Jazz enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting night on January 17, 2025, as three distinct jazz quartets take the stage, offering unique interpretations and explorations of this beloved genre. Each group brings its own style, ensuring there's something for everyone at these various performances.
One standout event will be the concert by the Hans Fickelscher Quartet, taking place at the Christuskirche. Known for breaking boundaries and exploring the roots of gospel music, the quartet features Heidenheimer percussionist Hans Fickelscher alongside guitarist Martin Wiedmann, saxophonist Jürgen Häußler, and vocalist and pianist Beatrix Steinhübl. The concert promises to deliver gospel music with its own flair, blending traditional roots with contemporary influences.
Steinhübl, who has been singing gospel music since the age of 16, emphasizes the emotional depth of gospel performance. "Ich habe erst dort kapiert, was das eigentlich ist. Das Innerste zum Ausdruck bringen, darum geht es," she explains, reflecting on her experiences learning from gospel traditions during her time in the United States. The use of familiar gospel songs, such as those by Whitney Houston, showcases the quartet's intention to honor the traditions of gospel, albeit through their unique artistic lens.
Despite their innovative approach, the audience's initial hesitance to participate in interactive segments reveals cultural differences. Nonetheless, as the evening progresses, attendees are encouraged to let loose and join the celebration, especially during renditions of classics by Harry Belafonte and Ray Charles, leading to enthusiastic applause and encores.
Meanwhile, at the Moritzhof, the Cats & Breakkies quartet will showcase their engaging blend of musical styles. This Berlin-based group is known for their eclectic mix of electronic music, combining elements from techno, jazz, and rock to create what they call "Organic Electro." Their performance is characterized by pulsative beats and atmospheric soundscapes, making it both a dance and listening experience.
The quartet's sound brings together the energy of live performances with sophisticated studio production, possessing the ability to engage audiences on multiple levels. Whether one desires to dance or simply appreciate the complexity of their music, Cats & Breakkies open the door to various listening experiences. Concertgoers can look forward to their set starting at 20:00 on January 17, providing tickets for both advance purchases and at the door.
Not to be overlooked, Moles Ahead will also be performing on the same night at the Kurhaustheater in Bad Bramstedt. This young quartet has established itself since 2017, exploring the wide-ranging world of jazz from standards to fusion. They seamlessly incorporate their own compositions alongside classic tunes, creating dynamic sets enriched with personal musical journeys.
Collectively, Moles Ahead's members bring extensive backgrounds influenced by rock, funk, soul, and various jazz forms, which they use to construct innovative music pieces. Their performance promises to encapsulate the breadth of jazz's nature, demonstrating not only the genre's tradition but also its capacity for creativity and reinvention.
The concert at Kurhaustheater kicks off at 19:30, allowing for audiences to indulge in what should be both enjoyable and thought-provoking material. Ticket pricing accommodates varied budgets, with provisions for reduced price entry as well.
With these three performances scheduled for January 17, 2025, jazz aficionados have the opportunity to experience the depth of the genre through diverse interpretations. From the rich storytelling of gospel traditions exemplified by the Hans Fickelscher Quartet to the energetic electronic fusion of Cats & Breakkies and the expansive explorations of Moles Ahead, each performance brings its unique flair to the stage.
Whether you're drawn to the gospel sound, electronic beats, or classic jazz renditions, this night promises to be one for the books. Audiences are encouraged to support live music and explore the vibrant jazz scene on this remarkable evening.