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Mathias Ruppnig

Austrian drummer and composer Mathias Ruppnig is an indemand musician of the european jazz scene. With his own projects he tours Europe and Asia regularly.

As a leader and composer he released six records on well established labels such as british based Whirlwind Recordings.

Since 2014 he is based in Berlin, Germany.

He collaborated with musicians like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jim Rotondi, Ben van Gelder, Charles Altura, Jeremy Pelt, China Moses or Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy).

Following his critically acclaimed albums square and The Spinning, Austrian drummer and composer Mathias Ruppnig returns with his third studio album, FOAM.

From the very beginning, this project was built around a clear vision: a band of trusted collaborators, each of them not only exceptional musicians but also deeply admired human beings. Long before the first note was written, Ruppnig had the lineup in mind – knowing that these artists would bring his compositions to life with authenticity, depth, and shared purpose.

FOAM is a celebration of collective expression, musical trust, and the pursuit of one unified band sound. A blend of intricate compositions, dynamic interplay, and deep musical storytelling, FOAM promises to push creative boundaries while staying true to Ruppnig’s signature sound.

Gear

Mathias Ruppnig plays Canopus Drums and Paiste Cymbals

Mathias Ruppnig: FOAM (feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel)

Read "FOAM (feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel)" reviewed by Blue Summers

by Blue Summers
June 7, 2026

There is a long tradition of excellent European jazz composers, and a more recent addition to that list is Austrian drummer and composer Mathias Ruppnig. Ruppnig has a strong academic background in drumming and composing, and this is evident in the sophistication of the compositions and arrangements. But the presence of American guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel adds a bit of edge to proceedings, contrasting nicely with the very fine French pianist Tony Tixier. FOAM has the feel of a '70s ECM album. The ...

THE SPINNING:

“The compositions and arrangements by Mathias Ruppnig show a deep musical understanding that sets him apart from many jazz drummers.” 

(Jörg Weitlaner, Concerto)

“If these 13 tracks from ‘The Spinning’ don’t inspire a love for jazz, nothing will!” (Christopher Dömges, Die Redaktion)

“A thoroughly successful album by a promising young talent.” 

(Michael Ternai, Musikburgenland)

“Though the band bears the drummer’s name, he doesn’t push himself to the front – yet his playing brings the music to life.” 

THE SPINNING:

“The compositions and arrangements by Mathias Ruppnig show a deep musical understanding that sets him apart from many jazz drummers.” 

(Jörg Weitlaner, Concerto)

“If these 13 tracks from ‘The Spinning’ don’t inspire a love for jazz, nothing will!” (Christopher Dömges, Die Redaktion)

“A thoroughly successful album by a promising young talent.” 

(Michael Ternai, Musikburgenland)

“Though the band bears the drummer’s name, he doesn’t push himself to the front – yet his playing brings the music to life.” 

(Wolfgang Giese, Rocktimes)

“The musicians aim for an intelligent, cohesive sound – without pandering to the mainstream.” 

(Sound & Image)

SCOPES:

"Infused with a refreshing collectivity."

★★★★ DownBeat Magazine

"Judging by this excellent first album, the band could well have the makings of the epithet "international super group."

★★★★ All About Jazz

"An excellent debut offering from Scopes. The music combines accessibility with adventurousness, the strong focus on melody enhanced by rhythmic inventiveness and imaginative soloing."

★★★★ The Jazz Mann

LINER NOTES:

"Mathias has a beautiful touch and sound. The flow is there and I like the intricate compositional moves, especially in the song Echo of their own Prejudices. I think Mathias has a lot to give, both in a concert setting and as a teacher."

Magnus Öström (E.S.T.)

"Mathias Ruppnig is an excellent musician and a fine person. I have had the pleasure working with him in not only Tobias Meinharts band but also in my own trio.

I have witnessed Mathias handle himself with grace and dependability in some challenging situations, with very difficult and complex musical material, with adjusting his dynamics to challenging room acoustics to make the band sound great, or coming in on a gig with no rehearsal at a sold out venue and ace-ing the music, all with an easy going demeanour.

I think Mathias would be an asset to any institution or endeavour he is a part of and I recommend him highly."

Kurt Rosenwinkel

"As a musician, Mr. Ruppnig is perfectly at home in a wide variety of artistic environments, and it has been a great gift to be able to observe his remarkable growth over the past several years. I am especially impressed with how he has established himself into the international music scene. He has a deep thirst for knowledge and is extremely open-minded musically as well as being a very supportive team-player."

Ed Partyka

"“FOAM” by Mathias Ruppnig is an impressive album on which he masterfully combines his sense of rhythm, timbre and composition. As a drummer and composer, he succeeds in making complex structures sound organic and effortless. A clear recommendation for anyone who wants to experience contemporary jazz at the highest level!“

Reini P.-Schmoelzer

"What a wonderful surprise! 'Foam' may be the production of a drummer, but it is far more than just a dizzying drummer’s record! Like a sponge, the Austrian drummer and composer, who has been based in Berlin for many years, absorbs the most diverse styles – from modern straight ahead to highly complex grooves with surprising melodic and harmonic twists, all the way to fragile and intimate ballads.

The amalgam absolutely holds its own on the international stage, with his current home base certainly helping him to keep the bigger picture in view. To me, his music has a certain closeness to the American-influenced contemporary mainstream, and the band is truly international in its line-up, with Kurt Rosenwinkel, who lives in Berlin, as his most prominent fellow musician.

Because of his instrumental and musical skills, Mathias is one of the most promising artists of his generation. 'Foam' is definitely worth listening to!"