Trumpeter/composer Heidi Bayer has been based in Cologne since 2015. Another prominent member of the scene there, Stefan Karl Schmid, says of her: “A fabulous musician. She always acts musically and technically on the highest level in very diverse contexts. I especially value her individual, very expressive and powerful voice on the instrument, which greatly enriches the scene in Cologne and beyond.”
For more information : heidi-bayer.de or mail us info@heidi-bayer.de
Hendrika Entzian, winner of the “WDR Jazz Prize for Composition”, founded her colourful big band in 2018. Prior to this she attracted attention with her quartet and as an arranger for the Metropole Orkest, among others. The first album of the big band “Marble” was released in April 2020.
For more information : hendrika-entzian.de or mail us Hendrika.Entzian@googlemail.com
Originally from Plauen in Saxony, pianist Johanna Summer has been winning prizes from an early age and was pianist in BuJazzO, the German Federal Youth Jazz Orchestra, from 2018 to 2020. The jazzahead! showcase is her release concert of her solo debut “Schumann in a Kaleidoscope” (ACT).
For more information : johannasummer.com or mail us johannasummer@gmx.de
The three musicians based in Cologne present compositions blending rhythmic jazz and captivating melodies. The South American musical influences of Henrique Gomide from Brazil and Jean Cammas from Chile, together with the "African drumming" of Dutch drummer Antoine Duijkers form the basis of their compositions and improvisations. In 2020 the trio will be releasing their first album.
For more information : nautrio.com or mail us jhjgomide@gmail.com
When saxophonist Stefan Karl Schmid and guitarist Philipp Brämswig first discovered each other’s playing in 2006, they immediately knew there was an affinity between them and that they wanted to form a band together. Critic Hans-Jürgen Linke wrote: "Everything about their music seems measured, skilful, balanced. And yet it is never lifeless, but carefully worked out, honed and expertly given expressive colours."
For more information : philippbraemswig.com or mail us info@philippbraemswig.com
The septet merges two longstanding bands: the post-jazz "Edi Nulz" and the indie rock-inspired "The Great Harry Hillman“. A triple double threat, with pairs of bass clarinets, guitars and drum kits, plus an electric bass. The band started in 2017 and have won the Swiss "BeJazz Transnational” competition for crossborder bands.
For more information : thegreatharryhillman.ch/truenulz or mail us mail@siegmar-brecher.com
Since Berlin drummer and composer Tilo Weber established the acoustic quartet "Four Fauns", they have managed to captivate with transparency and grace. With clarinetist Claudio Puntin, trumpeter Richard Koch, and bassist James Banner, Weber transports music through the centuries and into modernity, reimagining the Renaissance through his own distinctive lens.
For more information : tiloweber.com or mail us mgmt@malletmuserecords.com
For saxophonist Tobias Meinhart (“One of Germany's greatest talents on tenor sax” – Jazz thing) it was a spell being a youngster roadie with the Bob Brookmeyer Orchestra on tour which first sparked his love for jazz. Now, a decade on from making his move to New York, he presents Berlin People: A project bridging the musical cultures of his native Germany with the second hometown of NYC.
For more information : tobiasmeinhart.com or mail us meinharttobias@gmail.com