Al Di Meola at the Zelt-Musik-Festival in Freiburg 2023

August 27, 2023

Renowned Italian-American jazz and jazz-rock guitarist Al Di Meola played a fantastic gig at the 2023 Zelt-Musik-Festival (ZMF) in Freiburg. Di Meola was discovered by Chick Corea in the 70ies and has collaborated with luminaries like Stanley Clarke and Lenny White among many others. Together they were part of the Grammy-winning group "Return to Forever“. Di Meola's distinctive style blends rock, jazz, Latin and world music. In 1981, he reached a pinnacle with the classic live album "Friday Night In San Francisco," alongside John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. The performance at the ZMF offered fans a personal journey through Di Meola's life, from prodigious beginnings to fatherhood, friendship, and his enduring passion for The Beatles. It was a retrospective of his 50-year career, which of course included the famous tune Mediterranean Sundance and provided a glimpse into what might be his future musical adventures, earning him standing ovations by an audience of 2000. He was accompanied by two outstanding side men, Sergio Martinez on drums and Peo Alfonsi on guitar.

Al Di Meola with Peo Alfonsi and Sergio Martinez at the ZMF 2023 (shot on Ilford Delta 3200)

Al Di Meola with Peo Alfonsi at the ZMF 2023 (shot on Ilford Delta 3200)

Al Di Meola with Sergio Martinez at the ZMF 2023 (shot on Ilford Delta 3200)

Al Di Meola with Peo Alfonsi at the ZMF 2023

Lady Blackbird - Black Acid Soul at the Stimmen-Festival 2023 … what a voice

August 27, 2023

At the 2023 Stimmen Festival in Lörrach, Lady Blackbird, the stage name of Marley Munroe, made a striking entrance reminiscent of an Afro-futuristic character. Her voice, a true force of nature, took center stage as she began with a cover of Nina Simone’s powerful civil rights anthem „blackbird“ showcasing her deep emotional prowess right from the start. Throughout the performance, she captivated the audience with a mix of covers like Reuben Bell's "It's Not That Easy" and originals like "Woman" which were co-written with her guitarist Chris Seefried. Lady Blackbird's genre-defying style, self-described as "black acid soul" draws comparisons to legends like the above mentioned Nina Simone, Billie Holiday or Amy Winehouse. Her transcendent singing was a testament to her gospel roots and exceptional talent, making it a remarkable evening at the last night of the Stimmen-Festival which celebrates the human voice.

Lady Blackbird with her band - Stimmen Festival 2023

On the recording set for "Roundabout" - by Christian Gutfleisch, Dominik Schürmann, Elmar Frey featuring Hendrik Meurkens

August 27, 2023

Gutfleisch/Schürmann/Frey, a prominent Swiss piano trio formed in 2017, have teamed up with chromatic harmonica and vibraphone virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens for their collaborative album, 'Roundabout,' released on May 26th, 2023. Known for their affinity for swing, hard bop, and modern jazz, the trio has individually shared stages with jazz greats like James Carter, Benny Golson, and Jorge Rossy. Meurkens, celebrated as a leading chromatic harmonica player since Toots Thielemans, found his perfect musical match with the trio's swinging style. 'Roundabout' features 12 original compositions that pay homage to jazz traditions while showcasing their unique individuality, offering a diverse mix of ballads, uptempo tracks, deep swingers, and Latin grooves. The quartet exudes an unpretentious virtuosity and palpable joy, embodying the spirit of American jazz.

The following images were taken at the recording set on May 24, 2022.

Hendrik Meurkens, Dominik Schürmann, Christian Gutfleisch and Elmar Frey (left to right)

If you like to see more of Jazz, check out my featured images in the “Portraits in Jazz” section or individual sessions in the “blog”. Hopefully they inspire you to go to a club near by and experience it all live.

Making of "Moons Ago" by the Dominik Schürmann Trio featuring Max Ionata

August 26, 2023

The CD Moons Ago was recorded in November 2021 in the Hammerstudio in Basel and I was able to document the making of it. The record is a beautiful collection of jazz tunes and very successful. By the summer of 2023, the title track “Moons Ago” has been streamed more than 1 million times on Spotify, it is published by the Jazz-Label „Mons Records“. Below are some images which contributed to the cover art and liner notes, they feature band leader Dominik Schürmann on bass, Yuri Storione on piano, Janis Jaunalksnis on drums and special guest Max Ionata on tenor saxophone.

Janis Jaunalksnis, Yuri Storione, Dominik Schürmann and Max Ionata (left to right)

Herbie Hancock at the Zelt-Musik-Festival Freiburg 2022

August 01, 2022

Herbie Hancock is an icon of jazz. He has won 14 Grammy awards, an Oscar for the soundtrack of “Round Midnight” and countless followers around the globe. At age 82, and spanning a career which is in its 7th decade, he is as vital and modern as ever and continues to amass and amaze large audiences. Having graduated from the Miles Davis Quintet in the 60ies and formed his own band called the Headhunters he continuously explores the possibilities of bringing heritage and new directions in jazz together in a current melting pot of jazz, funk, hip hop and other genres (”Possibilities” is also the title of his highly recommended autobiography).

Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke and Justin Tyson at the ZMF-Freiburg 2022

This years gig at the Zelt Musik Festival (ZMF) in Freiburg was part of his European tour which also brought him to Montreux and Glastonbury. With him on the bandstand was a fantastic ensemble comprised of James Genus (Bass), Lionel Loueke (Guitar / Vocals) and Justin Tyson (Drums). These extraordinary musicians not only represent the journey which Herbie Hancock has undertaken to influence and arrive in the now, but also some of the future of jazz. Unfortunately, master trumpeter Terence Blanchard, while being part of most of the tour, couldn’t join this particular gig, and I am sure Herbie would have loved to also have his close friend and fellow Buddhist Wayne Shorter with him on stage as well. It was a nice gesture that he wished him an early 89th birthday.

– Below are some portraits and impressions taken during this wonderful evening.

Herbie Hancock & Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022

James Genus & Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022

Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke and James Genus – ZMF Freiburg 2022

Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke & Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022

If you like to see more of Jazz, check out my featured images in the “Portraits in Jazz” section or individual sessions in the “blog”. Hopefully they inspire you to go to a club near by and experience it all live.