SEPTEMBER PREMIERES

Jazz à Vienne is one of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals. Ever since 1981, it has attracted a mix of jazz legends and exciting newcomers, with many of them playing return engagements. Each year welcomes outstanding international stars to the historical Le Théâtre Antique to impress and inspire their audiences. In 2017, French pianist Laurent de Wilde performed his tribute to jazz icon Thelonious Monk at Jazz à Vienne. Alongside bassist Jérôme Regard and drummer Donald Kontomanou, De Wilde gives a respectful and engaging homage built upon 20 years of study.

American jazz saxophonist and two-time Grammy nominee Bill Evans plays at the legendary Parisian nightclub New Morning with Wolfgang Haffner (drums), Gary Grainger (bass) and Simon Oslender (keys), collectively known as The Spykillers. Naturally, a Bill Evans concert would not be complete without the song ‘Jean Pierre’, a French nursery song Evans recorded during his tenure with Miles Davis’s band in the 1980s. Evans shares his recollections of how Miles Davis came to play this song. Enjoy this 2019 recording of Bill Evans & The Spykillers at New Morning in Paris!

Join us for an insightful look at the creative process of saxophonist Michael Blicher, organist Dan Hemmer, and drummer Steve Gadd as they craft the repertoire for their acclaimed 2016 album "Omara." Following in the footsteps of legendary organists like Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott, and Jimmy McGriff, organist Dan Hemmer and his two musical peers prove that the organ trio format continues to be a force to be reckoned with in jazz and beyond. The album “Omara,” recorded live during their 2016 tour of Germany, England and Denmark, captures the trio’s unique blend of jazz, soul, and blues in performance at some of Europe’s most intimate jazz clubs. Witness the passion, dedication, and inspiration that led to this wonderful album in ‘Blicher Hemmer Gadd – The Making of “Omara”’.

The Hugo Fernandez Quintet appeared at the renowned Greve Studio in Berlin in October 2022. Fortunately for those who could not attend the event, it was captured on video. The ensemble's unique blend of contemporary jazz infused with the vibrant sounds of New Orleans will transport you to the heart of the Crescent City. Mexican guitarist and arranger Hugo Fernandez, who is known for his full-bodied, rich sound, is joined by Thomas Hähnlein on tenor and soprano saxophones, Marleen Dahms on trombone, Max Leiß on double bass, and Mathias Ruppnig on drums. You won’t want to miss this exciting musical journey!