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Tim Collins

American-born, Munich based jazz vibraphonist and drummer.

About Me

Tim Collins has been called a “world-class vibes player” (CJSR Canada), “a distinctive vibraphone voice” (Radio One Australia), a “musician of fire” (Washington Post) and “nothing less than exemplary” (Downbeat). His music has been described as “thoughtful, probing composition” (Downbeat), “universal and vibrant” (Blogcritics.org) and “stunning sophisticated jazz” (PBS Australia).

Tim currently teaches at the Neue Jazzschool München-Pasing and the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst (Vienna).

Tim’s fifth album “For Good People” was released in February 2023 by GLM Music, and features Matthias Bublath on Hammond Organ and Christian Lettner on drums.

In 2020, he recorded his fourth album “Uncertainty” before the pandemic raged through the world. A vibraphone trio supported by bassist Masaki Kai and drummer Shinya Fukumori, the album takes a dark journey through different melancholic moods, featuring original compositions as well as several jazz standards. Tim’s three previous albums as a leader have received widespread critical acclaim.

Tim’s third album, CASTLES AND HILLTOPS (Nineteen-Eight 2011), features Danny Grissett, Matt Clohesy, and Tommy Crane

In 2008, Tim released FADE (Ropeadope), featuring Charlie Hunter, Simon Lott, and a string quartet. Produced by Hunter, the album explores minimalist, indie-rock, and classical connections with jazz. It received 4 stars in Downbeat.

His debut, VALCOUR (Arabesque 2007) featured Ingrid Jensen and Aaron Parks, and received 3 stars in Downbeat.

He has toured, performed and recorded with John Ellis, John Hollenbeck, Ralph Alessi, Marty Ehrlich, Jody Redhage, Nasheet Waits, Hector Martignon, George Porter Jr., Ben Monder, Donny McCaslin, Joel Frahm, Ingrid Jensen, Aaron Parks, Antonio Sanchez, Aaron Goldberg, Will Vinson, Danny Grissett, Mike Moreno and Charlie Hunter.

Tim is a native of Plattsburgh, NY and has lived in Munich, Germany since 2010.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because... I was first exposed to jazz... I met [musician name]... The best show I ever attended was... The first jazz record I bought was... My advice to new listeners... Or whatever else you have in mind.