“A must for all who want to feel and enjoy the essence of sounds” (Jazz ‘n’ more)
For years the Soulcrane Quartet has been synonymous with atmospherically dense chamber jazz at the highest level. The Cologne-based formation centred around trumpeter Matthias Schwengler illustrates just how haunting quiet sounds in particular can be. This musical intimacy is of course perfect for the headphone format of the Lake stage! The Soulcrane Quartet brilliantly manages to combine a retro feel with new approaches. The sometimes soulful and sentimental, sometimes harmonically complex original compositions have a warm sound that radiates relaxation and inner peace, yet is also lively and spirited. The four outstanding musicians from the Cologne jazz scene play together as equals and leave room for their respective voices. The quartet has released three albums to date.
Trumpeter Matthias Schwengler studied at various European music academies, leads a number of his own combos in Cologne and is a member of the Subway Jazz Orchestra, among others. He has played in the WDR Big Band, the East West European Jazz Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Jazz Orchestra and has worked with musicians such as Tom Harrell, Jeff Hamilton, Don Menza, Jerry Bergonzi and Peter Herbolzheimer. Guitarist Philipp Brämswig is a very active and sought-after member of the Cologne and national jazz scene. He is a member of the Subway Jazz Orchestra, the Mengamo Trio and the Kiki Manders Band, among others. He has played concerts with the WDR Big Band, Charlie Mariano, Nils Wogram, Candy Dulfer and many more. Reza Askari studied electric jazz bass and double bass at the Cologne University of Music and Dance. He has played at festivals and clubs with artists such as Marc Ducret, Lee Konitz, Peter Herbolzheimer, Max Herre, Clueso, Sophie Hunger, Max Mutzke, Götz Alsmann and Carolin Kebekus and has toured internationally with various line-ups. He has been Professor of jazz bass at the Würzburg University of Music since October 2023. Saxophonist and composer Lennart Allkemper was a permanent member of the NRW Youth Jazz Orchestra and the BuJazzO, the official youth jazz orchestra of the Federal Republic of Germany, for many years. He graduated from the Cologne University of Music and Dance with top marks. Allkemper is not only at home in jazz, but has also become a permanent fixture in pop music. He has already toured with Die Fantastischen Vier, played with Nina Chuba at the 1Live Krone award ceremony and is a regular guest on TV productions such as TV Total and ZDF Magazin Royal.
– – –
– – –
What the press says:
“The outstanding musicians play everything with an ease, as if there was no hard rehearsal work behind it.” (nrwjazz.net)
“A top-class formation from the lively jazz scene in the cathedral city of Cologne” (Volksfreund)
“Music for the soul” (Mindener Tageblatt)
– – –
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of NRW
Matthias Schwengler: trumpet
Ben Fitzpatrick: saxophone
Reza Askari: bass
Philipp Brämswig: guitar
