Results for "Niklas Lukassen"

Musician

Niklas Lukassen

Born: July 25, 1995

Niklas Lukassen displays an equally astonishing lyrical sensibility and skilful command on the upright bass, the bass guitar and his unique bass cello. having lived in New York for several years, he today resides between London and Berlin. Described as "a versatile bass virtuoso" by Jazzwise magazine, Niklas continues to establish himself as a significant presence within the young European jazz scene. Moreover, his sound and artistic vision radiate a striking band leader potential.

Niklas ventured from an inconspicuous village somewhere in the South German Black Forest out into a life of creative opportunity through his personal musical journey. Aged 16, he moved to Berlin to cut his teeth in the capital's music scene and attended the Jazz Institute. A formative part of his career lies in New York. Mentored by Ron Carter, he received his Masters Degree from Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship.  Currently Pursuing a doctoral degree and teaching at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he researches ways of Broadening his scope of sounds on a range of String bass instruments.

Album

Seeds

By Ori Jacobson

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2021
Track listing: Seeds; Karma; Perseverance; Delirium

Album

Still Waters

By Niklas Lukassen

Label: Heartcore Records
Released: 2026
Track listing: The Deep; Estuary; Metamorphosis; Palisade (feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel & Geoffroy De Masure); Karma (feat. Wanja Slavin); To Climb A Mountain; Interlude (feat. Céline Rudolph); The Traveller (feat. Wanja Slavin); Brother; Rainbow Surfer (feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel); Luna; Still Waters Run Deep

Song of the Day

Palisade

April 24, 2026

Album: Still Waters
By Niklas Lukassen
Label: Heartcore Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 06:21

Video

Metamorphosis

Featuring the music of Niklas Lukassen
Duration: 3:24
April 19, 2026

It is not so common for a bassist to master his/her instrument while simultaneously creating sophisticated compositions and setting a striking vision for his/her own quartet. Yet, Niklas Lukassen has accomplished just that with his debut album Still Waters (Heartcore Records, 2026) and live sound. The core group he has put together are seasoned, multi-national talents, namely Ben Van Gelder on alto saxophone, Kit Downes on piano and Francesco Ciniglio on drums. Here on the live, in-studio version of "Metamorphosis," they fashion a dynamic conversation out of the complementary phrases scored for and improvised by each instrument. The piece shifts shape as it progresses, moving from introspection to open-air swing then into odd meters, before coming to rest with Lukassen’s bass cadenza. "Metamorphosis" grows on you, or rather, makes you grow. Read the album review, Niklas Lukassen: Still Waters.

Article: Radio & Podcasts

New Music From Douglas, Xangorchestra, Mycio, HøIby And More

by Bob Osborne
April 2, 2026

The continuum of exploration in the world of jazz runs through this set of fourteen releases, twelve of them brand new. Jazz keeps pressing at its own boundaries while drawing structure and ideas from other musical forms, the result is a playlist that moves cleanly between contrasting approaches. The closing track is presented as a tribute ...

Article: Album Review

Niklas Lukassen: Still Waters

by Konstantin N. Rega
March 23, 2026

Multi-instrumentalist Niklas Lukassen spins a pleasant mix of tunes on Still Waters. Joined by a stellar team, including saxophonist Ben van Gelder, pianist Kit Downes and drummer Francesco Ciniglio (as well as several others spotted throughout), the quartet moves with the ease of skilled swimmers through the music. An internationally influenced album, the music reflects his own life experiences of ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Lucy Mellenfield, Gregory Hutchinson, Niklas Lukassen, Nils Wülker, Wayne Horvitz, Etienne Guéreau

by Ludovico Granvassu
March 8, 2026

Moving from intimate, folk-tinged lyricism to expansive ensemble statements and thoughtful tributes, here is a set that reflects a contemporary jazz landscape defined by optimism, cross-border interplay, and a spirit of exploration that favors curiosity and forward momentum over nostalgia.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" ...

Song of the Day

Estuary

March 7, 2026

Album: Still Waters
By Niklas Lukassen
Label: Heartcore Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 05:29

Article: Radio & Podcasts

New Releases From Adewumi, Reid, Norvo, Oná Ensemble, Aldana & More

by Bob Osborne
February 26, 2026

This collection offers a rich exploration of contemporary jazz and improvised music, traversing a landscape of diverse textures and international influences. From cerebral, atmospheric openings and avant-garde energy to vibrant rhythmic inflections, the selection balances intricate composition with spontaneous dialogue. Whether revisiting classic themes through a modern lens or delving into expansive collective improvisations, these tracks ...