Award-winning Dutch saxophonist and composer Kasper Rietkerk presents his highly anticipated second album, The Happy Worrier. Encouraged by mentor and Royal Academy Professor Nick Smart, Rietkerk applied for - and won - the inaugural Brubeck Living Legacy Prize, an award that supports promising jazz musicians in the early stages of their careers. "This album represents a step in a new direction for me," Rietkerk explains. "The BLL Prize gave me focus and discipline, and I was able to work with musicians I admire and trust. The Brubeck family's support - both personally and financially - was invaluable. It allowed me to bring the sound world I imagined to life."

Featuring twelve original compositions, The Happy Worrier showcases a stellar ensemble including John Parricelli (guitar), Tom Herbert (double & electric bass), Jonah Evans (drums) and guest vocalist Rebecka Edlund. With a more cinematic atmosphere than Rietkerk's previous work, the album weaves in folk-inspired melodies and a deep sense of space. The opener, 'Lost In Glow', sets the tone with plangent guitar textures and airy saxophone motifs, while 'The Ceiling' explores silence and restraint. In contrast, 'Blueberry Pancake' grooves with Parricelli's taut guitar, driving rhythms and Rietkerk's carefully placed but understatedly powerful blowing. Edlund's guest appearance on 'Scream For Silence' lends the track a limpid, almost sacred tone, while 'Tea Lights' and 'I Don't Remember Asking Your Opinion' highlights the band's improvisational chemistry.

The Happy Worrier is dedicated to the memory of Martin Hummel, the late founder of Ubuntu Music and a respected figure in UK jazz. "Without Martin, this album would not exist," says Rietkerk. "His encouragement meant the world, and I hope he would have been proud of what we've created."

The CD edition of the album includes three exclusive bonus tracks: 'French Balcony' and alternate versions of 'Nimbus' and 'Scream for Silence'.