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Heinrich von Kalnein

German saxophonist / flutist residing in Austria, Europe performing worldwide and teaching as a professor for saxophone and jazz flute at the jazz institute of the University for Music (KUG) in Graz, Austria.

About Me

From his work with the prestigious Vienna Art orchestra, to heading his own groups, to managing his own label, Heinrich von Kalnein has amassed a wealth of experience that spans over three decades. As a saxophonist / flautist, he has earned much critical acclaim and respect as a high profile artist in Austria and throughout Europe. He performed in all the Americas, Russia, India and Sri Lanka.



“A lovely player on both tenor saxophone and alto flute, always melodic in his improvisations, always conversational in tone.” Peter Bacon, The Jazz Breakfast



As an artist he is very much in demand, both as a soloist and ensemble member, appearing on over fourty recordings to date. His current artistic activities include his new trio “Kalnein / Lopez / Schwarz - Into The Now!”, his long-time trio “KAHIBA” with Swiss drummer / electronic musician Gregor Hilbe, the quintet “JBBG Smål - Gran Riserva” as well as his collaboration with Brazilian guitarist Emiliano Sampaio and his “Meretrio”. He tours extensively Europe and mainly the German-speaking countries and has amassed a large fan base.



Since 2002 he is living in Graz, Austria and holds a position as a professor of saxophone and jazz flute at the renowned Jazz Institute of the University of Music Graz (KUG).



In 2012 he founded his own label NATANGO MUSIC. Up to 2022 he released 13 productions. CD’s and LP’s are available worldwide through https://www.natangomusic.com.



COLLABORATIONS:

Julian Arguelles, Iain Ballamy, Django Bates, Kevin Brady, Wayne Brasel, Carla Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Jay Clayton, Wayne Darling, Gil Evans, Heiner Goebbels, Jerry Granelli, Ronan Guilfoyle, Doug Hammond, the Peter Herbolzheimer Bigband, Marc Johnson, Sheila Jordan, Chaka Khan, Nguyên Lê, Rene Lussier, Charlie Mariano, Bob Mintzer, Phil Minton, Glen Moore, Wolfgang & Christian Muthspiel, Simon Nabatov, Ed Neumeister, Marc Ribot, Paquito d'Rivera, Steve Swallow, Dave Taylor, the Vienna Art Orchestra and the ORF Radio Sinfonieorchester (Austrian National Public Radio Symphony Orchestra) among others.



FESTIVALS:

Jazzfest Berlin (GER), Jazzfest Bonn (GER), Bolzano (I), Bremen (GER) jazzahead, Hofheim (GER), Snow Jazz Gastein (A), Gdynia (PL), Guimaraes (P), Graz (A), Hamburg (GER) Elbjazz, Lisboa (P), Madrid (E), Magdeburg (GER), Maribor (Slo), Melbourne (AUS), New Delhi (IND), IAJE Conference 2006 New York (USA), Perth (AUS), Ploiesti (Ro), Saalfelden (A), Salzau (GER) Jazz Baltica, Salzburg Jazzherbst (A), Sibiu (Ro), St.Ingbert (GER), St. Petersburg (RUS), Strasbourg (F), Usti Nad Labem (CZ), Trencin (SK), Vienne (F), Warsaw (PL), Weilheim (GER), Wien (A), Wiesbaden (GER), Wiesen (A) and Wroclaw (PL).



PRESS:

„One of the most accomplished saxophonists of the Austrian scene, Heinrich von Kalnein knows how to produce both high impact jazz and masterful lines with a lyrical feel. Highly recommended! ...”

Ljubisa Tosic - DER STANDARD (A)



„...Jazz definitely can't sound more world-embracing, modern and organic. A feast for the ears… Kalnein is a master of catchy cadences; his imagination produces ear worm potential of the finest quality...highest entertainment and musical arrangements, which make you dive into a sound cosmos.”–CONCERTO (A)



„There’s a drive and melodic beauty to the music of Kahiba that makes this European trio simply infectious.... and it’s a hit. ...The group’s ability to be in the pocket and take the music outside, too, creates surprise after surprise. Overall, this is an album that’s satisfying and intriguing. I love this trio.“ Frank Alkyer - DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE Online 08.10.2014 – Editor’s Pick about KAHIBA’s „The Sixth Sense“.



“... far and away the most interesting thing in there... spectacularly done! Fantastic music, incredible production, evocative, beautiful and so creative. The package was beautiful too! Thank you for creating such a wonderful thing.“ –

Composer Maria Schneider about JBBG’s CD „Electric Poetry“.



„The familiar big-band sound is recreated with verve and subtlety in this album from one of the liviest of the new European jazz collectives. They are immersed in a fascinatingly eclectic world, involving electronic sounds and a truly global range of guest artists, including French/Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê, Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola and Guinean singer Hadja Koujaté. Global fusions can often be flavourless; this one isn’t.

Ivan Hewett – Daily Telegraph (GB) 19/05/2012 about JBBG’s CD „Urban Folktales“.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because of the freedom of expression. I was first exposed to jazz through a Lionel Hampton record, which I loved. The best show I ever attended was Keith Jarrett European Quartet The first jazz record I bought was 'Coltrane' by the John Coltrane Quartet My advice to new listeners is to keep an open mind and prepare for the unexpected!