Elegant jazz with influences from Baltic and Nordic folk music.

The up-and-coming, award-winning Estonian pianist Rahel Talts now lives in Denmark, where she founded this band with her fellow students. Her energetic, lyrical sound captivates with beautiful, catchy melodies, rich harmonies and rousing beats. Talts improvises with precision and fine articulation, displaying a masterful sense of deep emotional expression that she never overdoes. This lends her music a pulsating, robust energy that constantly drives forward, yet never feels arbitrary, and shines with a sophisticated aesthetic. She released her latest album, “Back and Forth”, on Bandcamp in 2025.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.raheltalts.com

A nuanced jazz style that straddles the line between the abstract and the concrete.

Uli Kempendorff’s “FIELD” captivates with an idiosyncratic sound comprising light, well-measured vibraphone impulses and free yet warm and gentle improvisations that exude a sense of harmonic homogeneity. With consummate skill, the musicians create a subtly interwoven avant-garde tapestry full of multidirectional counterpoints, deeply rooted in swinging jazz and radiating a special charisma. The balance between an open yet precisely articulated form and complex melodies that are always easy to follow surprises the listener with a soothing sense of enduring wholeness.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.unitrecords.com/artists/field

A captivating blend of jazz, avant-pop, poetry and performance.

Singer, guitarist and pianist Andrina Bollinger defies categorisation. Her art form is a multi-sensory whole, comprising field recordings, fragmentary narratives and emotionally charged soundscapes. Inspired by her Engadin roots and experimental pop artists, Bollinger meanders between sound, image and movement with her hauntingly velvety voice. She switches between instruments, shouts, sings, hums, strums and repeatedly propels her band into moments of controlled instability. An orchestrated free flight in the spirit of improvisation. In the spring, Bollinger released her second studio album, “Island of Way Back”, on Bandcamp.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.andrinabollinger.com

Poetic, contemporary jazz with a pulsating energy.

With “Meeting Point”, Israeli musician Eran Har Even – who now lives in the Netherlands – invites two of Europe’s most distinctive improvisers – pianist Pablo Held and drummer Ziv Ravitz – to engage in a musical dialogue shaped by years of artistic exchange. Held’s lyrical, sensitive playing perfectly complements Har Even’s rhythmic-melodic style, whether on guitar or electric bass. Ziv Ravitz, with his dynamic, at times funky beat, contributes significantly to the band’s infectious groove. Together, they create beautiful, atmospheric soundscapes based on wistful melodies, rich harmonies and flowing rhythms.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.eranhareven.com

As part of her CD release tour, Nicole Johänntgen will also be performing at the bird’s eye.

The swinging foundation of this soulful, versatile saxophonist is New Orleans jazz. This becomes immediately apparent when Paul Thibodeaux performs the legendary ‘Second Line’ drum groove with sensitivity and drive – the cradle of traditional jazz, so to speak. The beat meets Steven Glenn’s pulsating sousaphone, which articulates the bassline with precision and funk, laying the harmonic foundation for bluesy improvisations and dialogues between Jon Ramm’s trombone and Johänntgen’s saxophone. The band rumbles, blows and belts out the catchy melodies with passion, yet also with subtlety, in a buoyant atmosphere of compressed energy. “Henry” is a rousing dance of melancholy and joie de vivre.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.nicolejohaenntgen.com

Subtle, playful jazz with strong lyrical qualities.

Flutist Ben Zahler presents new, multi-layered songs and, in Patricija Škof, a new vocalist. The Slovenian musician sings at times cheekily, at times sarcastically, with a subtle wink, and tells whimsical, original stories in a soft, dark voice to accompany Zahler’s expressive and delicate flute playing. The songs are partly inspired by pop music, partly sophisticated, always with the aim of making even complex material seem light and accessible. Iannis Obiols and Ilya Alabuzhev effortlessly master this with their openness, creating an intense energy through their articulate, confident playing – entirely without drums. Last spring, 8 octopi released their new album “Frail Boat” on Bandcamp.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.benzahler.ch

An Icelandic soundscape of melancholy, optimism and harsh winter nights.

The deep bond within this band, coupled with a gentle slowing of the pace and a relaxed, natural openness to other musical styles, is what makes ADHD’s sound so fascinating and distinctive. The musicians weave contemplative melodies with wistful chords, delicately incorporate electronic effects, let Hammond sounds drift through the air, underpin them with subtle bass and drum beats, and thus transport the audience into a unique, magical musical dimension that lingers long after the performance ends.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.adhdiceland.com

A musical stage production combining storytelling and live jazz.

Inspired by Martin Baltscheit’s picture book “Major Dux”, the band, led by Liv Sindler, tells the story of a country where music is suddenly banned by the strict Major Dux. In this world that has fallen silent, Bartolomäus Bob finds refuge in secret jazz clubs, where a musical rebellion is taking shape. Through sounds, noises, improvisations and songs, the story comes to life on stage. It takes young and old alike on a playful and captivating journey that stimulates the imagination and invites reflection on the significance of music and artistic freedom.

• Su, 11:00 hrs

• Recommended for ages 7 to 12, but also open to younger children.
  CHF 16.– adults / CHF 10.– children, free for the third child onwards
  Doors open 30 minutes before the concert begins

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Fresh, contemporary jazz with real drive.

The award-winning Luxembourgish trumpeter Daniel Migliosi is one of the most promising talents on the contemporary European jazz scene. With his quartet, he explores new musical frontiers – drawing inspiration from his role models and blending modern influences with an unmistakable personal touch. His runs are clearly articulated, at times virtuosic, yet never superficial; his sound is innovative, expressive and both fresh and deeply rooted in tradition. Simon Compté provides the accomplished counterpart and sensitively leads the themes in unison with Migliosi. The rhythm section provides a driving energy and lays the springy foundation for these wonderful evenings.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.danielmigliosi.com

Modern mainstream with refreshing moments of freedom.

The sensitive, expressive pianist Jean-Paul Brodbeck and the headstrong, virtuoso saxophonist Nat Su engage in a rich, melodious tête-à-tête between two seasoned musical personalities. They reinterpret songs from the Great American Songbook and turn their attention to lesser-known tracks by artists such as Wayne Shorter and Fred Lacey, breaking them down and developing them anew in an unpretentious manner with a direct rhythmic expression. Without neglecting their roots, they open themselves up to the energy and spontaneity of the moment.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.jean-paulbrodbeck.com

A hard-swinging New York sound with expressive, lyrical elements.

The renowned saxophonist Andy Middleton elegantly blends the authentic flair of the Big Apple’s lively, contemporary jazz with the legacy of the melodic saxophone tradition. He shapes his rich tone from powerful intensity to delicate warmth, from lyrical beauty to rhythmic verve. He is a skilful storyteller; his solos are dynamic, and he phrases with a maturity and composure that give rise to landscapes of harmonic timbres. Piotr Wyleżoł delivers rich harmonies with a light and fresh touch, whilst Josh Ginsburg and Alan Jones drive the music forward with a springy rhythm.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.andymiddleton.com

Elegant modern mainstream with a fresh, vibrant energy.

The up-and-coming saxophonist Patrick Joray shapes his sound through four musically expressive personalities who, whilst improvising together, always seek the heart of the band and share a deep understanding of the African-American jazz tradition. With his warm, personal sound, he allows the themes time to breathe. He has an intuitive feel for creating a natural arc of tension. With his sensitive, mindful phrasing, he reveals himself to be a subtle, skilful storyteller. The band creates a dense yet transparent musical language through which it gives rise to its own sonic cosmos. Influenced by Joray’s close connection to the New York jazz scene, the quartet blends tradition and the present into a vibrant, contemporary form of jazz.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.patrickjoray.com

An enchanting evening of rich orchestral sound.

The local big band never fails to delight the bird’s-eye audience with its nuanced, beautiful music. This creative hub for musicians and composers from Basel presents an elegant, multifaceted big-band sound, contemporary jazz and a touch of international flair. From time to time, the band invites a guest – on this evening, they will showcase their own concentrated creative energy with new compositions as well as further developed pieces.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.baseljazzorchestra.com

• Fr, 16:00 hrs ❘ Museum Tinguely

• Details

A fascinating, boundary-pushing synergy of jazz, hip hop, South African music and electronic music.

Composer, keyboardist and bandleader Tyn Wybenga is a driving, innovative force on the Dutch contemporary jazz scene. With daring creativity, he employs a unique compositional method in which he samples and rearranges fragments of recorded solo improvisations by his band members to create new music, and then has his band improvise over this soundscape. An inventive, quick-thinking and subtly layered sound that varies greatly, captivates and yet breathes as a harmonious, grooving whole. Wybenga released his latest album, “Tonepool Paradox”, on Bandcamp in 2025. These jazz concerts were made possible with the support of the Performing Arts Fund NL.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.brainteaserorchestra.nl

In collaboration with the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis,

the Jazz Institute at the Basel University of Music FHNW

and sonic space basel

Historical performance practice and the revival of traditions meet the spirit of contemporary jazz.

The new project by “Satyr’s Band” presents the music of Michael Praetorius in various interpretations: first in its original form with diminutions typical of the period, then embellished in Praetorius’s style, and finally reimagined within a contemporary jazz context. Back then, the composer, organist, court Kapellmeister and scholar Michael Praetorius drew on the diverse musical traditions of Germany and Italy, developing both in his own unique and captivating way to form his characteristic style. On the other hand, jazz has always been shaped by a wide variety of influences and is defined at its core by a spirit of experimentation and constant innovation. In this respect, the 17th-century-style diminutions composed today, the new jazz compositions and the improvisations are entirely in keeping with the spirit of the experimental Praetorius, who himself was constantly evolving and building upon his existing musical knowledge. We can look forward to these exciting musical reflections.

• Tu, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis
  www.andreasboehlen.com

A genre-spanning suite combining improvisational freedom,

chamber music precision, jazz and classical music.

“Wood is Wood is Wood” came about when multi-instrumentalist and composer Linda Scharnagl observed that the baritone saxophone can sometimes sound almost identical to the cello . She therefore paired each string instrument with a woodwind instrument, taking the theme of “reflections” literally in both musical and sonic terms: the violin and alto saxophone, the viola and tenor saxophone, and the cello and baritone saxophone engage in a multifaceted dialogue. The ensemble is complemented by vibraphone, double bass and percussion. A multi-layered work that explores sonic boundaries and makes musical reflections on a wide variety of levels.

• We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis

This quartet captivates with its lightness and virtuosity, whilst never losing touch with reality.

The Ism-Y Quartet uses notation as a catalyst for improvisation and develops scores that invite unlimited interpretations and outcomes, whilst retaining their own distinctive identity. An experimental set full of surprises.

• We, 21:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis

“Espoir” brings together two distinct musical worlds in search of new connections.

In this set, Nóra Szabó and Sophia Göken reinterpret old melodies and improvise over both contemporary and historical compositions. A reflective dialogue emerges between one of the earliest and one of the newest keyboard instruments – the portative organ and the piano.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis

In search of the musical “slang” of each genre within the context of early music and jazz.

A lush chord, a wistful ostinato, a tricky beat, a catchy standard – the sextet, with six native languages and even more diverse musical backgrounds, gets to know each other’s musical vocabulary and then expresses it with their own accent. The more musical languages the musicians throw into the melting pot, the richer and livelier the conversation becomes. Everyone can instinctively follow the flow, even without speaking the “dialect”.

• Th, 21:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis

European premiere of an enchanting soundscape blending early music, contemporary jazz and electronic elements.

In the spirit of experimentation, Peter Evans and Ron Stabinsky have invited the magnificent cornetto virtuoso and early music scholar Lambert Colson as guest of honour for this evening; he deepens and develops their concept with his profound expertise, versatile emotionality and sensitive lightness of touch. In keeping with the spirit of early music, the focus lies on a love of sound, timbre, improvisation and compositional precision. Their work actively engages with the paradoxical history of “early music” performance – a practice that consists of reconciling the familiar and the unfamiliar whilst constantly opening up new possibilities – something that is also essential in jazz. Both Evans and Stabinsky have devoted themselves for decades to improvisation across a wide range of styles and traditions, making this collaboration a natural part of their creative development.

• Fr, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis
  www.peterevanstrumpet.com

Revival and reinterpretation of 17th-century Ottoman court music, adapted to the ensemble’s distinctive and idiosyncratic sound.

Drawing on the repertoire collection of Demetrios Cantemir (Dimitri Kantemir), the band has compiled its own arrangements. Kantemir, a polyglot polymath, an extraordinary tanbur virtuoso and Prince of Moldavia, compiled over 350 Ottoman instrumental compositions using a notation system specially adapted for this purpose. Some of these pieces serve as the framework for a new musical universe in Zençir’s arrangement for oud, ney, transverse flute, drums and, for the first time, the reconstructed and newly constructed multi-tonal keyboard instruments Arciorgano and Clavemusicum Omnitonum, whilst remaining faithful to the detailed structure of the works in the collection.

• Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.musik-akademie.ch/schola-cantorum-basiliensis
  www.georgvogel.net

A hazy, melancholic blend of jazz and electronic music.

Through the lens of their shared musical language, this idiosyncratic, exceptional trio explores a contemplative world of jazz and electronic music bathed in neon colours. Nominated for six awards, the musicians create powerful, fascinating soundscapes with polyphonic melodic lines, dreamy harmonies and precise, multi-layered rhythms. They bounce motifs back and forth like balls and develop them into brilliantly clear solos that immerse the audience in a wistful, beautiful, ethereal universe. Hist og released their latest album, “Hist Highness”, on Bandcamp this summer and have also had vinyl records pressed.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.hist.space

Emotional and multi-layered jazz that goes straight to the heart.

Saxophonist and clarinettist “Sha” enchants with soaring, warm tones that gently transport the listener into mysterious, atmospheric soundscapes, blending both instinctive and structured elements. The Bern-based artist’s solo album ‘Monbijou’ was recorded in the vast hollow interior of the Monbijou bridge pier. It explores the hidden spaces that surround us and the possibility of filling them with sound. Sha brings the interior to life and evokes a quiet, contemplative longing that lingers long afterwards.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.sha-music.ch

As part of his release tour, Björn Meyer is also coming to the bird’s eye with his wonderful solo album.

With his genre-defying sound, Björn Meyer explores the previously unimagined potential of the electric bass and immediately captivates the audience with his delicate melodic lines, crystal-clear touch and wistful harmonies. He creates impressive soundscapes and multi-layered textures, whilst remaining acutely aware of the acoustic space in which the sounds are created – he incorporates it as if it were a band member in its own right, thereby enhancing the magic even further.

• Th, 21:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.bjornmeyer.com

Contemporary jazz ranging from lyrical intimacy to energetic urgency.

The magnificent saxophonist Johannes Enders is also coming to the bird’s eye with his recently released album “Phantom Happiness”. Fragile moments of happiness give way to fleeting moods and erupt into a tension between inner calm and restless movement. Melodic clarity meets open forms; complex rhythms meet spontaneous interaction. Enders’ distinctive, expressive tenor saxophone sound unfolds over Rainer Böhm’s dense harmonies, carried by Doug Weiss’s deep, elastic pulse and Jorge Rossy’s subtle yet powerful rhythmic language.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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• www.johannes-enders.com

An experimental fusion of acoustic and electronic sounds.

Inspired by the improvised sounds of modern jazz and the tradition of Cuban bata drums, Noé Tavelli and his quartet create an exhilarating, forward-looking musical universe in which the four voices are in constant dialogue. A thrilling combination of two leading figures from the New York scene (Ohad Talmor and Eric McPherson) and two Swiss talents (Fabien Iannone and Noé Tavelli), blending acoustic and electronic instruments, jazz and Bembé traditions, as well as composition and improvisation.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.noetavelli.com

It is always a great pleasure for us to present a selected final-year project from the Bachelor’s programme at the Basel University of Music, Institute of Jazz, FHNW on our stage.

This time, it is saxophonist Cole Palensky’s project. He will be presenting music from his two forthcoming albums, whose sound ranges from jazz to contemporary pop. His first album, “i”, features impressive instrumental melodies in the style of the modern jazz fusion, whilst “i2”, featuring Cole’s own lyrics, leans more towards folk, rock and pop.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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Jazz with a touch of melancholy and South African roots.

With his top-class quartet, the South African guitarist presents his latest compositions, weaving together improvisation, ballads and groove with a touch of nostalgia. In Domenic Landolf, Raphael Walser and Jonas Ruther, Ahrends has brought three kindred spirits on board who are perfectly capable of bringing his ideas to life. We can look forward to a musical experience that is as energetic as it is sensitive and emotional.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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A brilliant, innovative fusion of experimental post-rock, jazz and electronic music.

Over the years, the Melt Trio has continually refined its distinctive style and now sounds more subtle yet more powerful than ever. Melt embodies the idea and vision of creating new music together: the band members connect, merge, glow and dynamically bring together energy, flow and movement, allowing the creative ideas they have developed together to shine. The sound of the Melt Trio captivates with its expansive textures, enchanting melodies and sounds, complex harmonies and rhythmic subtleties, leaving the audience in awe and lost in reverie. Their new album “Pleasure” has just been released on Fun In The Church.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.moritzbaumgaertner.de

An impressive tribute to the Basel-based composer George Gruntz.

Our local jazz orchestra never fails to delight audiences with its nuanced, beautiful music. This creative hub for musicians and composers from Basel presents an elegant, multifaceted big-band sound, contemporary jazz and a touch of international flair. This Thursday, the orchestra will perform an exquisite selection of compositions by jazz pianist and composer Gruntz.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16– / 10.–

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• www.baseljazzorchestra.com

• Fr, 16:00 hrs ❘ Museum Tinguely

• Details

Captivating Latin jazz with influences from neo-soul, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and modern pop.

The award-winning Afro-Cuban singer Daymé Arocena is a powerful, charismatic voice on the contemporary Latin pop and jazz scene. Her warm, soulful voice immediately captures your attention and captivates with dynamic phrasing that is strongly influenced by her Afro-Cuban roots. Her virtuoso scat singing, very much in the tradition of jazz improvisation, is just as impressive as her broad, drawn-out legato notes, on which the soul can find rest. She pays tribute to the roots and ongoing evolution of Latin jazz, whilst at the same time delighting audiences with her openness and sensitivity to contemporary forms of music.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

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