There’s a kind of magic in a great jazz standard—something that never fades, no matter how many times it’s sung, played, or reimagined. Many of these songs were originally written for the stage—for musicals that once lit up Broadway, carried by characters in motion and stories full of love, longing, wit, and heartbreak. Over time, they made their way into jazz clubs and onto records, becoming part of a shared musical memory, passed from voice to voice, piano to piano.My own journey with this repertoire began early. As a young singer, I found my first musical home in the world of musicals. It was on those stages that I first encountered these songs—not only as melodies, but as drama, as character, as story. They taught me how to shape a phrase, how to mean every word, how to let a lyric breathe. I didn’t know it then, but I was learning the essence of jazz: to tell a story, to listen, and to respond.Another thread runs just as deep—my father’s love of swing jazz. He introduced me to the greats: Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Bennett, and so many others. The records he played at home were filled with warmth, charm, and rhythm; they sparked a fascination that has never left me. Through him, I learned to recognize the subtle art of timing, of phrasing, of letting the music speak without ever raising its voice.This album is, in many ways, a tribute—to those early influences, to the Great American Songbook, and to the enduring power of a well-crafted lyric. Each song was chosen with care, not just for its melody, but for the poetry in its words. The imagery, the clever wordplay, the emotional depth—it’s all part of what makes these songs so alive. The lyrics don’t just accompany the music; they lead it. They draw you in and leave you somewhere different than where you started.Improvisation, too, lies at the heart of what we do. It’s jazz’s way of saying: “Now it’s your turn.” Of course we honor the originals—but in every phrase, we also ask ourselves what the song means today. What does it sound like through us? This dialogue between past and present, structure and freedom, is where the real conversation begins.I feel incredibly grateful to have made this album together with Christian Gutfleisch. His sensitivity to vocal phrasing, his deep understanding of the lyrics, and his natural feel for the soul of these timeless songs made this musical journey a true joy. His playing is full of elegance and warmth, and every note he plays is in service of the story. Sharing this project with him was a gift.The recording took place on February 3rd and 4th, 2025, at Klanghaus am See in Klein Jasedow. Surrounded by quiet nature and the lake’s winter stillness, we found a space where the music could settle, reflect, and unfold. The old Blüthner grand piano from 1920—tuned with sensitivity and skill by Jürgen Gläser—brought its own history and soul to the sessions. Its warm, resonant sound became a voice in the conversation, adding character and grace to each track.So here it is—our take on these timeless songs. I hope you’ll hear not only the music, but the joy, the memories, and the stories behind each tune. And maybe, if you listen closely, a little of your own story too.