities and the poignancy of individuality.
The three musicians transcend their diverse musical backgrounds and experiences to create a distinctive collective sound that they reinvent with each performance.
The trio's playing is characterised by attentive interaction and a heightened sensitivity to sound shaping. In UMIAK's music, texture-oriented interplay and the homogeneity of sonic elements find their place alongside the allowance of ruptures, absurdities and the poignancy of individuality.
The three musicians transcend their diverse musical backgrounds and experiences to create a distinctive collective sound that they reinvent with each performance.
umiak
eva-maria karbacher | saxophone
alfred zimmerlin | cello
christian moser | oud
free improvisation
Vito Camaretto for chaindlk: [...] the album’s seven tracks are a masterclass in navigating the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity, silence and sound, serenity and chaos. Irrlicht: This is music of elusive, flickering brilliance: light that draws you into the unknown, where you might just lose yourself but perhaps also find something profound [...] the group’s ethos: to explore without fear, yet with a deep sensitivity to each other’s musical gestures.
Mark Daelmans-Sikkel for vitalweekly:[...] Each piece explores different constellations in function, atmosphere and roles of the three instruments. To my ears a fascinating journey. And I have had this release on repeat a few times, and there’s something new to discover every time [...] Executed with finesse and intelligence, like a chamber music trio. Excellent work!
eva-maria karbacher | saxophone
alfred zimmerlin | cello
christian moser | oud
free improvisation
Vito Camaretto for chaindlk: [...] the album’s seven tracks are a masterclass in navigating the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity, silence and sound, serenity and chaos. Irrlicht: This is music of elusive, flickering brilliance: light that draws you into the unknown, where you might just lose yourself but perhaps also find something profound [...] the group’s ethos: to explore without fear, yet with a deep sensitivity to each other’s musical gestures.
Mark Daelmans-Sikkel for vitalweekly:[...] Each piece explores different constellations in function, atmosphere and roles of the three instruments. To my ears a fascinating journey. And I have had this release on repeat a few times, and there’s something new to discover every time [...] Executed with finesse and intelligence, like a chamber music trio. Excellent work!