A hazy, melancholic blend of jazz and electronic music.

Through the lens of their shared musical language, this idiosyncratic, exceptional trio explores a contemplative world of jazz and electronic music bathed in neon colours. Nominated for six awards, the musicians create powerful, fascinating soundscapes with polyphonic melodic lines, dreamy harmonies and precise, multi-layered rhythms. They bounce motifs back and forth like balls and develop them into brilliantly clear solos that immerse the audience in a wistful, beautiful, ethereal universe. Hist og released their latest album, “Hist Highness”, on Bandcamp this summer and have also had vinyl records pressed.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• hist.space

Emotional and multi-layered jazz that goes straight to the heart.

Saxophonist and clarinettist “Sha” enchants with soaring, warm tones that gently transport the listener into mysterious, atmospheric soundscapes, blending both instinctive and structured elements. The Bern-based artist’s solo album ‘Monbijou’ was recorded in the vast hollow interior of the Monbijou bridge pier. It explores the hidden spaces that surround us and the possibility of filling them with sound. Sha brings the interior to life and evokes a quiet, contemplative longing that lingers long afterwards.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.sha-music.ch

As part of his release tour, Björn Meyer is also coming to the bird’s eye with his wonderful solo album.

With his genre-defying sound, Björn Meyer explores the previously unimagined potential of the electric bass and immediately captivates the audience with his delicate melodic lines, crystal-clear touch and wistful harmonies. He creates impressive soundscapes and multi-layered textures, whilst remaining acutely aware of the acoustic space in which the sounds are created – he incorporates it as if it were a band member in its own right, thereby enhancing the magic even further.

• Th, 21:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.bjornmeyer.com

Contemporary jazz ranging from lyrical intimacy to energetic urgency.

The magnificent saxophonist Johannes Enders is also coming to the bird’s eye with his recently released album “Phantom Happiness”. Fragile moments of happiness give way to fleeting moods and erupt into a tension between inner calm and restless movement. Melodic clarity meets open forms; complex rhythms meet spontaneous interaction. Enders’ distinctive, expressive tenor saxophone sound unfolds over Rainer Böhm’s dense harmonies, carried by Doug Weiss’s deep, elastic pulse and Jorge Rossy’s subtle yet powerful rhythmic language.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.johannes-enders.com

An experimental fusion of acoustic and electronic sounds.

Inspired by the improvised sounds of modern jazz and the tradition of Cuban bata drums, Noé Tavelli and his quartet create an exhilarating, forward-looking musical universe in which the four voices are in constant dialogue. A thrilling combination of two leading figures from the New York scene (Ohad Talmor and Eric McPherson) and two Swiss talents (Fabien Iannone and Noé Tavelli), blending acoustic and electronic instruments, jazz and Bembé traditions, as well as composition and improvisation.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.noetavelli.com

It is always a great pleasure for us to present a selected final-year project from the Bachelor’s programme at the Basel University of Music, Institute of Jazz, FHNW on our stage.

This time, it is saxophonist Cole Palensky’s project. He will be presenting music from his two forthcoming albums, whose sound ranges from jazz to contemporary pop. His first album, “i”, features impressive instrumental melodies in the style of the modern jazz fusion, whilst “i2”, featuring Cole’s own lyrics, leans more towards folk, rock and pop.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

Jazz with a touch of melancholy and South African roots.

With his top-class quartet, the South African guitarist presents his latest compositions, weaving together improvisation, ballads and groove with a touch of nostalgia. In Domenic Landolf, Raphael Walser and Jonas Ruther, Ahrends has brought three kindred spirits on board who are perfectly capable of bringing his ideas to life. We can look forward to a musical experience that is as energetic as it is sensitive and emotional.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

A brilliant, innovative fusion of experimental post-rock, jazz and electronic music.

Over the years, the Melt Trio has continually refined its distinctive style and now sounds more subtle yet more powerful than ever. Melt embodies the idea and vision of creating new music together: the band members connect, merge, glow and dynamically bring together energy, flow and movement, allowing the creative ideas they have developed together to shine. The sound of the Melt Trio captivates with its expansive textures, enchanting melodies and sounds, complex harmonies and rhythmic subtleties, leaving the audience in awe and lost in reverie. Their new album “Pleasure” has just been released on Fun In The Church.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.moritzbaumgaertner.de

An enchanting evening of rich orchestral sound.

The local big band never fails to delight the bird’s-eye audience with its nuanced, beautiful music. This creative hub for musicians and composers from Basel presents an elegant, multifaceted big-band sound, contemporary jazz and a touch of international flair. From time to time, the band invites a guest – on this evening, they will showcase their own concentrated creative energy with new compositions as well as further developed pieces.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.baseljazzorchestra.com

• Fr, 16:00 hrs ❘ Museum Tinguely

• Details

Captivating Latin jazz with influences from neo-soul, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and modern pop.

The award-winning Afro-Cuban singer Daymé Arocena is a powerful, charismatic voice on the contemporary Latin pop and jazz scene. Her warm, soulful voice immediately captures your attention and captivates with dynamic phrasing that is strongly influenced by her Afro-Cuban roots. Her virtuoso scat singing, very much in the tradition of jazz improvisation, is just as impressive as her broad, drawn-out legato notes, on which the soul can find rest. She pays tribute to the roots and ongoing evolution of Latin jazz, whilst at the same time delighting audiences with her openness and sensitivity to contemporary forms of music.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

Contemporary, expressive jazz from the Big Apple.

The Italian saxophonist Nicola Caminiti now lives in the USA and is breathing new life into the New York jazz scene with his inspiring sound. His debut album “Vivid Tales of a Blurry Self-Portrait” impresses with its dynamic, harmonic openness and sophisticated, contrapuntal ideas. In the higher registers, his tone is clear, smooth and never intrusive; he phrases playfully and with ease, even when his temperament flares up with virtuoso, technically accomplished runs. Pianist Lex Korten complements him perfectly with dense, complex chords; Ben Tiberio provides the right impulses on bass with precision and resonance; and drummer Miguel Russell captivates with an intuitive lightness, coupled with rhythmically complex bursts.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.nicolacaminiti.com

A lyrical fusion of jazz, Arabic soundscapes and contemporary improvised music.

MASAAs’ latest album, “Terre Humaine”, was written by all four musicians and explores the theme of humanity in an era of growing social polarisation. Their sound branches out in various directions: at times minimalist, at times driving and danceable, always underpinned by spontaneous interaction and an atmosphere of gentle yet beautiful melancholy. Rabih Lahoud’s warm, wistful, resonant voice beautifully complements and contrasts with Marcus Rust’s ethereal, gentle trumpet and flugelhorn. Reentko Dirks uses his double-neck guitar to create rich, partly oriental chords, which further heighten the intensity and inner urgency. Demian Kappenstein on drums and percussion lends the whole thing the necessary spice with his rousing yet subtle beats.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.masaa-music.de

A graceful blend of jazz and Afro-Cuban elements.

As part of her “Flying High Above” release tour, the Azerbaijani pianist will also be performing at the bird’s eye. On her new album, she elegantly combines the multifaceted rhythmic diversity of Afro-Cuban music with the drive of the Big Apple. Bart Platteau’s flute notes flow lightly and nimbly through the harmonies, whilst Alex Sipiagin counters with melodic, versatile solos on his distinctive trumpet. Saxophonist Stephane Guillaume also impresses with wide-ranging, sophisticated improvisations. Figarova captivates with her lyrical, melodious piano, subtly weaving contrasting, vibrant colours with delicate textures. With Josh Ginsburg’s grooving bass and Rudy Royston’s rousing drums, the band creates a vibrant, springy foundation of driving beats, upon which the soloists unfold and blossom poetically and beautifully.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.aminafigarova.com

Cross-genre avant-garde with a playful lightness.

On his new album “Four Freedoms”, the innovative trumpeter Dave Douglas transforms President Roosevelt’s 1941 speech of the same name into captivating, contemporary music. The band serves as an analogy for a functioning society: four distinct voices that coexist, engage in dialogue with one another and create something new through improvisation. The project is a rousing tribute to freedom and the spirit of collaboration. Douglas’s versatile, adaptable tone captivates from the very first moment. He leads the melody with precision, playing with an airy, full-bodied quality and a rather introverted tone. He balances this deliberate understatement in his expression with lyrical, virtuosic solos, magnificently complemented by Marta Wareli’s nimble, percussive piano playing, which provides challenging impulses. Nick Dunston drives the music forward with a groovy beat and navigates changes in rhythm with confidence. Joey Baron is much more than just a timekeeper and underpins the multi-layered fusion sound with nuanced, swinging beats.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.davedouglas.com

A fascinating blend of jazz, diverse musical influences and modern sound synthesis.

In a glacial cave, a drop falls into the water. The journey begins. Through wild mountain streams, tranquil lakes and mystical meadows, the band led by Bern-based Matthias Wenger lets itself be carried along by the water. His new project weaves folk songs with industrial blues, tells a tale of a romance from the Lorelei and evokes a night spent dancing beneath a city’s bridge. Finally, screeching seagulls in the vast harbour point the way to the open sea. In “Floating Island”, a sound emerges that plays with the water without sinking into it. Wenger’s orchestration surprises with warm tones and musical humour. He discreetly weaves echoes of folk music and electronic sounds into his songs, whilst deliberately leaving his band enough space for spirited improvisation. At the same time, “Floating Island” literally makes water vibrate and resonate, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in these soundscapes without getting wet. You can look forward to a special audiovisual experience!

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.matthiaswenger.com

Contemporary avant-garde jazz with a political message.

Saxophonist Phillip Dornbusch explores on his third album “Revolt” protest songs that symbolise the struggle for freedom. He reworks and reinterprets musical elements from songs, most of which originate from Iran and Estonia. A dreamlike yet assured energy flows through Dornbusch’s solemn melodies and themes, veering off course and returning to allow another instrument, another idea, another timbre to come to the fore. The musicians’ interaction is intuitive and precisely attuned to one another, allowing the music to unfold freely whilst retaining the song’s structure. Phillip Dornbusch’s compositions draw only on small musical traces from the original pieces – a structure, a rhythm, a melodic fragment – and then transform these into his own music. This very open reference prevents the pathos that might have arisen if privileged people were to pretend that these struggles were their own. The music on “Revolt“ is not an act of appropriation, but a heartfelt tribute to those fighting against oppression.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.phillipdornbusch.com

Atmospheric ambient music blending jazz, Brazilian music and hip-hop.

Sun Ark’s genre-defying sound is full of soul and soft, moving tones: against a rich, colourful yet wistful orchestral backdrop, bandleader Johannes Mann weaves delicate melodies and takes turns with Ketija Ringa Karahona’s dreamy yet complex solos. Asger Nissen captivates the listener with light, caressing improvisations on the saxophone on the one hand, and with funky impulses and virtuoso runs on the synthesiser on the other. Thorbjörn Stefansson intensifies the atmosphere of groove and contemplation with his rich bass, whilst Johannes Koch provides the perfect rhythmic foundation upon which the band can experiment within their soundscape. Sun Ark’s debut album “Xjazz!”, released on Music Berlin, transports you to a sunny, spring-like universe that, glowing red like the setting sun over the sea, spans an experimental arc. Open your heart, close your eyes and savour this deep, effervescent peace!

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• www.jojo-mann.bandcamp.com/album/sun-ark

The BJO is bringing the Christmas spirit to bird’s eye – this time for young and old alike.

Our Basel Big Band is set to create a proper, festive Christmas atmosphere no less than twice this year! At 5 pm, they’ll first be playing a late-afternoon concert with a family-friendly programme, so that younger fans and their carers can also enjoy the festive atmosphere without any stress. Insider tip – if you haven’t had your fill after this concert, you can simply come back in three hours for the regular Christmas concert.

• Th, 17:00 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• baseljazzorchestra.com

The BJO brings the Christmas spirit to bird’s eye – this time for the younger and older ones.

The Basel Jazz Orchestra celebrates Christmas even twice with us with heart, charm and verve. Whether it’s internationally famous, newly arranged Christmas songs, which the musicians give a jazz twist to gently and with a sure-footed balance between nostalgia and kitsch, or lesser-known gems from various cultures, dressed in rich harmonies – after this concert, we’re sure to dream of a white Christmas and a Silent Night. Insider tip – if you have not gotten enough, then come 3 hours later to the main Christmas concert.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 16.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

• baseljazzorchestra.com

For several years now, it has been a tradition at bird’s eye to let the team choose the last band of the year.

This time it’s going to be really exciting – at the time of going to press, it wasn’t yet clear who would be playing. So we can look forward to the surprise of finding out who will be the last to take to the stage this year. But one thing is already clear – this early Christmas present for the team and the audience will be a magnificent, spectacular finale to the year.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 14.– / 10.–

• Add to agenda |  Share

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests, sponsors, patrons and friends for your loyalty, enthusiasm and support.

May 2027 bring many wonderful jazz concerts and moments.

The bird’s-eye team wishes you a merry and cosy festive season and a happy and contented New Year.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2027!