Precarious Towers

"the group dynamic is near perfection." — All About Jazz

Band photo of Precarious Towers

Standing, L-R: Sharel Cassity, John Christensen, Devin Drobka. Seated, L-R: Johannes Wallmann, Mitchell Shiner

Precarious Towers’ Oct. 23, 2020 debut performance (before the group had its name) at the Wisconsin Union Theater

2023 release on Shifting Paradigm Records

L-R: John Christensen, Devin Drobka, Mitchell Shiner, Johannes Wallmann, Sharel Cassity

2022 Debut album on Shifting Paradigm Records

Sharel Cassity, alto saxophone, flute (Chicago)
Mitchell Shiner, vibraphone (Milwaukee)
Johannes Wallmann, piano (Madison)
John Christensen, bass (Madison)
Devin Drobka, drums (Milwaukee)

Ten Stories (2023)

September 2023, Shifting Paradigm Records

Available on Bandcamp (CD or download), Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

  • "A collective musical odyssey that unites five exceptionally talented musicians [...] a testament to the power of collaboration and creative synergy." — Jazz In Europe

  • 2023 Top Ten New Releases — Larry Hollis, Cadence Magazine

  • “This Midwestern five-piece is tight, following interesting ideas while never veering too far from a clear, straightahead sound. […] All five members are strong composers.”  — Downbeat Magazine

  • "Lots of sparks flying in all the right directions." — Jazz Weekly

Precarious Towers (2022)

2022, Shifting Paradigm Records

Available on Bandcamp (CD or download), and on all major streaming platforms

  • “Best of Jazz on Bandcamp, June 2022”

  • “Best Classical, Jazz and World Album” 2022 Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs)

  • “Best of 2022 Album” — Something Else!

  • "Johannes Wallmann and his band pack a lot of good stuff in Precarious Towers. So much so that repeated listening is a requirement. That’s the hallmark of a great album." — Something Else!

  • "fine performances throughout from this expressive quintet." — UK Vibe

  • There's a great deal to like and much to recommend about Precarious Towers [...]. There's, first of all, the terrific players [Wallmann] recruited for the project, secondly, the strong material he's given them to perform, and, thirdly, the inspired performances they've delivered. [...] In being given material so strong to work with, it's no surprise that the musicians responded so enthusiastically in their performances” — Textura

  • "Tasty stuff for when you want some listening jazz that isn't easy listening, there's just enough funk here to tie it all together in a fine package. Well done." — Midwest Record

We have performed at Cafe Coda, North Street Cabaret, the Pursuit of Happiness Festival, and the Wisconsin Union Theater in Madison, the Jazz Estate and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, and at the Fox Cities Jazz Festival