Welcoming the Jung Stratmann Duo to Artist Roster
We are pleased to announce the addition of the Jung Stratmann Duo to our artist roster. This exciting partnership comes as the Korean-German jazz duo prepares to release their highly anticipated EP, “Tree Huggers,” set to hit streaming platforms on May 5, 2025.
The Jung Stratmann Duo, comprising pianist Sujae Jung from Busan, South Korea, and double bassist Wolf Robert Stratmann from Bielefeld, Germany, represents a fresh and innovative voice in the New York jazz scene. Their unique blend of cultural influences and musical expertise has been turning heads since their initial meeting during jazz studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague in 2019.
We are thrilled to welcome the Jung Stratmann Duo to our family of artists. Their music embodies the kind of innovative, cross-cultural collaboration that defines the future of jazz, and we’re excited to share their journey with audiences worldwide.
The duo’s upcoming EP, “Tree Huggers,” promises to be a captivating exploration of nature and memory through the lens of contemporary jazz. Recorded at the renowned Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, the EP showcases the duo’s intimate musical conversation and their ability to create a warm, high-fidelity sound that builds upon their previous work, including their debut EP “Bird of Luck.”
“Tree Huggers” features four original compositions that highlight Jung and Stratmann’s intricate musical dialogue and shared passion for storytelling through music. The opening track, “After Sunset,” composed by Sujae Jung, demonstrates the duo’s characteristic rubato phrasing and creative harmonic interplay. The title track draws inspiration from 1970s modern jazz while addressing themes of environmental connection and sustainability.
A standout track, “Green Waters,” has already become a staple in the duo’s live repertoire. It features Stratmann’s innovative use of a phasing technique on the bass, creating an auditory image of forest streams. The EP concludes with “Only In Your Memory,” a composition by Wolf Robert Stratmann that unexpectedly showcases his skills as both a composer and vocalist, adding an intimate layer of depth to the overall atmosphere.
Both Jung and Stratmann bring diverse musical backgrounds to their collaboration. Currently pursuing Master’s degrees in Performer-Composer at The New School in New York City, their academic pursuits have allowed them to further refine their craft and explore new musical territories. Jung’s research focuses on blending Korean traditional music and nature with contemporary jazz, while Stratmann explores incorporating natural sounds and rhythms into his compositions.
The duo’s music is characterized by intricate musical dialogue, creative harmonic interplay, and a deep emotional connection that reflects their diverse backgrounds. Their performances, which have graced venues across New York and Europe, demonstrate their versatility and ability to navigate various musical settings with ease.
Regarding the duo’s unique appeal we belive that What sets Jung Stratmann apart is their ability to create space for each other within their performances. Their interplay moves between various registers, dynamics, and moods while maintaining a sense of intentionality and clarity. It’s this quality that makes their music so captivating.
Looking ahead, Jung Stratmann is set to expand their musical horizons with their upcoming album “Confluence,” scheduled for release in autumn 2025. This project will feature an expanded quartet lineup including renowned guitarist Steve Cardenas and accomplished drummer Marko Djordjevic. The quartet has already been performing together, with appearances at venues like Groove and ShapeShifter Lab in New York.
Karim Bouhage, Manager of Jazzmedia and More’s Berlin office, noted the significance of this upcoming release: “Confluence’ promises to showcase Jung and Stratmann’s musical vision in a broader context, blending their intricate duo interplay with the added textures and rhythmic complexity brought by Cardenas and Djordjevic. It’s a testament to their growth as artists and their ability to create compelling music in larger ensemble settings.”
As part of their collaboration with Jazzmedia and More, the Jung Stratmann Duo will benefit from tailored publicity campaigns, narrative development, media outreach, and content creation. The agency’s strong connections within the jazz community are expected to effectively leverage the duo’s reputation and secure extensive media coverage through innovative strategies and targeted outreach.
The addition of Jung Stratmann to Jazzmedia and More’s roster underscores the agency’s commitment to supporting innovative and diverse voices in contemporary jazz. As the duo prepares for the release of “Tree Huggers” and their subsequent album “Confluence,” jazz enthusiasts around the world can look forward to experiencing the unique musical journey of this talented Korean-German duo.
“Tree Huggers” will be available on all major streaming platforms on May 5, 2025, and will also be available as a CD and Hi-Res download on Bandcamp. Preceding the EP’s release, a single will be made available on streaming platforms to give listeners a first glimpse into the duo’s latest work.