PREMIERES – JAZZAHEAD! 2023

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is German saxophonist and bandleader Daniel Erdmann. With his German-French sextet Thérapie de Couple, he embarks on a free-improv journey filled with dissonances, odd time signatures, and jazz rock passages. Because, in his own words: "Every now and then, the engine of Europe has a marital crisis." In this European ménage à six, Daniel Erdmann (tenor saxophone) is joined by Théo Ceccaldi (violin), Hélène Duret (clarinet), Vincent Courtois (cello), Robert Lucaciu (bass), and Eva Klesse (drums).

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is Belgian-Japanese piano wizard Alex Koo. In his brand new ‘Etudes for Piano’, composed for and commissioned by BOZAR Brussels, he shows how his passion for jazz and classical music merge perfectly, like a marriage between Debussy, Chopin, Reich, and Rachmaninov on the one hand, and Keith Jarrett, Craig Taborn, Brian Eno, and Philip Glass on the other.

Among the ensembles presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is Karja/Renard/Wandinger. As a trio, Estonian pianist Kirke Karja, French bassist Etienne Renard, and German drummer Ludwig Wandinger focus on elements from progressive jazz, free improvisation, and contemporary composition. Unnerving old silent films and broken machines provide inspiration for their music.

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is Polish violinist Amalia “Umeda” Obrębowska with her quartet. The Amalia Umeda Quartet’s sound can be described as a fusion between contemporary, experimental jazz, and traditional Slavic music, which is sure to make an impact on the international music scene.

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is Dutch drummer Felix Schlarmann. To reflect the excitement and variety of the Dutch scene, he has formed a new seven-piece group of contrasting players from different generations. Familiar musicians like saxophonist Ben van Gelder and bassist Pat Cleaver play alongside up-and-coming artists like vocalist Līva Dumpe and Dutch guitarist Olivier van Niekerk. Together they place their footprint on the ever-ending trail towards jazz modernity.

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is Havana-born virtuoso cellist, vocalist and composer Ana Carla Maza. A compelling live performer, Maza draws from son, samba, bossa nova, tango, jazz, and chanson. Invariably, her audiences join in the singing and can sense the unmistakable pure passion of “A tomar café” – a song which Maza dedicates to Miriam Valdés.

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is the Norwegian trio Lav Sol. Their name means ‘Low Sun’, a great inspiration for their improvised music fueled by electronica, hip-hop, and rock.

Among the ensembles presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 is the Dutch AVA Trio. This Groningen-based trio is made up of Italian saxophonist Giuseppe Doronzo, Italian drummer Pino Basile, and Turkish bassist Esat Ekincioglu. Their music combines elements of improvisation, jazz, and music from the Middle East, into a satisfying, concentrated mixture.

Among the artists presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2023 are vocalist Tamara Mózes and keyboardist Zsolt Kaltenecker. After meeting in 2017, they began working on their very own repertoire for keyboards and vocals. "We are basically a jazz chamber music ensemble," says Kaltenecker. "Even the improvised parts are more of a collaborative composition, happening live."