Seeking chances to learn and grow as an artist, Igor Lumpert moved from his home country Slovenia to New York in 2000. Since that time, he has studied with stellar teachers such as Chico Hamilton, Billy Harper, George Garzone, Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, and Buster Williams. As Igor dove deeper into his instrument and the jazz idiom, those masters taught him the principles of being a bandleader. Igor believes that “writing is crucial to developing every musician’s original voice” and that “the strongest music comes from touring bands”. Indeed, the core band on this new album – Greg Ward, Kenny Grohwoski, and Chris Tordini – has worked together for decades. Igor has known Kenny and Chris for more than twenty years, and Greg for more than a dozen. After tours of Europe and America and the release of the album Eleven in 2018, I Am the Spirit of the Earth emerges from a symbiosis of Igor’s musical relationships and personal experiences. Igor Lumpert Quartet Igor Lumpert tenor saxophone Billy Mintz-drums Dave Ambrosio-double bass Jeff Miles guitar