“For his second album, New York guitarist, composer and educator David Ullmann was determined to challenge himself. It’s not as if he didn’t on this first one, Hidden (2005), but as he explains, Ullmann “really wanted to strip away my previous comfort zones.” As someone who has worked as a lead guitarist in a couple of world electronica groups and whose own debut album was a little bit electric (with a Fender Rhodes), a little bit worldy (with a tabla), Falling is a shift, toward the acoustic side. It’s a tactic that goes against the prevailing trend of starting acoustic and moving into electric or electro-acoustic, but Ullmann has found the greater artistic expression he was looking for with this talented bunch of young musicians. No sophomore slump for David Ullmann, is the verdict on Falling. Here’s a guitarist who seems to have only hinted as to what more he has in store for us, and going on his two disparate but solid releases, his future ones bear close attention, to”

"Intense waves of creativity." The David Ullmann Quintet features guitarist David Ullmann and a first call set of musicians that make Falling one of the sleepers of the year for 2012. His second release as a leader is made up of seven improvisational gems, originals where the group dynamic pushes Ullmann to harmonic heights unmatched by most guitarists you may have heard. A passionate and virtual three dimensional sound finds "When" leading off this most inspired work. Saxophonist Karel Ruzicka Jr. along with vibe phenom Chris Dingman seem to play follow the leader of intensity with Ullmann. The ambient sense of musical motion borders on the addictive. Ullmann plays with a quiet yet lyrically intense flavor of single note runs with an infectious harmonic sense of purpose. "Reckon" may well be the future of modern jazz. As an instrumentalist or composer, Ullmann ranks at the very top of the list of guitarists to keep an eye on!

“In recent years, jazz musicians have increasingly embraced the possibilities found in the world of indie rock—not merely the business model, which has long been a necessity for jazz, but the actual style. Indie rock has long had an "anything goes" element of experimentation, and since the '90s it has happily embraced the aesthetics on offer in jazz, particularly the harmonic and textural palettes. Jazz has done the same, and guitarist David Ullman offers a pungent example. His own playing moves facilely from rock 'n' roll snarl to cool jazz chord colorings, and the quintet he leads on his new album Falling does the same. Drummer Vinnie Sperrazza does so with the most flexibility, the light chatter of jazz cymbal work giving way without fuss to heavy rock propulsion, but that's not to take away from the melodic versatility of vibraphonist Chris Dingman, saxophonist Karel Ruzicka Jr., and bassist Gary Wang. Melody, in fact, is a strength of the entire band—it's good music, pure and s”

“Perhaps because he grew up in the city, guitarist David Ullmann doesn’t show off the frenzied muscularity symptomatic of so many young transplants to the New York jazz scene. The compositions on Falling, his second CD, are built around the kind of rhythmic intricacy so prevalent in academia-bred musicians (he graduated from the New School), but couched in a contemplative drift. His own playing is airy enough not to overwhelm the shimmering textures of vibraphonist Chris Dingman. Those two share the frontline with saxophonist Karel Ruzicka Jr., and between them delicately craft a fragile sound that doesn’t lack in assertiveness but is nimble enough not to shatter the mood of serenity that Ullmann carefully builds. Bassist Gary Wang and drummer Vinnie Sperazza add a rhythm bed that is supportive but flexible. The same band will be in tow for Ullmann’s late-night slot at Chris’.”

“New York-based guitarist David Ullmann said that for Falling, his second album as a leader, he “wanted to capture the idea of getting lost within the music—to explore falling into some mood, or sound, and being temporarily transported.” Ullmann achieved that goal with this collection of seven original compositions, recorded with his quintet bandmates: vibraphonist Chris Dingman, bassist Gary Wang, drummer Vinnie Sperrazza and saxophonist Karel Ruzicka Jr. Although Ullmann is the sole composer represented here, the arrangements on this cohesive project allow each of his collaborators to shine. The driving, rock-influenced grooves on “Cycles” would be a nice addition to a mixtape for an end-of-the-summer road trip to the shore. Throughout the album, Ullmann’s restrained, tasteful solos display the narrative arc of a veteran storyteller—a quality he shares with his perfect foil, Dingman. ”

“Jazz Listings: David Ullmann Quintet (Tuesday) David Ullmann, a thoughtful guitarist and composer, draws from “Falling” (Wet Cash), his second album, with the same chamberlike group that brought his music to life in the studio: Chris Dingman on vibraphone, Karel Ruzicka Jr. on saxophone, Gary Wang on bass and Vinnie Sperrazza on drums.”

“New Jazz Picks: “A set of modern jazz pieces by guitarist Ullmann. Quintet features vibe man Chris Dingman, who I would’ve liked to hear featured a bit more, both because he’s a talented musician, but also because I think the pairing of guitar and vibes is something special on a jazz albums. Saxophonist Karel Ruzicka Jr. is most often in the spotlight, and his opaque sound blends with Ullmann’s similar sound on guitar for a dreamy lyrical set of tunes.””

“Guitarist David Ullmann presents his luminous compositions—glassily pretty but also rhythmically driving—at this CD-release gig for the new Falling. Rounding out the band are vibraphonist Chris Dingman, saxist Karel Ruzicka Jr., bassist Gary Wang and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza.”

“Like an ace pitcher, guitarist and composer David Ullmann keeps us on our toes with a wily array of different looks, angles and spins on Hidden. There is a sense of movement throughout the tracks, as if one were wandering through a city and passing through various neighborhoods. Tabla and Fender Rhodes are employed, along with more traditional instrumentation, to add subtle shifts and textures. Hidden is an exciting record that reflects restless creativity. Each track builds on the next and works to keep the listener on guard and engaged. This dynamism leads to a satisfying sense of taking a journey as the record plays.”

“Hidden is a pleasure for jazz and non-jazz listeners alike. David Ullmann’s compositions have a depth, intimacy and singularity that resonate with warmth and emotion. Ullmann and his supporting cast organically combine a diversity of musical influences across genres as the album unfolds, uncovering “hidden” gems throughout.”

“The music glides at an easy gait as Ullmann and Ashlar churn out rounds of improvised choruses while keeping the mood of the set light and lively. On several selections, the combination of electric guitar and piano suggest the ambiance created by the fusion movement of the 1970s. A different image is cast when acoustic support is on hand, such as with 'You Don't Know What Love Is,' a pleasantly presented ballad where bassist Thomas and drummer Bannincasa support Ullmann's lyricism. Ullmann shows several sides of his personality through his compositional skills on this frictionless recording. His pieces have substance and march to an agreeable beat to allow him to spew out his soft-edged improvisations. Laid-back and casual is the order of the day, and Ullmann does it quite nicely.”

“Dave Ullmann’s melodic lines show a preference for taste and a high level of musical sensibility. He avoids the pitfalls of imitation and therefore makes comparing him to any other guitarist currently out there a tall order. Certainly the first sign that we are dealing with a personal and original voice.”