Cologne Jazzweek: Julia Hülsmann Quartett

Cologne Jazzweek goes into the third round
12-18 August 2023

The journey continues. Also in 2023 unique artists:inside of the Cologne, German and international jazz scene will be experienced on the many stages throughout the city. Whether in the Stadtgarten, LOFT, King Georg, Open Air, the Ehrenfeld-Clubs or our new venues in the Filmhaus, the Klaus von Bismarck Sendesaal in the WDR or the Philharmonie - new encounters will arise and new stories will be written. Be part of the festival summer 2023 and dive into the wonderful world of improvised music!

In 2019, Berlin-based pianist Julia Hülsmann has decided to expand her two-decade trio with Marc Muellbauer (bass) and Heinrich Köbberling (drums), which since its inception has found a unique sound with its so intuitive interplay, into a quartet with Uli Kempendorff. This saxophonist, endowed with such a distinctive tone, equally edgy and eloquent phrasing, then actually broke up the epic flow of the original lineup that had always existed and opened new windows for the band into contemporary jazz music. The very first album of this new Julia Hülsmann Quartet, with its lightly swinging groove, demonstrated a lyrical openness that can be traced back to the familiarity of the four musicians. With success: "Not Far From Here" was awarded the German Jazz Prize in the category "Album of the Year" in 2021. And for four years now, they have been acting as equals. While, for example, the repertoire is decided on a grassroots basis, on stage they trustfully leave themselves entirely to the free flow of improvisational togetherness.

The complete program of all participating venues can be found on the Cologne Jazzweek website.