About the concert
Irma Neumüller, singing Laurie Rich, piano Tabea child, double bass Lenny Rehm, drums
On this evening, Swedish jazz singer Irma Neumüller is dedicated to the legendary Carmen McRae and is inspired by her iconic live album Live at Sugar Hill, San Francisco from 1963. With succinct phrasing, deep swing and emotional expressiveness, McRae shaped vocal jazz like no other – and this spirit is celebrated in the Blue Note Dresden.
At just 25 years old, Irma Neumüller is already one of the most promising voices in European jazz. After her highly acclaimed debut album Introducing Irma Neumüller (Naxos/Prophone, 2024), which was praised by the trade press for its vocal brilliance and compositional depth, numerous awards followed: She was named “Young Swedish soloist 2023”, received the Swedish-renowned Sandviken Big Band scholarship in 2024 and was inducted into the highly respected Bundesjazzorchester (BuJazzO) in 2025. In the same year, she also won first prize at the Gesobau Jazz & Soul Awards.
She currently lives in Berlin and studies at the renowned Jazz Institute Berlin.
With respect, own personality and deep sense of swing, Irma brings the timeless repertoire of Carmen McRae into the present - not as a mere imitation, but as a personal interpretation. An evening for jazz lovers and those who appreciate the art of honest, expressive singing.
————
“Her singing technique is outstanding. [...] No other female singer so young impresses scat singing and the freedom to use her voice like an instrument” – Masayoshi Hayashi, Audio Accessory Magazine (2024)
“With a sound reminiscent of the history of jazz, but still a very own” Representing her stance, her debut album makes for a most memorable first encounter – both as a gifted singer and a talented songwriter. – Barney Whittaker, prestomusic.com (2024)