Hyphen Dash At Satory-Saal

Hyphen Dash
Satory-Saal
12th European Jazz Conference
Cologne, Germany
September 26, 2026

Ukrainian band Hyphen Dash's performance at Cologne's storied Satory-Saal carried a significance that extended well beyond the music. Firstly, it was a reminder that no amount of Russian aggression will bring Ukraine to its knees, and that resistance takes many forms. Secondly, the fact that Hyphen Dash's punchy half-hour showcase set was taking place within the program of the 12th European Jazz Conference—a gathering of 400 jazz professionals from 38 countries—showed that solidarity with Ukraine remains strong. Then there was the historical context: like Miles Davis, who played Satory-Saal in 1971, and Weather Report, who graced the stage here in 1975 and 1983, the Kyiv quartet's fresh and dynamic fusion of influences eludes easy categorization.

Hyphen Dash began life in 2019. Drummer Mykhailo Birchenko has been ever-present, overseeing the band's development through singles, EPs and a live album. Two significant recordings came on Vinyla Records in 2025. Basement 625, born of improvisations by Birchenko and guitarist Yevhen Puhachov, was recorded in a Kramatorsk basement just 15 miles from the front line in Donbas. The tail end of the year brought Late—shortlisted for the Best Jazz Album award in the inaugural Ukrainian Jazz Prize.

While that award went to Hilarious Disasters for Unnatural Root, Hyphen Dash scooped the main prize of Best Ukrainian Jazz Band 2025. An initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, and with the support of the Europe Jazz Network, the recognition saw Hyphen Dash rewarded with a five-date tour of Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. This was the third gig of the short tour. 

From the opening "Hyphelliana," power and grace were the watchwords. Puhachov's bright, lean guitar lines, Dmytro Startsev's spare keyboard daubs and judicious electronic effects, and second keyboardist Polina Maiboroda's gently mazy melodicism contrasted with Birchenko's animated stickwork. The tensions created by distinctive layered rhythms—one defining element of Hyphen Dash's music—also underpinned "Broken," a slow-burning hybrid drawing from neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz-fusion. Here, Puhachov switched to bass guitar, guiding an unhurried funk groove that struggled to assert itself over the drums when Birchenko was stretching out. This imbalance in sound reared its head intermittently throughout the set, although never to the extent that it seriously compromised the performance.

With an eye to the future, Hyphen Dash was road-testing some new material. The swaying rhythms of synth-pop-cum-neo-soul, complete with electronically filtered prerecorded vocals, colored one tune—the sunny levity of the music in stark contrast to the gravity of Birchenko's words that followed it. Referring to the EJC's motto for 2026, "Who We Are, What We Stand For," Birchenko reminded those present that sloganeering is easy. "The reality of our country is that we are answering these questions with blood... "

Whilst some governments' bark is worse than their bite when it comes to condemnation of Russia's invasion and providing practical support to Ukraine, the Europe Jazz Network has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine in the way it knows best—supporting Ukrainian jazz artists. Hyphen Dash's tour has been supported by EJN member organisations, notably the venues Porgy & Bess, Jazzclub Unterfahrt and Bimhuis .

Furthermore,  EJN member organisations from Sweden, France, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy have all partnered with the Ukrainian Institute to help support Ukrainian jazz musicians. This support has taken the form of fund-raising solidarity concerts, international tours for Ukrainian artists, and collaborative concerts and workshops in Ukraine facilitated by EJN organisations. The Europe Jazz Network stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

Switching back to guitar for another new tune, Puhachov's chops flared briefly. Solos, of which there were few, were succinct by design, with more weight accorded collective dynamics and striking changes of gear and intensity, ranging from a blazing drum barrage to solo piano of neo-classical finesse. Dramatic as these shifts were, they unfolded quickly, like musical novellas, resulting in a multilayered fusion that combined the direct messaging and instant appeal of pop music with the complexity of jazz and electronic music.

Afterwards, Maiborada admitted that the musicians themselves are not sure what name to hang on music inspired by electronica, hip-hop, jazz-fusion, electronica and rock. It is precisely this genre-fluid slipperiness, like Miles Davis and Weather Report before them, that makes Hyphen Dash so distinctive.

One thing they are certain of, however, as Birchenko remarked earlier, is what Hyphen Dash stands for: "We stand for justice, truth and the right to live in a peaceful, safe country."