4 Stars, Downbeat Magazin, April 2025

“This is a killer band playing Lackner’s compositions with grace and exceptionally lovely pace. The title tune kicks off the recording with Turner’s brooding tone creating a noir-ish mood before Lackner’s solo flight lifts the tune with clusters of runs; Lackner hands the solo back to Turner, who matches the pianist’s intensity. “Mosquito Flats” introduces Eick to the proceedings. It’s a joy to hear this tenor/trumpet combo, and, again, Lackner demonstrates control and grace on the piano.”

Jazzwise Editor’s Choice February 2025:

“Even though Turner is American, he long ago broke ranks with post Coltrane/Brecker schoolcharacterised by Chris Potter, with a left of field approach originally characterised by Warne Marsh.From this foundation he has built a more personal approach which Lackner allows to shine. Although Eick has had his more rowdy moments with Jaga Jazzist and Motorpsycho, he is anadmirer of Kenny Wheeler’s highly original and occasionally oblique lyricism that colours areflective and expressively deep style. Linda May Han Oh is an exceptional bassist whose vibrancyis a key component of this band. All in all Lackner, on the evidence of Spindrift, has created anensemble of great potential.”

- Jazzwise , January 2025

“Breathily wistful, bass-embroidered film-noirish melodies mingle with headlong tenor/trumpet contrapuntal passages, and sleek and sparing piano improv.”

- John Fordham, The Guardian, January 2025

“With Spindrift, Benjamin Lackner has not just made an excellent album but also a major personal statement that speaks volumes for him as a composer and orchestrator for jazz quintet.”

- Jazzviews.net, January 2025

“Pianist and composer Benjamin Lackner is back with a romantic collection of jazz songs recordedin the south of France. Lackner departs from his go-to trio lineup for Spindrift, the follow-up to2022’s Last Decade, and turns to saxophonist Mark Turner and trumpeter Mathias Eick forprominently featured—but still delicate—horns, along with nonpareil bassist Linda May Han Ohand French drummer Matthieu Chazarenc. The four of them melt seamlessly into the Germanpianist’s songs, especially on singles “More Mesa” and “See You Again My Friend.”

- Pitchfork, January 2025