The acclaimed Swiss jazz ensemble Pilgrim, led by visionary tenor saxophonist Christoph Irniger, unveils its sixth album, Human Intelligence Live, available now in CD and digital formats via Intakt Records. Recorded live at Red Horn District in Bad Meinberg, Germany, this deeply immersive album showcases the quintet at its most raw, expressive, and unified.
A Bold Live Statement from One of Europe’s Premier Jazz Ensembles
Formed in 2010, Pilgrim has evolved into one of the most dynamic groups in contemporary European jazz. The band—featuring Christoph Irniger (tenor sax), Stefan Aeby (piano), Dave Gisler (guitar), Raffaele Bossard (bass), and Michael Stulz (drums)—creates music that straddles the line between composition and improvisation, embracing ambiguity and spontaneity as creative tools.
“The power of this live album lies in the fact that the listener can hear how things evolve,” says Irniger in the liner notes. “Composition melts into improvisation—and vice versa—like a living, breathing conversation.”
Human Intelligence: A Journey Through Emotion, Improvisation, and Sound
Human Intelligence Live is not just a live album—it's a full concert experience, recorded in one uninterrupted session. There are no overdubs, no rearranged setlists—just the pure energy of a band communicating in real time.
From the Hendrix-inspired opener to the cinematic closer, each track tells a story:
Track Highlights:
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"Hendrix" – A tribute to the genius of Jimi Hendrix and Thelonious Monk, built around a meditative guitar solo by Dave Gisler.
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"Calling the Spirits" – A spiritual anthem of community and collective energy, originally featured on Ghost Cat.
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"Secret Level" & "Emergency Exit" – Conceptually linked tracks that play with the idea of hidden depths and emotional escape routes, evoking video game metaphors and life’s unexpected twists.
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"Human Intelligence" – A reflective, minimalist interlude offering a moment of introspection amidst the improvisational chaos.
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"Seven Down Eight Up" – A groove-based tribute to resilience, inspired by Listening by Nik Bärtsch and Irniger’s personal health journey.
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"The Kraken" – A nod to Wayne Shorter, merging myth and musical mastery into a compact, improvised statement.
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"Back in the Game" – Inspired by the Clint Eastwood film, this finale offers hope and resolution with cinematic flair.
Full Tracklist:
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Hendrix – 5:31
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Calling the Spirits – 14:27
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Secret Level – 3:38
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Human Intelligence (Interlude) – 2:18
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Seven Down Eight Up – 13:06
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The Kraken – 1:48
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Human Intelligence – 6:14
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Emergency Exit – 12:25
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Back in the Game – 5:23
Total Runtime: 64:04
Deep Chemistry and Human Connection
Critic Kevin Le Gendre describes the album as “a triumph of advanced ensemble chemistry,” noting the seamless interaction and emotional depth of each performance. Whether through fiery improvisation or delicate, meditative pauses, Human Intelligence Live explores the emotional spectrum of modern jazz with honesty and grace.
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