The mysterious German pianist-composer Lambert – invariably hidden behind his Sardinian mask – is often categorized as neoclassical, but prefers to see himself as a searching jazz musician with a keen ear for melody. Musically, Lambert spans the entire spectrum between the Beatles (he is a big fan of Paul McCartney) and Chopin, although he is also inspired by master improvisers such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau. With the new album I AM NOT LAMBERT , he strikes a fresh direction: for the first time, he presents works featuring vocals by Kat Frankie, Dekker, and Rob Goodwin, among others. The result is as versatile as it is intriguing, in which chamber music, jazz, and alternative merge, and there is even room for Lambert behind the drum kit.