I recently had the privilege of conducting an extensive interview with Daniel Dettwiler, one of Europe’s leading recording engineers specializing in jazz. What was initially planned as a one-hour conversation evolved into a comprehensive discussion spanning several hours over two days. Our dialogue covered a wide range of topics highly relevant to musicians, occasionally delving into technical aspects that enthusiasts will find particularly informative and inspiring. Given the interview’s length and depth, I’ve decided to present it in two parts. This article features the first instalment, wi ..read more

Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene has been capturing well-deserved attention from across the UK, with the rise of artists like Fergus McCreadie, Georgia Cécile, and Matt Carmichael. Drawing on Scotland’s rich folk tradition, Ayrshire drummer and composer Stephen Henderson has made his imprint on the national dialogue with the debut release from his quintet ‘Modern Vikings,’ titled ‘Tales of the Skald.’ Born and raised in the rural South-West, Henderson comes from a musical family, taking his first steps into drumming at age 9 when he played snare drum in his local pipe band. Most famously known f ..read more

The piano is the focus of this year’s Dobršská brána International Music Festival, with European artists or groups from at least seven countries represented in a weekend of first-rate concerts, ten altogether. While the focus on piano may immediately conjure the likes of Keith Jarrett or Thelonious Monk, the selection of artists this year is a broader or more progressive one with some “pianists” who defy musical categorizations due to most imaginative and subtle incorporations of hi-tech and electronica. This is mostly the case with Swiss pianist, composer and record producer Nik Bärtsch with ..read more

A previously unreleased live guitar duo recording with Jim Hall leads Dublin-based Livia Records’ latest set of albums featuring Irish virtuoso, Louis Stewart. The Dublin Concert was recorded in 1982 after Hall got in touch with Stewart to say he was in Ireland on holiday and asked if they could play a gig. The recording lay in the Livia vaults until two years ago, when Dermot Rogers, a Dublin radio presenter and Stewart devotee, acquired permission to reactivate the label. Livia had been founded in 1977 specifically to release Stewart’s recordings and had been inactive since the death of its ..read more

Trinbagonian trumpeter, composer, and arranger Etienne Charles is poised to release his latest album, “Creole Orchestra,” on September 14, 2024, throughout Europe. The album, to be released on Charles’s own Culture Shock imprint, marks a significant step in his career showcasing his prowess as a large-ensemble arranger ..read more

The Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop, now in its 54th year, continues to be a cornerstone of jazz education in Europe. Set against the backdrop of Siena’s historic Fortezza Medicea, this annual event brings together aspiring musicians from around the world for an intensive two-week program of study and performance. Established in 1977, the workshop has evolved from its Italian roots to become a truly international affair. Since the 1990s, the program has embraced a global outlook, attracting students and faculty from across the globe. This international focus has been a key factor in ..read more

UPDATE: The crowdfunding campaign to finance a new documentary film about Keith Jarrett’s legendary 1975 Köln Concert has reached an incredible milestone, raising over 75% of its target with just 19 days remaining! I’ve personally been following this project closely and am thrilled by the support from the global jazz community. At Jazz In Europe firmly believe this is a vital piece of music history that deserves to be comprehensively chronicled on film. With your continued support over this final stretch, the filmmakers can ensure they have the resources to properly document Jarrett’s ge ..read more

Altus, a quintet comprising trumpeter Dave Adewumi, bassist Isaac Levien, saxophonists Nathan Reising and Neta Raanan, and drummer Ryan Sands, has embarked on a remarkable musical odyssey with their debut album “Mythos.” Released on the esteemed Biophilia Records label, founded by acclaimed pianist Fabian Almazan, this nine-track offering is a captivating exploration of the Greek myth of Prometheus and the Yoruba myth of Oludumare. At the core of “Mythos” lies a profound interweaving of two ancient myths, each rich in symbolism and resonance. The Greek tale of Prometheus, the Titan who defied ..read more

German pianist Rene Kroemer’s latest release, “No One Here,” is set to make its full debut on October 11, 2024, through the German label Mons Records. In an innovative approach to album release, particularly for the jazz genre, Kroemer has opted to unveil the album track by track on streaming platforms, beginning May 24, 2024. This strategy, while unconventional, aligns well with contemporary music consumption habits on digital platforms ..read more

Wayne Shorter is a name that resonates deeply within the jazz community. His journey and particularly his association with Blue Note Records, is a tale of innovation, creativity, and lasting impact. This narrative explores Shorter’s remarkable career, focusing on his transformative years with Blue Note and the enduring legacy of his work. Wayne Shorter’s ascent to jazz stardom began in 1959 when he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. At just 26 years old, Shorter brought a fresh, inventive energy to the group. His tenure with the Jazz Messengers was marked by a series of compositions that wo ..read more