A festival like no other, bringing together a wide range of musicians and a vibrant mix of artistic influences: Jazzwerkstatt Bern. Exactly ten years ago, I was given the opportunity to invite seven outstanding musicians and wonderful human beings from Switzerland, Germany and the USA to perform with me on this stage in Bern. These are memories I cherish deeply – especially now, as the festival is taking place once again.
Nicole Johänntgen (as/ss), Gregor Frei (ts), Julian Hesse (tp), Lukas Frei (tp), Jörn Marcussen-Wulff (tb), Marc Unternährer (tuba), Martina Berther (b), Matthias Künzli (dr)
For High Striker, we played a set of original pieces, including a composition by my brother Gregor and one by trombonist Jörn. I had met these musicians over the years leading up to the project, yet most of them had never played together before. Bringing them into one room and onto this stage was part of the idea: to create something new out of new human connections. The music that emerged was shaped not only by the written material, but by the trust, curiosity and openness that everyone brought to the moment.
