Fosterchild is the Danish-German quintet – Danish, Copenhagen-based trumpeter Kasper Tranberg and pianist Jacob Anderskov, with German, Cologne-based reed player Sebastian Gille (of Simon Nabatov Quartet), double bass player David Helm, and drummer Fabian Arends (of Philip Zoubek Trio and Sebastian Gramss BassMasse, who began the Fosterchild project) with Helm, who also did the cover artwork. Order at Agan LIVE is Fosterchild’s third album, and it was recorded at Jazz-Schmiede Düsseldorf, a venue renowned for its excellent acoustics and atmosphere,  in February 2023 at the end of an extended tour through Denmark and Germany.

The seven pieces are inspired by a Greek tragedy, where the internal and external developments of characters often form the narrative foundation. These pieces are structured as a cycle of movements that flow seamlessly and organically, and blur the distinction between the composed and the improvised, but despite their complex yet intuitive themes, they manage to radiate a profound simplicity. The live recording highlights Fosterchild’s raw energy and its tight, thoughtful dynamics.

Fostrchild’s frontline focuses on the different voices of Tranberg and Gille. Tranberg articulates contemplative and lyrical ideas with a natural, commanding authority, while Gille sketches softer but more urgent and serpentine ideas. Anderskov’s playing is, as always, wise and elegant, and he is credited for two compositions (the other five compositions are collective ones). The rhythm section of Helm and Arends offers solid rhythmic patterns and often colors gently the solos of Tranberg, Gille, and Anderskov. The live setting distills the quintet’s collective, generous interplay, and its unique sensibility of space. This album captures Fosterchild at its best, intense, creative, and with a commanding presence that enchanted the attentive audience.

Eyal Hareuveni

Kasper Tranberg (trumpet), Sebastian Gille (saxophone, clarinet), Jacob Anderskov (piano), David Helm (double bass), Fabian Arends (drums)