Articles by Matty Bannond
The German Jazz Prize: Efficiency, Attitude And 22 Triangles
by Matty Bannond
Silver triangles flashed beneath pastel-toned stage lights at the German Jazz Awards in north-west Germany on June 13. The three-sided trophies got pressed into the clammy hands of winning artists and projects in 22 categories. It was a snappy-paced evening, where a heap of equilateral gongs got handed out within just three hours--alongside three live performances and a meandering speech from the Mayor of Cologne. Now that is German efficiency. This year's event marked the fifth edition of ...
Continue ReadingEmma Rawicz Quartet At Alter Schlachthof
by Matty Bannond
Emma Rawicz Quartet Alter Schlachthof Eupen, Belgium May 14, 2025 Foaming streams of clotted blood surged over the concrete floor of the Alter Schlachthof Eupen for almost a hundred years. Now, amber beer gushes into wide-bottomed goblets and catches the last sparkles of daylight as the sun sinks below large windows that line one external wall. Four young Europeans are getting into full flow on the purple-lit stage at this spotless modern venue.
Continue ReadingBlind Io At LOFT, Cologne
by Matty Bannond
Blind Io LOFT Cologne, Germany March 17, 2025 It is early evening in Cologne and the fragile springtime sunlight has vanished. Cold, dry air clings to lungs and scratches windpipes as audience members climb four flights of stairs to LOFT. Inside this dusty post-industrial venue, the windows are shut and invisible particles between the 25 attendees are stuck in place, motionless. But not for long. Four members of Blind Io shuffle into the ...
Continue ReadingPatricia Brennan at The Jazz Gallery
by Matty Bannond
Patricia Brennan The Jazz Gallery New York, NYDecember 6, 2024 One string quartet, a grand piano, a double bass and a drum kit were squished onto the cozy stage at The Jazz Gallery, but vibraphonist Patricia Brennan still had enough room to boogie. Even in Midtown Manhattan, where every square inch carries a hefty premium, there was space for movement behind the bandleader's hardware. And there were movements about space, too. “Suite of ...
Continue ReadingNduduzo Makhathini At The Philharmonie
by Matty Bannond
Nduduzo Makhathini The Philharmonie Cologne, Germany November 23, 2024 In the South African district of uMgungundlovu, November is a late-spring month of flipflops and chilled drinks. But icy wind was howling against gloved hands and mugs of hot Glühwein in Cologne on this November evening. The city in northwest Germany welcomed pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini to perform in its Kölner Philharmonie concert hall. It was a night of stark ...
Continue ReadingDenis Gäbel: A Deeper Meaning
by Matty Bannond
This year, the hr-Bigband welcomes star guests including Nils Landgren, Camille Thurman and John Beasley. It also welcomes a new lead tenor saxophonist: Denis Gäbel. In an interview with All About Jazz, he shares his thoughts about playing with this historic and highly-regarded German big band. Denis Gäbel grew up in a showbiz family. His brother Colin is a TV presenter and his brother Tom is a singer--but it was his saxophone-playing mother who inspired him to try ...
Continue ReadingThe Jazzattack Series in Krefeld
by Matty Bannond
Stefan Rademacher, Hugo Read, Martin Sasse and Michael Küttner Jazzkeller Krefeld Krefeld, Germany March 3, 2022 Most jazz clubs have one seat or table that causes conflict. Patrons arrive early, hoping to grab this cozy corner. Other audience members glare green-eyed at that serene sweet-spot. In the Jazzkeller Krefeld, however, no such problems exist. In this murky cave in northwest Germany, every seat is tucked away. Everybody is blanketed by shadow. Attending a concert in ...
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