Julian Bosser

Julian Bossert is a German saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose work bridges modern jazz tradition with forward-looking concepts of identity, freedom, and self-expression. Based in Germany, Bossert has established himself as a distinctive voice on the alto saxophone, combining a clear, incisive tone with a deeply lyrical and rhythmically agile approach to improvisation.

Bossert is the founder and leader of the quintet Tristano Unchained, a group that explores contemporary jazz through original compositions and collective improvisation. With this ensemble, he has developed ambitious long-term projects such as ID Entity (to be released in 2025 on Tangible Music), which investigates questions of musical and personal identity, and Self-Portraits for Simone De Beauvoir (2027), a cycle of musical self-portraits inspired by Beauvoir’s existentialist philosophy. His work often reflects an engagement with broader philosophical currents, including New Realism, bringing intellectual depth into a vibrant and accessible jazz language.

Performing regularly at major jazz venues and festivals in Germany and beyond, Bossert has appeared at concert series such as Bühne frei (BR, Munich), The Art of Jazz (Nuremberg’s Tafelhalle), and Birdland Neuburg. His music has been praised for its balance of precision and openness, structured composition and free improvisation.

As a composer, Bossert favors strong melodic identities and rhythmic clarity while leaving space for improvisational dialogue. His projects serve as platforms for exploration—not only of sound, but of the existential themes that inform human creativity and artistic community.

Awards

• 2014: Hansjörg-Hensler Jazz Prize — a prestigious German award recognizing emerging jazz talent, awarded to Bossert for his exceptional performance and unique voice on the saxophone.julianbossert.comWikipedia

• 2013: 2nd Place, European Jazz Young Talent Award (Burghausen) — a continent-wide competition highlighting up-and-coming jazz artists, in which Bossert earned second place, underscoring his rising status in the European jazz community.julianbossert.comWikipedia

• 2011: 1st Prize, Bruno-Rother Competition — a competitive platform for emerging musicians, where Bossert’s musicianship was recognized at the highest level.julianbossert.comWikipedia

Gear

• Alto Saxophone: Selmer Mark VI

• Mouthpiece: Johannes Gerber NY Bros 6

• Reeds: Vandoren V16 

• Ligatures: Silverstein Hexa

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