Tu and We, 20:30 hrs
Sam Barnett: alto sax, Fabian Willmann: tenor sax/clarinet, Òscar Latorre Cascante: trumpet, Iannis Obiols: piano, Kuba Dworak: bass, Vaclav Palka: drums
Sam Barnett: alto sax, Fabian Willmann: tenor sax/clarinet, Òscar Latorre Cascante: trumpet, Iannis Obiols: piano, Kuba Dworak: bass, Vaclav Palka: drums
Energetic modern jazz in a new guise.
The Jazzcampus Basel was the vibrant breeding ground for this outstanding sextet, which captivates the audience with its distinct, driving sound and the complex, contemporary compositions of rising drummer Vaclav Palka. Their electrifying performance sweeps listeners off their feet and sparks excitement in the air.
Th, 20:30 hrs
Peter Zihlmann: piano, Patrick Sommer: bass, Andreas Wettstein: drums
A magical journey through shaded forests and dreamy valleys.
In their new program “Bedtime Stories”, the three Trojans create gentle, harmonious new soundscapes with their masterful and compelling storytelling, providing a breath of fresh air. They craft a multifaceted, vividly shimmering world of sound that evokes beautiful inner imagery and invites listeners to linger in a world of fantasy.
Peter Zihlmann: piano, Patrick Sommer: bass, Andreas Wettstein: drums
Fr, 20:30 hrs
Sara Serpa: vocals, André Matos: guitar, Jeff Ballard: drums
Sara Serpa: vocals, André Matos: guitar, Jeff Ballard: drums
A gentle encounter of voice, guitar, and drums.
Vocalist Sara Serpa from Portugal and guitarist André Matos from Brazil, now based in New York, have developed an intuitive understanding over time. With their album “Night Birds” the duo presents magical music of ethereal beauty and subtle shadows. They create a hypnotic soundscape where thoughtful melodies are woven into a floating tapestry. The great and sensitive drummer Jeff Ballard complements the duo with his light and creative touch.
Sa, 20:30 hrs
Dave Bristow: piano, Christian Altehülshorst: trumpet, Félix Hardouin: alto sax, Gabriel Pierre: bass, Guillaume Prévost: drums
Driving, dense post-pop with a contemporary touch.
Piano player Dave Bristow’s music is swinging, dynamic, and effortlessly blends contrasting styles such as bebop, post-bop, and video game music. Despite — or perhaps because of — these contradictions, Dave seeks the harmony of the whole. His solos flow seamlessly with a strong sense of melody and harmony. The band performs pieces from their last album, “sophomore” as well as brand-new songs set to be released in November.
Dave Bristow: piano, Christian Altehülshorst: trumpet, Félix Hardouin: alto sax, Gabriel Pierre: bass, Guillaume Prévost: drums
Tu, 20:30 hrs
Fiona Grond: vocals, Moritz Stahl: tenor sax, Philipp Schiepek: guitar
Fiona Grond: vocals, Moritz Stahl: tenor sax, Philipp Schiepek: guitar
n intimate, quiet search for thoughts and emotions.
On her ACT debut *“Poesias,”* Swiss vocalist Fiona Grond engages in an evocative and colourful dialogue with the familiar, subtle guitarist Phillip Schiepek and the sensitive tenor saxophonist Moritz Stahl over gentle soundscapes. Grond uses her voice as an instrument, skillfully intertwining it with the others to create hypnotic patterns and dreamy images. It is music full of warmth, depth, and unexpected turns.
We, 20:30 hrs
Nancy Meier: flute, Eline Gros: flute, Anett Kallai: flute, Camille Quinton: flute, Tilo Weber: drums
A sonic marvel with four flutes and a drum set.
“Nancelot”, the debut album by jazz flutist Nancy Meier’s eponymous band, ventures into new territory with its unconventional lineup, captivating listeners from the very first note. She shapes impressionistic soundscapes with grand gestures — sometimes ironic, sometimes artful — transforming strictness into lightness and storytelling into suspense, while the intricate details of her compositions sparkle like unearthed gems. Highly complex yet playful jazz.
Nancy Meier: flute, Eline Gros: flute, Anett Kallai: flute, Camille Quinton: flute, Tilo Weber: drums
Th, 20:30 hrs
Nikola Jan Gross: tenor sax/effects, Emilio Vidal: guitar/effects, Armelle Scholl: rhodes/synthesizer/effects, Marius Rivier: drums
Nikola Jan Gross: tenor sax/effects, Emilio Vidal: guitar/effects, Armelle Scholl: rhodes/synthesizer/effects, Marius Rivier: drums
An intoxicating, intense journey through various genres.
Inuit Pagoda flirts with many cultures and emotions, yet remains true to its own essence. By seamlessly blending warm post-rock, minimalist jazz, trance, techno, and house, they create an experimental, open atmosphere, sprinkled with eccentric and energizing moments — all in perfect harmony with the whole. The band ignites intuitive music that immerses the audience in a mindset that feels tangible yet remains just out of reach.
Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs
Wayne Escoffery: tenor sax, Bart Platteau: flutes, Alex Sipiagin: trumpet, Amina Figarova: piano, Jasen Weaver: bass, Rudy Royston: drums Ferenc Nemeth: drums
Jazz meets Azerbaijani folk music and South African rhythms.
With sensitivity, passion, and a desire to build bridges between different cultures and origins, Azerbaijani piano player Amina Figarova creates a vibrant, contemporary world. Her percussive, spirited, yet melodious piano blends harmoniously with the rich brass section and is supported by a vibrant, buoyant foundation of grooving bass motifs and driving rhythms.
Wayne Escoffery: tenor sax, Bart Platteau: flutes, Alex Sipiagin: trumpet, Amina Figarova: piano, Jasen Weaver: bass, Rudy Royston: drums Ferenc Nemeth: drums
Tu, 20:30 hrs
Jochen Baldes: tenor sax, Franz Hellmüller: guitar, Patrick Sommer: bass, Tony Renold: drums
Jochen Baldes: tenor sax, Franz Hellmüller: guitar, Patrick Sommer: bass, Tony Renold: drums
Jazz as a free-spirited road movie for the mind, heart, and soul.
Bloom Effect elegantly oscillates between tension and relaxation, silence and hustle, free expression and tight interplay. The band masterfully spans a range of beautiful melodic lines and abrupt shifts, uniting these apparent contrasts into a joyful and balanced journey into the unexpected — without a safety net. Delicate, emotional, and intelligent music that captivates and inspires.
We, 20:30 hrs
Matthew Halpin: tenor sax/flute, Bertram Burkert: guitar, Reza Askari: bass, Max Stadtfeld: drums
A fascinating album release that brings rough diamonds to shine.
In his new project “Fany Future” by Leipzig drummer Max Stadtfeld, the musicians weave a network of melodies, rhythms, harmonies, and textures that is both dense and light as a feather. Their versatile indie sound oscillates between cool minimalism and the warmth of grunge. Fluid melodic lines and cascades intertwine with intricate rhythmic patterns that sometimes serve as a solid foundation and then suddenly break out with melodic virtuosity.
Matthew Halpin: tenor sax/flute, Bertram Burkert: guitar, Reza Askari: bass, Max Stadtfeld: drums
Th, 20:30 hrs
Ganna Gryniva: vocals/loops/guitar, Julian Sartorius: percussion
Ganna Gryniva: vocals/loops/guitar, Julian Sartorius: percussion
A dazzling tête-à-tête of traditional Ukrainian and electronic music.
The versatile singer Ganna Gryniva, with her warm and powerful voice, and the creative drummer Julian Sartorius, create a unique sound world of experimental jazz and electronics on Ganna’s latest album “Kupala”. For a long time, Ganna has been blending the folklore of her native Ukraine with pop music in various shades and formations. Sartorius's intricate rhythmic patterns bridge organic sound colors and the vocabulary of experimental music, enchanting listeners with their innovative approach.
Fr, 16:00 hrs
Museum Tinguely
Roche’n’Jazz: Jazz at the Tinguely Museum
Roche’n’Jazz: Jazz at the Tinguely Museum
Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs
Josh Short: trumpet, Denys Baptiste: tenor sax, Sultan Stevenson: piano, Jacob Gryn: bass, Joel Waters: drums
Josh Short: trumpet, Denys Baptiste: tenor sax, Sultan Stevenson: piano, Jacob Gryn: bass, Joel Waters: drums
Lyric jazz in the tradition of understatement.
Piano player Sultan Stevenson is an emerging star in the contemporary London jazz scene. It’s no surprise, as he deeply touches listeners with his humble and reserved manner, which further reveals the radiant essence of his artistry. His keen sensitivity to breathing melodies and dense harmonies allows Stevenson to blossom with quiet intensity and gentle groove, infused with influences from his African heritage and its diaspora, such as gospel, reggae, funk, and hip-hop. His second album, “El Roi”, is set to be released in 2025 — something to look forward to!
Tu and We, 20:30 hrs
In Collaboration with the Centre for African Studies
Tapiwa Svosve: alto sax, Christoph Irniger: tenor sax, Sibusiso Mashiloane: piano/vocals, Xaver Rüegg: bass, Dominic Egli: drums
In Collaboration with the Centre for African Studies
A musical tapestry woven from the beauty and depth of South African diversity.
Pianist and composer “Mash” explores the essence of traditional and contemporary South African rhythms and sounds, like Township Jazz, Mbaqanga, Indlamu (Dance), and Amahubo, also incorporating influences from other African regions. His project “Isigqi” delves into the concept of downbeats and their role in musical expression, rooted in both traditional and modern South African music identity.
Tapiwa Svosve: alto sax, Christoph Irniger: tenor sax, Sibusiso Mashiloane: piano/vocals, Xaver Rüegg: bass, Dominic Egli: drums
Th, 20:30 hrs
Christoph Möckel: tenor sax/bass clarinet/fx, Oliver Lutz: e-bass/fx, Moritz Baumgärtner: drums
Christoph Möckel: tenor sax/bass clarinet/fx, Oliver Lutz: e-bass/fx, Moritz Baumgärtner: drums
An elegant fusion of ambient, free jazz, and experimental jazz-rock.
Christoph Möckel takes us on a unique journey with his trio, floating over lively rhythm patterns, enjoying finely drawn bass lines and warm saxophone tones, and drifting through spacious, free soundscapes, without ever losing the harmonic thread. The band uses electronic live effects with precision and a sense of inner balance, cultivating imaginative soundscapes that bloom in high-energy improvisations and interactions.
Fr, 20:30 hrs
Niculin Janett: alto sax/compositions, Andreas Gabriel: violine, Flurina Sarott: violine, Dominique Polich: viola, Cristina Janett: cello, Lukas Traxel: bass
A shimmering, delicately crafted blend of jazz and chamber music.
In his new project “Rêveries Dansantes”, Niculin Janett beautifully merges folk-inspired melodies with jazz rhythms, bringing them to life with classical harmonies. The musicians break away from traditional structures with virtuosity and style, exploring enchanting soundscapes, only to return confidently to the familiar.
Niculin Janett: alto sax/compositions, Andreas Gabriel: violine, Flurina Sarott: violine, Dominique Polich: viola, Cristina Janett: cello, Lukas Traxel: bass
Sa, 20:30 hrs
Gustav Rasmussen: trombone/guitar, Michael Blicher: tenor/alto saxes/flute, Aske Drasbæk: tenor/alto/ baritone saxes/flute, Johannes Buhl Andresen: keyboards, Casper Mikkelsen: drums, Magnus Jochumsen: percussion
Gustav Rasmussen: trombone/guitar, Michael Blicher: tenor/alto saxes/flute, Aske Drasbæk: tenor/alto/ baritone saxes/flute, Johannes Buhl Andresen: keyboards, Casper Mikkelsen: drums, Magnus Jochumsen: percussion
Sunny, driving beats with beautiful melodies.
Like a gentle summer breeze, Sunbörn’s music flows through the club. More than just World Music, their sound elegantly meanders between jazz, ambient, modern electronic sounds, and grooving Afro-beats. Their 70s-inspired aesthetics blend dense horn arrangements, warm Afro-rhythms, and mechanical beats. Sunbörn plays songs from their new album, releasing in spring 2025.
Tu, 20:30 hrs
Marcel Lüscher: tenor sax/clarinet/bass clarinet, Thomas Lüscher: piano, Björn Meyer: e-bass, Kaspar Rast: drums
Quiet tones that are both complex and accessible.
The Lüscher brothers’ trio, alongside Björn Meyer and Kaspar Rast, creates an engaging atmosphere that captivates the audience. Their new album, “Make Things happen”, releasing in January from Unit Records, embodies their philosophy: letting go of the past, celebrating life, and actively shaping the future. The captivating blend of vibrant calm and absolute openness enhances this effect even further — a soundscape that breathes depth and lives authenticity, maintaining tension with both intensity and refinement.
Marcel Lüscher: tenor sax/clarinet/bass clarinet, Thomas Lüscher: piano, Björn Meyer: e-bass, Kaspar Rast: drums
We, 20:30 hrs
Theo Bleckmann: vocals/effects, Timo Vollbrecht: tenor sax/effects, Harmen Fraanje: piano
Theo Bleckmann: vocals/effects, Timo Vollbrecht: tenor sax/effects, Harmen Fraanje: piano
Explorative improvisation and dreamy melodies in a flowing, personal trio sound.
This genre-crossing project by renowned jazz singer Theo Bleckmann, saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht, and pianist Harmen Fraanje captivates with the natural tonal colors of acoustic instruments and the subtle use of electronic live processing, allowing their music space to breathe and unfold.
Th, 20:30 hrs
Nina Reiter: vocals, Sonja Ott: trumpet/flugelhorn, Niko Seibold: alto sax/flute/clarinet, Elio Amberg: alto/tenor saxes, Tobias Pfister: tenor/soprano saxes/bass clarinet, Florian Weiss: trombone, Samuel Leipold: guitar, Julie Campiche: harp, Marc Mezgolits: e-bass, Clemens Kuratle: drums
A captivating homage to Mani Planzer.
Mani Planzer, a relatively unknown musician and composer, significantly shaped the cultural landscape of Central Switzerland. In MetaLogue, vocalist Nina Reiter brings Planzer’s music into the present, leaving space for a free, articulated, and occasionally avant-garde exchange that transcends mainstream and musical genres. Her lyrics reflect Planzer’s pioneering spirit in merging jazz with poetry.
Nina Reiter: vocals, Sonja Ott: trumpet/flugelhorn, Niko Seibold: alto sax/flute/clarinet, Elio Amberg: alto/tenor saxes, Tobias Pfister: tenor/soprano saxes/bass clarinet, Florian Weiss: trombone, Samuel Leipold: guitar, Julie Campiche: harp, Marc Mezgolits: e-bass, Clemens Kuratle: drums
Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs
Percy Pursglove: trumpet, Wanja Slavin: alto sax, Domenic Landolf: tenor sax, Rainer Böhm: piano, Arne Huber: bass, Jonas Burgwinkel: drums
Percy Pursglove: trumpet, Wanja Slavin: alto sax, Domenic Landolf: tenor sax, Rainer Böhm: piano, Arne Huber: bass, Jonas Burgwinkel: drums
Modern jazz with expressive influences and strong melodic lines.
Over the past two years, the subtle pianist Rainer Böhm has been working intensively with the polyrhythms and harmonic language of the French composer Olivier Messiaen. He has written the new compositions for his fellow musicians, who do not function as accompanists, but rather use soloistic freedom and fit perfectly into the individual group sound, which is characterized by energy, transparency, interaction and dynamics.
Mo, 20:30 hrs
Big Band Night
Francesca Gaza: conductor, Bastien Rieser, Tobias Schneider, Sebastian Greschuk, Álvaro Ocón: trumpet/flugelhorn, Josh Schofield: alto/soprano saxes, Sara El Hachimi: alto sax/flute, Baptiste Stanek: tenor sax/clarinet, Charley Rose: tenor sax, Charlotte Lang: baritone sax/bass clarinet Alba Esteban: baritone sax, Lucas Wirz, Lukas Reinert: trombone, Fernando Brox: trombone/flute, Yossi Itskovich: bass trombone, Michal Skwierczynski: guitar, Lorenzo Vitolo: piano, Gianni Narduzzi: bass, Marton Juhasz: drums
Big Band Night
The BJO enchants with Christmas songs from around the world.
Whether it’s internationally famous Christmas songs that everyone surely knows or hidden gems, the Basel Jazz Orchestra celebrates Christmas with us as only a big band can: with passion, heart, and without boundaries.
Francesca Gaza: conductor, Bastien Rieser, Tobias Schneider, Sebastian Greschuk, Álvaro Ocón: trumpet/flugelhorn, Josh Schofield: alto/soprano saxes, Sara El Hachimi: alto sax/flute, Baptiste Stanek: tenor sax/clarinet, Charley Rose: tenor sax, Charlotte Lang: baritone sax/bass clarinet Alba Esteban: baritone sax, Lucas Wirz, Lukas Reinert: trombone, Fernando Brox: trombone/flute, Yossi Itskovich: bass trombone, Michal Skwierczynski: guitar, Lorenzo Vitolo: piano, Gianni Narduzzi: bass, Marton Juhasz: drums
Tu, 20:30 hrs
Moritz Renner: trombone, Nils Kugelmann: bass, Valentin Renner: drums
Moritz Renner: trombone, Nils Kugelmann: bass, Valentin Renner: drums
Outstanding trio with emotional, virtuosic playing and a warm sound.
The combination of trombone, bass, and drums is rare in jazz history. Trombonist Moritz Renner, bassist Nils Kugelmann, and drummer Valentin Renner relish the space that opens up without a harmonic instrument, skillfully exploring the interplay of melody and rhythm. Their tight ensemble playing and perfect symbiosis between the freedom of flowing melodies and the precise timing of the rhythm section create a unique soundscape that captivates listeners.
We, 20:30 hrs
Claire Huguenin: vocals, Raphael Rossé: euphonium, Baiju Bhatt: violin, Lucie Göckel: cello, Louis Matute: guitar, Florian Favre: piano
A dreamlike dance of jazz, chamber music, and folklore.
Pianist Florian Favre delicately reinterprets folk songs and melodies with a refined touch. In his project “Idantitâ Revisited”, he reflects on traditions, values, and heritage in a subtle, poetic manner. The band creates deep, wistful soundscapes that bring new life to familiar melodies, transforming them through the collective visions and longings of each musician.
Claire Huguenin: vocals, Raphael Rossé: euphonium, Baiju Bhatt: violin, Lucie Göckel: cello, Louis Matute: guitar, Florian Favre: piano
Th, 20:30 hrs
Tineke Postma: alto sax/keys, Pablo Held: keys/synthesizer, Oliver Lutz: e-bass, Peter Gall: drums
Tineke Postma: alto sax/keys, Pablo Held: keys/synthesizer, Oliver Lutz: e-bass, Peter Gall: drums
An epic fusion of energetic, relaxed, and floating sound.
“RE: CALAMARI” invites listeners into a world full of intense imagery, emotions, and dreams. Compositions by Oliver Lutz and Pablo Held are rooted in nostalgic melodies. Held’s playing shapes the dense aesthetics and intense atmosphere, while Lutz’s broad, anchoring bass lines perfectly frame the scene. Tineke Postma’s saxophone blends seamlessly into the ethereal soundscape, beautifully supported by Peter Gall’s light, buoyant drumming. A relaxing evening, as if time stands still.
Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs
Daniel Nösig: trumpet, Michael Erian: tenor sax, Milan Nikolić: bass, Howard Curtis: drums
A compelling mix of hard bop, free jazz, and folklore.
This group focuses on the powerful interplay between saxophonist Michael Erian and trumpeter Daniel Nösig. To explore the pure sound of these two instruments without harmonic accompaniment, the exceptional bassist Milan Nikolić and the dynamic Howard Curtis form a rhythmic backbone, providing space for the soloists to engage in effortless and assured dialogue. Reduced to trumpet, saxophone, bass, and drums, the simplicity of the band’s sound offers a unique charm.
Daniel Nösig: trumpet, Michael Erian: tenor sax, Milan Nikolić: bass, Howard Curtis: drums
We thank all our guests, sponsors, patrons, and friends for their loyalty, joy, and support. May 2025 bring many beautiful and touching jazz concerts and moments. Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year from the bird’s eye team! Looking forward to seeing you again in 2025!