Somewhere between jazz, progressive rock and cinematic soundscapes, Kabasse unfolds a world of intricate arrangements, bold sonic textures and heartfelt improvisation. The brainchild of Munich-based musician Sigmund Perner, this sextet blends composed structure with free exploration, layering lush harmonies, unexpected rhythms and a rich palette of wind, mallet and keyboard instruments.
What began as decades of musical ideas—gathered quietly, never written down—found its shape through a group of close-knit musicians from Munich and Augsburg, including Perner’s own son on drums. Together, they recorded in a live studio session, embracing risk and spontaneity. The result: a deeply personal debut album that feels both mature and raw, contemplative and gripping. Rather than demanding attention, the pieces invite it: About Sitting on Fences captures the art of waiting—for ideas to grow, evolve and resonate. Just like the name Kabasse, inspired by the calabash: a vessel, a resonator, a home for sound.
“About Sitting On Fences” (CD/LP)
“The name is inspired by the calabash, or bottle gourd; when dried, they are used as food containers, but also serve as bodies or resonators for a variety of musical instruments. A fitting image for Perner’s compositions: likewise containers for ideas that have been left to brew and mature, sometimes for years, before being awakened to vibrant life by this musical collective. […]
The meticulously balanced sonic images sweep listeners along on a journey between comfortingly familiar and startlingly new. Driving compression and filigree delicacy, breathless tension and relaxed harmony, intricate complexity and captivating simplicity – on About Sitting on Fences, these contrasts develop in an utterly organic and natural way. No need to choose a side of this metaphorical fence. Simply stay sitting and let your gaze roam to the soundtrack of this music, listen, dream, immerse yourself in the sounds. Wherever you end up, it will be the right side of the fence.”
”The five tracks explore the crossroads between genres, with jazz as the dominant factor, but also incorporating elements of 70s prog and textures that are mostly associated with soundscapes.“
”Kabasse lean [strongly] into Jazz territory, exploring its dark Experimental regions as well as uplifting Swing and epic modern Fusion storytelling. Without background information I would probably wouldn't have guessed that this group is from Southern Germany, but rather placed them in the rich Norwegian Jazz Rock scene.“
”The combination of intoxicating, groovy jazz and progressive rock is particularly interesting because it depicts sounds visually. As a listener, you simply have to let yourself float above the soundscapes that the group offers you.“
”The listener gets the role of a fly-on-the-wall, having to focus on the delicate interplay that only happens when the players are in sync and in control of their instrument all the time. No safety net needed, because they have each other's back, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that seems to change with each listen.“
- Sigmund Perner: Fender Rhodes Mark I & II, Hohner Clavinet D6, ARP Solina String Ensemble, Hammond Organ M3, Yamaha VSS-30, accordion, piano, marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel
- Giuseppe Puzzo: bass, upright bass
- Jonas Perner: drums
- Jan Kiesewetter: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
- Martin Lehmann: trumpet, flugelhorn, watered saxohorn
- Benjamin Häußler: trombone
Additional support:
Maximilian Wörle: percussion
- All songs composed and arranged by Sigmund Perner
- Produced by Sigmund Perner and Maximilian Wörle
- Mixed by Maximilian Wörle
- Mastering by Dimi Conidas
- Artwork by Maximilian Stephan
- Album photography by Andreas Keilholz
- Live photography by Bruno Tenschert