A captivating homage to Mani Planzer.

Mani Planzer, a relatively unknown musician and composer, significantly shaped the cultural landscape of Central Switzerland. In MetaLogue, vocalist Nina Reiter brings Planzer’s music into the present, leaving space for a free, articulated, and occasionally avant-garde exchange that transcends mainstream and musical genres. Her lyrics reflect Planzer’s pioneering spirit in merging jazz with poetry.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.nina-reiter.com

Modern jazz with expressive influences and strong melodic lines.

Over the past two years, the subtle pianist Rainer Böhm has been working intensively with the polyrhythms and harmonic language of the French composer Olivier Messiaen. He has written the new compositions for his fellow musicians, who do not function as accompanists, but rather use soloistic freedom and fit perfectly into the individual group sound, which is characterized by energy, transparency, interaction and dynamics.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.rainerboehm.de

The BJO enchants with Christmas songs from around the world.

Whether it’s internationally famous Christmas songs that everyone surely knows or hidden gems, the Basel Jazz Orchestra celebrates Christmas with us as only a big band can: with passion, heart, and without boundaries.

• Mo, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.baseljazzorchestra.com

Outstanding trio with emotional, virtuosic playing and a warm sound.

The combination of trombone, bass, and drums is rare in jazz history. Trombonist Moritz Renner, bassist Nils Kugelmann, and drummer Valentin Renner relish the space that opens up without a harmonic instrument, skillfully exploring the interplay of melody and rhythm. Their tight ensemble playing and perfect symbiosis between the freedom of flowing melodies and the precise timing of the rhythm section create a unique soundscape that captivates listeners.

• Tu, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.moritzrenner.com

A dreamlike dance of jazz, chamber music, and folklore.

Pianist Florian Favre delicately reinterprets folk songs and melodies with a refined touch. In his project “Idantitâ Revisited”, he reflects on traditions, values, and heritage in a subtle, poetic manner. The band creates deep, wistful soundscapes that bring new life to familiar melodies, transforming them through the collective visions and longings of each musician.

• We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.florianfavre.com

An epic fusion of energetic, relaxed, and floating sound.

“RE: CALAMARI” invites listeners into a world full of intense imagery, emotions, and dreams. Compositions by Oliver Lutz and Pablo Held are rooted in nostalgic melodies. Held’s playing shapes the dense aesthetics and intense atmosphere, while Lutz’s broad, anchoring bass lines perfectly frame the scene. Tineke Postma’s saxophone blends seamlessly into the ethereal soundscape, beautifully supported by Peter Gall’s light, buoyant drumming. A relaxing evening, as if time stands still.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.oliver-lutz.com

A compelling mix of hard bop, free jazz, and folklore.

This group focuses on the powerful interplay between saxophonist Michael Erian and trumpeter Daniel Nösig. To explore the pure sound of these two instruments without harmonic accompaniment, the exceptional bassist Milan Nikolić and the dynamic Howard Curtis form a rhythmic backbone, providing space for the soloists to engage in effortless and assured dialogue. Reduced to trumpet, saxophone, bass, and drums, the simplicity of the band’s sound offers a unique charm.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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We thank all our guests, sponsors, patrons, and friends for their loyalty, joy, and support. May 2025 bring many beautiful and touching jazz concerts and moments. Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year from the bird’s eye team! Looking forward to seeing you again in 2025!

Simple, captivating songs that enchant.

The intricately woven, folk-inspired melodies of pianist Biel Harper are beautifully complemented by the earthy and lyrical trumpet of Álvaro Ocón. Tabea Kind enhances the intensity with her sonorous bass, which she uses to thoughtfully counterpoint, while Lucas Zibulski provides the grooving backbone of this minimalist yet rich sonic tapestry as an equal partner. This is music that gives the band room to shine individually and the audience space to listen more deeply.

• Tu, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.loumirecords.com/tabea-kind

Pulsating creation in the moment.

“Recent”, the new trio by Fabian Dudek, is dedicated to unfiltered contrasts. Together with London-based bassist Ruth Goller and New York drummer Kate Gentile, the dynamic saxophonist and flutist from Cologne seeks simplicity, creating a counterpoint to his earlier music, which often explored complex musical structures. Dudek merely offers moods, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies, leaving their evolution to the discretion of the musicians and the energy of the moment. The band perceives, interprets, disregards, and processes all at once with captivating dedication.

• We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.fabiandudek.de

A magical journey into the dreamworld of Ukrainian lullabies.

At the pre-release concert of her new album “Kolysanky”, the singer, with her warm and delicate voice, draws on one of the oldest traditions of Ukrainian folk culture. She delves into the mysterious myths and legends of sleep, infusing her music with a mystical and spiritual quality. The soundscape, ranging from dynamically grooving passages to the gentle tones of folk ballads, is framed by a contemporary jazz language that is both soothing and thought-provoking.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.leleka.de

Multifaceted, energetic modern jazz.

In 1998, the versatile bassist Rosario Bonaccorso shared the stage for the first time with the well-known Genoese pianist Dado Moroni—back then at Elsässerstrasse. Bonaccorso even captivated us eight years ago with his own project. Now, these familiar musical companions reunite as a trio with the dynamic drummer Alessandro Minetto. Together, they deliver a powerful performance marked by distinctive playing, refined dynamics, and expressive intensity.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.rosariobonaccorso.com

Heartwarming encounter between jazz and traditional Brazilian music.

Oliver Pellet embraces the melodies and spirit of his Brazilian heritage with great sensitivity, seamlessly blending them with his experience in modern jazz. In his beautifully flowing, vibrant music, he reflects on the silence and uncertainty of the pandemic era during which he envisioned our planet as a living being in full bloom. “Aufblühen” is a collection of Pellet’s reflections and emotions, both touching and uplifting.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.oliverpellet.com
  www.seamusblake.com

We are delighted to – once again – present a selected final project from the Master's program in Jazz at the Basel University of Music.

This time, it is the marvelous Jazz Orchestra led by trombonist Moritz Renner. With his organic compositions, he brilliantly fuses various genres, creating an innovative blend that breathes new life into the traditional big band format. Strongly inspired by visionaries Igor Stravinsky and Olivier Messiaen, he subtly pushes the boundaries of style and influence, crafting a contemporary, rich, and multi-layered sound that captivates, surprises, and deeply moves.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.moritzrenner.com
  www.jazzcampus.com

A vibrant tribute to Brazilian musician João Donato.

Donato is a towering figure in Brazilian pop music and a key influencer of Samba Jazz. On his new album “Do Nato Samba Jazz”, bassist Eduardo Machado explores the dazzling richness and diversity of this Brazilian instrumental music. The captivating blend of Samba with the harmonies of Bossa Nova, bluesy melodies, and a touch of Caribbean music—infused with the sensibility of contemporary jazz—creates a fascinating and gripping listening experience.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.eduardo-machado.com

A genre-defying, dynamic journey of contrasts and symbiotic freedom.

Bassist Florian Herzog’s album “Almost Natural” is a playful exploration in a shimmering musical labyrinth, which he views as a place of escape where both the audience and the band can simultaneously lose and rediscover themselves. Between hyperactivity and relaxation, commitment and freedom, synthetic and organic, the musicians push their musical boundaries and joyfully dismantle all conventions.

• Tu, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.florianherzog.info

Pulsating, flowing minimal jazz with rocky and atmospheric elements.

On their current tour, the quintet presents their latest album, “Kinema”. With immense joy of playing and a delicate touch, drummer Manuel Pasquinelli’s band celebrates the allure of repetition and its hypnotic effect. Through subtle movements and suspended moments without rhythm, they stretch space and time. A fascinating dive into unfathomable depths, allowing the audience to sink into beautiful daydreams and drift through waves of sound and imagery. Live visuals further enhance this musical deep-sea expedition.

• We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.akkuquintet.com

Vibrant jazz with folkloric influences from around the world.

The Fernando Brox Quintet’s new album, “From Within”, draws from a variety of sources: flamenco, West African rhythms, American folk, and Cuban rumba, to name just a few. The result is an eclectic, effervescent, and versatile music that effortlessly bridges the gap between classical and popular traditions. Though sophisticated, it warmly invites the audience to share in the vibrant energy created during the performance and to revel in its lively atmosphere.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.fernandobrox.com

The Baschnagel Group celebrates its 10th anniversary and introduces its new album, “Luna Submarina”.

Drummer Pius Baschnagel impresses with a distinctive sound that crafts deep emotions with a grand sweep, committed to the pursuit of magical moments. His music, honed over the past decade, exudes a resonant depth that moves the listener. Firmly rooted in the tradition of modern jazz, the band creates a rich, warm sonic landscape filled with captivating jazz structures — at times expressive and driving, at others contemplative and melancholic. Beautiful themes and fluid compositions promise an evening of pure delight.

• Fr, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.piusbaschnagel.com

A lyrical fusion of jazz and classical music.

In his new project, “Concerto for Piano and Universo”, versatile pianist Alec Orea brings together a wealth of influences: the vibrant interplay of his Brazilian roots, inspirations from Europe, India, and the USA, as well as his deep love for classical music and jazz improvisation. The result is a dazzling masterpiece. Alternating between solo piano performances and a symbiotic fusion with his quintet, Orea combines structural variety with a dynamic, pulsating energy.

• Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.alecjazzpiano.com

Jazz infused with pop and film music at its finest.

Saxophonist Alex Hendriksen has a unique talent for reimagining catchy pop songs, lush film melodies, and groovy tracks that step beyond the usual jazz standards. With a fresh approach, he enriches them with jazzy harmonies and improvisations. Subtle Simone Bollini on piano, versatile Fabian Gisler on bass, and smooth Samuel Dühsler on drums provide the rhythmic foundation for captivating melodies and vibrant harmonies. Lights off, ears open — let the cinematic soundscapes begin.

• Tu and We, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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Sinking into dreamscapes with poetic jazz.

With her debut album “The Journey”, rising saxophonist Charlotte Lang takes the audience on a voyage that transcends geographic boundaries and delves deep into her emotional world. From powerful, stirring pieces to delicate, introspective melodies, Lang captivates with her smooth, rich tone, whether on saxophones or bass clarinet. Groovy rhythms create a buoyant sonic tapestry, providing the perfect foundation for soloists to unfold their artistry—both soothing and challenging in equal measure.

• Th, 20:30 hrs

• One-time entrance fee CHF 14.– / 8.–

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• www.charlottelang.com

An intelligent fusion of hip-hop, electronica, and jazz.

When Otis Sandsjö — the initiator and mastermind behind the band Y-OTIS — moved from his native Sweden to Berlin, he brought with him his groundbreaking, genre-defying “Liquid-Jazz”. Also referred to as “Audio Mosaic” sound, this style seamlessly weaves micro-moods from diverse genres into jazz, creating a complex sonic tapestry. Sandsjö's hypnotic saxophone riffs, striking melodies, and flowing beats converge into a highly personal, fragmented style.

• Fr and Sa, 20:30 hrs

• Entrance fee per set CHF 12.– / 8.–

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• www.otissandsjo.com