Henri Jerratsch Organic Trio:
Cuttin’ in (2025)

Cuttin’ In was recorded over just two days in October 2024, right after a tour, at the “Mühle der Freundschaft” (Mill of Friendship). Still warmed up from gigs across northern Germany – Henri Jerratsch’s home turf – the three musicians took the time to develop and capture new material. Victor Vollmer and Henri Jerratsch first crossed paths in New Orleans, where the two German music lovers soaked in the rich musical culture of the Crescent City. When Victor’s brother Elias joined them for a while, the idea for a band started forming in Henri’s mind – one they would bring to life the next time all three found themselves back in Germany.

The result of this special moment in time is available physically only on vinyl. And with this release, Henri also takes a major step toward a long-held dream: “Cuttin’ In” marks the first release on his own label – Realwood Records.

Dealbreaker came out of the opening jam of the 2024 tour. A James Brown-style groove by Henri, laced with Adam Deitch-esque attitude, funky left-hand organ bass, and rhythm guitars in the style of Ray Parker Jr., broken up by tight solo passages.

Decatur Stomp is a direct nod to the street that runs along the southern edge of New Orleans’ French Quarter. While playing regular café gigs there, Henri watched countless brass bands, festival parades, and second lines march by. This track blends Second Line drumming with Gospel changes, gospel-style rhythm guitar, and drawbar organ settings in the tradition of Jimmy Smith.

With Feel So Bad, the trio includes the album’s only cover – a heartfelt tribute to all who’ve interpreted this timeless blues classic. The gospel-style turnaround at the end is borrowed from the Ray Charles version. Played with a 1970s half-time feel and extended drum breaks, it also gives the drummer plenty of room to stretch out.

Before the Drink was the first track the trio wrote together and was originally recorded during a video/promo session in Berlin in the summer of 2023. Among all the takes, this one stood out for its freshness and energy. Despite using different gear, the sound difference feels refreshing. A simple guitar melody carries the tune, with short interludes building tension that leads into extended solos. Guitar and organ take their time here, and only in the final section does the energy slowly begin to fade.

Mellow Down Easy fuses wide, atmospheric guitar and organ textures with bridge chords over a Russell Batiste-style beat, combined with an outro section from “What’s on Your Mind” by The Meters – a tune the trio had in their live set during the tour. The title is a direct Chuck Berry quote – one of drummer Henri Jerratsch’s biggest influences.

Victor Leaps In is the result of Victor’s spontaneous spark on the second day of recording. Walking into the live room with the words “Let’s do a shuffle with some changes,” he quickly developed an extended AABA form that ended up closing the record. It’s a swinging final track where the Vollmer brothers, Victor and Elias, get to showcase their phrasing, soloing, sound, and dynamic touch.

With Cuttin’ In, Henri Jerratsch delivers his first release – a deeply rooted exploration of Black American music styles like Blues, Funk, Soul, and Jazz, brought together in a way rarely heard in Germany. Without falling into the overused clichés that often dominate the European scene (and inflate GEMA royalties in the process), this trio sets a fresh tone within a frequently recycled blues landscape.

This first album in Henri Jerratsch’s planned “Organic” series shows how three musicians under thirty tap into the roots of Black American Music – and turn them into something all their own.

Tracks 1,2,3,5,6. Recorded at Mühle der Freundschaft,
Bad Iburg with Marcus Praed
Track 4. Recorded at Junction Studios, Berlin with Felix Seefluth
Mixing and Mastering by Dennis Rux at YeahYeahYeah! Studios Hamburg
Cover Shot by Jakob Löbert
Designs and Artwork by Michael van Merwyk

Equipment:
Sonor Teardrop 3-Ply, 20”, 16”,13”.
Ludwig Supraphonic 14×5”
Zildjian Light Ride 22”
Light HiHat 14”
Royal Cymbals Tony Williams Nefertiti Ride 22”
Fender Silverface Super Reverb
Heritage H535
760 transistor Leslie with Hiwatt tube amplifier as preamp
Hammond B3 „Bertram“ – Chop