Speaking From The Heart | Jazz Thing Next Generation Vol. 108

Lukas Mohl

Label: Double Moon Records
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917145922

Catalog number: DMCHR 71459
Releasedate: 30-05-25

- Debut album by a sensitive and talented pianist

- Genuinely and completely in his realm: impressive debut of talented pianist

- Piano trio with many facets: the album debut of a spirited and gifted musician

A delicate beginning and a deeply romantic start: Lukas Mohl does not immediately overwhelm us with everything he can do or his ability. Instead, the warm, concentrated sound of the opening captures us and takes us along into a multi-faceted, extraordinary debut album. Its title "Speaking from the Heart" may seem like a nice cliché, but in fact it corresponds exactly to what is more important to the 24-year-old pianist and composer than anything else. "I want to express my feeling directly and realistically," Mohl said. "Romantic, melancholic, aggressive, lyrical, angry, and sometimes cheesy: that's all part of me. And that's okay.”

Making a connection to his inner self as well as finding the courage to be as authentic and genuine as possible is not something that is easy for many people. Lukas Mohl has learned to stand by his feelings and vulnerability. And he has gained an enormous strength from this, which he also knows how to steer in creative ways. This may explain a little bit why the German, who has lived in Arnhem in the Netherlands for about five years, was able to create such an impressive album despite a highly unusual musical background. He modestly emphasizes that this is, please, the joint success of the trio with bassist Jasper Somsen and drummer Min Won. "This has also been influenced by the two. We all have the same share."

Lukas Mohl was born in Ulm in September 2000. He grew up in a small town in that region and went to school in Laupheim, a small town south of Ulm. He sang in a choir and also acted in theater at a young age. There was a lot of music in his home. An instrument – piano lessons? When Lukas was 13, he wanted to learn the piano. "I had a nice, relaxed childhood, I could try a lot of things out, and there was not much pressure." His piano teacher was the jazz, soul and gospel pianist Joe Fessele, through whom Lukas Mohl began to discover the expressive possibilities of jazz. After graduating from high school, he first considered learning a craft. During a short trial period, he realized that he was destined for a different path in life. Between theater and music, he quickly decided in favor of music – and jazz. In the middle of the first pandemic period, he applied to the renowned university in Arnhem and was accepted. "All doors suddenly opened and I knew it was actually possible." Arnhem also broadened his horizon in other respects. Mohl lived for the first time in a larger city, which opened up unimagined possibilities for him. He also met many others at the university who were as passionate about music as he was.

The fact that, unlike almost all jazz pianists—including most of the very big names—he did not undergo basic classical training was a subject that occupied Lukas Mohl for a long time. Today, like so many others, he also plays Bach as a daily exercise. And can calmly state: “I've come to terms with that. And sometimes I think that I might not have decided to become a musician if I had gone through years of classical music training.” What's more, the circumstance has sharpened his consciousness considerably. "I might not be a virtuoso who has this broad base. But what really matters to me is something else. What appeals to me musically is not defined by virtuosity or technique. If something is extremely well done, if it is technically very good, I find it admirable. But I am touched when someone conveys honest emotions. These are often pieces that are not particularly complicated." Brad Mehldau embodies an ideal for him as someone who combines emotional authenticity and technical brilliance. Lukas Mohl: "I know that I can reach and touch people with my means, provided I am honest and authentic." The pianist places a special focus on sound, for example: "Such aspects are important to me; I get into it and then work on it."

Drummer Min Won, who comes from Korea, met him right at the beginning of his studies. He is not only his closest friend, but also "the person with whom I have made the most music so far". Min Won steered him to a seminar with bassist Jasper Somsen, an experience musician in the Dutch jazz scene and also a bandleader. "This album would not exist without him." Somsen specifically inspired Lukas Mohl to compose. He also arranged contacts with a studio, mixer, and record label. And is, according to Mohl, "a reliable anchor for my music." Accordingly, the pianist also creates spaces for his colleagues to develop in the arrangements. It is hard to believe that this is Lukas Mohl's first official studio production, given the musical concept, the maturity of his playing, and the enormous quality.

Lukas Mohl and his convictions fit in with the fact that he speaks openly about his experiences with depression. Music has become an important factor for him in dealing with it. "Of course, that also comes into play. If my emotions become too overpowering, if grief and pain cannot be expressed in words, I can play the piano. It is a healing experience to let this flow out of you, even in compositions. Music has often helped me to avoid constantly having to deal with depression." He had already noticed at an early stage: "When I play my music in which I can play myself, I am happiest."

This emotional sincerity coupled with this degree of reflection is deeply reflected in this album. “Speaking from the Heart”.

Hazel Eyes