Niklas Lukassen, the German bassist and composer whose career has unfolded across Berlin, New York, and London, announces the release of his debut album as a bandleader, Still Waters. Out on February 20, 2026, via Heartcore Records, the album presents a deeply personal and carefully shaped musical statement that brings Lukassen’s artistic voice into clear focus.
A balance between precision and openness has long defined Lukassen’s work. Rooted in modern jazz yet unconstrained by stylistic boundaries, his music moves fluidly between intensity and reflection, structure and space. With Still Waters, he combines years of experience into a coherent sound world that feels both expansive and intimate.
From its opening track, “The Deep,” the album draws the listener into a vivid and fast-moving musical landscape. As the record unfolds, the music alternates between surging energy and moments of stillness, allowing space for contemplation, gradual transformation, and emotional depth.
At the heart of Still Waters is Lukassen’s internationally acclaimed quartet, featuring Ben van Gelder on saxophone, Kit Downes on piano and organ, and Francesco Ciniglio on drums. Together, they form a highly responsive ensemble, capable of both restraint and intensity, shaping the album’s dynamic range with remarkable sensitivity. Across the record, Lukassen performs on both double bass and bass guitar, expanding the album’s sonic palette, and also appears as a vocalist on the track “Luna”.
The album is further enriched by collaborations with a select group of guest artists, including Kurt Rosenwinkel on guitar, Wanja Slavin on saxophone, Geoffroy De Masure on trombone, and Céline Rudolph on vocals. These contributions enrich the musical landscape without disrupting its cohesion, reinforcing Lukassen’s strong sense of direction and attention to detail.
Still Waters will be released internationally on Heartcore Records on February 20, 2026, and will be available on all digital platforms as well as on CD.