Since 1995 active as organist in trio and quartet cast and others. with "Ralf Ruh Hammond Project" and "B 3 Legacy". Participation with Big Band at the jazz festival Montreux 1995 (diploma "Outstanding Performance" by the festival director). Member of the Swiss Army Big Band under Pepe Lienhardt. 1998 moved to Berlin. Occupation as lecturer of the global-jazz-academy in the faculties of harmonics / ear training / rhythmics. In this regard, author of appropriate textbooks for the global jazz academy. Conduct various big bands (also as arranger). Participation as a drummer in various bands (including "The toughest tenors" and "Sebastian Wittstock trio") of the Berlin scene. Many appearances as organist with "Cookbook" (inter alia for jazz radio 101.9), "Vitamin B3", the "Linear Ensemble" and various other occupations such as the Stanley Flower Quartet. Performances with the trombonist and pianist Ed Kröger. Active as a pianist with a new edition of "Jazz ahead" in trio formation with Lars Gühlcke (b) and Peter Horisberger (dr). Collaboration as pianist with singer Nathalie Kollo and as drummer with pianist Joe Haider. Member as organist of the band "Groove Brothers" by Regensburg-based guitarist Hans "Yankee" Meier. Leader of various Berlin big bands. Own band "Ralf Ruh Organ-Trio" with Giorgio Crobu (g) ​​and Peter Horisberger (dr). Commissioned composition for the official ceremony for the Day of German Unity 2004 for Big Band. Teaching assignment at the Leo-Borchard-Musikschule Berlin in the subjects piano, percussion, ensemble, big-band and theory / ear training. Nomination for the SWISS JAZZ AWARD 2014.

Milo Lombardi is an Italian saxophonist and composer based in Berlin, Germany. His debut album, “Going Nowhere (Enjoying the Ride),” produced partly as crowd-funding through fans, was praised for its fresh, melodic sound, and brought Lombardi to the attention of the European jazz scene.
Lombardi is an inspired composer as well as a refined saxophone player. His sound recalls Stan Getz and Coleman Hawkins with a touch of Dexter Gordon and Lester Young. His music is a modern melodic jazz with some Latin influences and pays homage to great composers of the past such as Bill Evans, Bobby Hutcherson and Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Lombardi studied piano as a child and when he was eleven he entered the “G. Rossini” conservatory in Pesaro, Italy, where he then studied saxophone. At the age of nineteen he graduated and moved to Sydney, Australia, where he performed with the Sydney Wind Symphony Orchestra. In 2009 he left Australia and started touring throughout Europe with his own quartet as well as with other bands, meanwhile studying composition and jazz arranging with Massimo Morganti.
In 2014 he published “Going Nowhere (Enjoying the Ride)”, which was very well received by critics, describing the music as genuine, joyful and serene. One of the tracks (Circular Quay) also earned an honorable mention in the 2014 edition of the International Songwriting Competition.
Lombardi is now part of the vibrant Berlin jazz scene where he performs regularly with a plethora of artists from around the world.

Tal Arditi is an Israeli 19 years old Guitarist and composer who studied in "Rimon University Of Music." At the age of 17 he reached the finales on the "Israeli Jazz Player" competition. After his studies he preformed at several jazz festivals in Israel and Europe including, the "Umbria Jazz Festival," "Red Sea Jazz Festival," ''Jerusalem Jazz Festival’,’ and the "XJAZZ festival." Tal moved recently to Berlin and has quickly become an active player in the Berlin jazz scene. Tal's music in influenced from modern jazz and rock, and combines strong melodies with complex harmonies.

"The" Vandojam "known from Paris and New York now also takes place in the B-Flat.
Supported by Vandoren / Paris. "Under the direction of Robin Draganic and Reiner Witzel

After a long break, the international big band will perform under the artistic direction of drummer Benjamin Strauß. It offers a varied program with music by Berlin composers (Maria Baptist, Ruben Giannotti, Dietrich Koch) as well as arrangements by Pat Metheny, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, the Yellowjackets, u.v.m.

The band "Les colorés" established the drummer true to his roots in the Biguine Jazz lie. The multicultural mix of musicians gives the group its meaning. Groovy like Zouk, Biguine and Mazurka, Soul and Funk; newly arranged standards and own compositions, melodic and rhythmic at the same time, inspire listening and moving. This music is one Invitation to dance and to travel in colorful soundscapes.

The band "Les colorés" established the drummer true to his roots in the Biguine Jazz
lie. The multicultural mix of musicians gives the group its meaning. Groovy like
Zouk, Biguine and Mazurka, Soul and Funk; newly arranged standards and own compositions,
melodic and rhythmic at the same time, inspire listening and moving. This music is one
Invitation to dance and to travel in colorful soundscapes.

MAGE feat. Martina Gebhardt and Jan v. Klewitz. We present you the refreshing original compositions of Martina Gebhardt's CD "Goodvibeswithgoodfriends", released in November 2017. With such different pieces that listening is always stimulating. Look forward to "PopVocalGrooveJazz from Berlin with chanson character, in German and English - PopChansons, the grooven." And in a uniquer, formidabler cast, as we have not had them - in the first time Jan v. Klewitz plays my pieces. I'm looking forward to that - and to you!

Three idiosyncratic and modern bands from the lecturers of the 26th International Jazz Workshop of the music school City West present themselves with top-class cast and an exciting program. The highlight is the large lecturer band "Butterfly Effect". Here we re-interpret the music from Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi phase.

Marcus Klossek reaches for his guitar - and we listen to the rhythms and melodies that he and his Electric Trio (Carsten Hein - bass, Derek Scherzer - drums) are narrating before us. Like chapters of a novel or stanzas of complex poetry, the composer and guitarist Marcus Klossek manages to create an action-structure that is intensely and plastically felt in our mind's eye. As sketched by a light hand, tonal images of oppressive density emerge, powerful as in "Into The Storm", swinging wildly like "Overground" and full of subtle tension like "On Your Way". At the very end, he dedicates a guitar solo to the unforgotten H. Knef: "I'm too tired ..." Written in the 60s by Charly Niessen and given a text by the artist, it can almost be considered a German jazz standard - and offers "Now & Again" the perfect ending. "I do not have to demonstrate or even prove to anyone that I can play the guitar", says Marcus Klossek about the intention of his compositions and his playing, and further: "I have been writing pieces for twenty years and it has always been important to me first hear the stories in it and then the guitar ... " He stumbles there so modestly, has been touring through countless clubs and festivals since studying music at the College of the Arts in Amsterdam, is a longtime lecturer in guitar and ensemble in Berlin - and by the way his virtuoso guitar playing makes him one of the most busy musicians in Germany Scene ... The really good stories are not always flashy, loud and brightly colored to settle in our hearts ...

the legendary Jam Session with Robin Draganic'

The saxophonist Dustin Drews, born in Houston, Texas, is a seasoned improviser whose emotionally-charged, off-the-shelf performances oscillate between melodic and experimental post-bop, much like the styles of Kenny Garrett, Cannonball Adderley, and Seamus Blake. Some of the great musicians he has worked with have also worked on his debut album Controversy, including Igor Osypov, Uri Gincel, and Jesus D. Vega, and newest member Tom Berkmann. Their collaboration is a long-awaited mix of influences and designs, combining lyrical, microtonal, traditional and novel elements; a lyrically aggressive post-bop jazz evening.

If you say Azul, you also have to say Carlos Bica. Hardly anyone in the jazz field is as closely associated with a single band as the Portuguese with the unique trio that tells from the other side of the wind. In the twentieth year of its existence, this trio continues to combine indie jazz, fado, rock-touch and world music in an inimitable way and possesses this special atmosphere of poetic magic and dramatic charisma. Let's say, a whole range of blue tones. The trade press refers to Azul as one of the best international jazz guitar trios in addition to the trio of Bill Frisell or Jakob Bro.
The band Azul has been around for more than 20 years. But what does Band mean here, Azul is a sound. And what a. What the trio delivers on the new album "More Than This" breaks all musical boundaries and does not fit in any drawer.
Carlos Bica (double bass), Frank Möbus (guitar) and Jim Black (drums) manage to create space for each other in an inimitable way and for the different influences that everyone brings to this encounter. The result is a colorful band sound with partly lyrical counterpoints and a strikingly rhythmic drive. After the 1996 released first album "Azul" was critically acclaimed as one of the best national jazz albums of all time, followed
"Twist," "Look What They Done To My Song," "Believer," and "Things About." Twenty years later, Carlos Bica & Azul are releasing "More Than This." The new album is testimony to their status Quo: We find in them the music beloved by the audience since the beginning, but they are going far
carried beyond expectations.
The melancholy Portuguese Fado, the abstract radicalism of jazz, the driving groove of the New York avant-garde - they are all godfather when Azul spread their music on stage. They shine with modesty and remain committed to music only. A music that, with all its lightness, is highly original and develops a pull that is difficult to avoid and should not escape. www.carlosbica.com
On July 13, Carlos Bica celebrates his birthday in concert. As a gift, the new album of the trio "Azul in Ljubljana", recorded live at the Jazz Festival Lubljana 2015, will be released.

The band was founded in 2000 under the name ENRICO & GROOVE. The program focuses on Cuban music in facettes including salsa, jazz, Latin, traditional Cuban music, Cuba folk (Rumba, Guaguanco) and world music.
Erico, aka El Rey del Ritmo, grew up in the Jesus Maria district of Havana, home to many of the great percussionists and musicians of Cuban music.

INDIJANA and the BANDITS ... stands for individuality, intensity and true playfulness. Her weapons are extremely female! Powerful female voices, rousing guitar and keyboard riffs supported by the pulsation of the rhythm section ensure a round sound and convince of the professionalism of the musicians. But do not worry, they do not shoot ... They only rob you of your last breath! Blues and Soul á la Etta James and Bonnie Raitt lay the foundation for the soulful and funky sounds of the Berlin band. INDIJANA - the front woman and singer of the band - writes own songs. They give the band sound a special, fresh note and are in no way inferior to the old music. And so this band offers a rousing show of well-known and own songs with elements of soul, Texas blues, rhythm & blues and a touch of Berlin big city sounds.

Over the decades, Claus Raible has worked with jazz greats such as Art Farmer, Jimmy Cobb, Andy Bey, and Charles Davis, to mention a few. In addition to his engagements as a highly sought after member of other's ensembles, Claus has regularly engaged in forming extraordinary formations for special projects. These ensembles have varied from quartets to sextets, octets to full jazz orchestras. Each of his projects have received popular and critical acclaim for their energy and originality, especially when it comes to Claus' arrangements and orchestration.
However, it is when he is in the trio setting that Claus is really able to allow his virtuosity to take flight. To this goal, Claus has regularly grasped the opportunity to lead and perform with a spectacular trio for a period of months, if not years. These trios have included over the past years a variety of outstanding performances, both live and recorded, such as with Paulo Cardoso and Mario Gonzi ("Introducing The Exciting Claus Raible"), with Martin Zenker and the late Ed Thigpen ("Live At Birdland") and with Giorgos Antoniou and Ben Dixon ("Don't Blame Me"). 

the legendary Jam Session with Robin Draganic'

Bird Cherry is a multifaceted and dynamic project, but with a fundament based on composer and drummer Daniel Hägg. Bird Cherry’s music is a journey through low dynamic earnesty to a bombastic crescendo. Calm nordic melodies wash ashore and roll back out again, merging with the sea,
only to return in a new shape and with new power. The music makes one’s thoughts go to artist like Bill Frisell, Farvel, Avishai Cohen and Terje Sundby. The music is partially stripped off and contemplating, but also curious with a steady beat. The soothing harmony in the song ”Astrid” and the beautifully written parts in ”Traskar iväg” invites the listener to participate in an universe usually inhabited by artists like Bill Frisell or Farvel. The riffs and the groove in ”Spegel, spegel” and ”Sladar’n” moves ones mind more towards artists like Avishai Cohen and Terje Sundby. The inspiration behind the music usually derives from places, locations and the mindset those places brings. ”Most of my compositions gets their name from places. This usually evolves during the creational process: a riff that makes me think of a place or a person paints a mental image of how the song is going to sound” – Daniel Hägg. Bird Cherry Quartet will tour in Europe during the summer of 2018.

The Larry Porter Quartet is a versatile formation that can travel in different musical directions. The four musicians are known for discovering fresh and innovative interpretations of American Popular Songs. The other focus of the quartet is to explore original Porter compositions. The unusual shapes of these pieces give the music a special flow, where the boundaries between beginning and end are blurred. Larry Porter brings four decades of experience, not only in jazz with greats like Chet Baker or Art Farmer, but also as a world music specialist. He is known for strikingly imaginative improvisations in his performance of standards and personal material. He attaches great importance to a maximum of interaction with his fellow musicians. Yonatan Levi and Joe Smith make it all possible by bringing their tremendous talent and unique voices. Ben Kraef shines with his gripping tone and his imaginative art of improvisation. Whether exploring sublime ballads or dancing through enticing song forms, the group holds a crystal-clear suspense and creates a whole spectrum of atmospheres.

Mike Russell was born in 1952 in Washington D.C. and began studying classical and Flamenco guitar at an early age. His professional career started in the 60s with soul and blues bands. Song writing and composing was an early interest and this creative side resulted in some studio work with Columbia Records as guitarist and composer.  The year 1970 was his first record release as composer and the title "Black Woman" was recorded by Grammy nominated Gloria Taylor and culminated in a US tour. The year 1972 saw his own Jazz-Rock group "Water Forest" perform Andy Warhol at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Since moving to Berlin in 1989 he has performed with Eddy Harris, Billy Bang and many others. He formed the Black Heritage Orchestra with singer MFA KERA and released the CD in 1995 which reached the Top 10 European world music charts. He also has created his own Jazz-Soul-Funk sound. He performed on German TV, Guinness Festival South Africa, Greece, Poland and America and returned to Washington D.C. to perform with Mfa Kera & Black Heritage at the world famous Blues Alley Jazz Club and Smithsonian Center. He was also invited to host special workshops at the George Washington University Jazz Department.

Mats Holmquist is a composer, arranger, big band leader, author and lecturer of Swedish origin. As a leader and director he has composed and arranged music for seven albums. In 2011 Holmquist was appointed Artistic Director of JZ All Star Big Band in Shanghai and in 2015 he toured and lectured in Japan. He has also orchestrated and conducted the strings for world famous pop group Roxette. His latest CDs are A Tribute to Wayne Shorter with Dave Liebman Big Band, A Tribute to Herbie + 1 with Dick Oatts and Mats Holmquist New York Jazz Orchestra (with mostly members from the legendary Vanguard Orchestra) and Big Band Minimalism with Randy Brecker, Dick Oatts and the Latvian Radio Big Band. Already in 2010 Mats Holmquist premiered his ”Big Band Minimalism”, a sub-genre that could be described as a fusion between his own modern big band music style and the minimalism of Steve Reich and John Adams, which let to his very latest CD Big Band Minimalism in 2017. The concert with Uni Jazz Orchester Regensburg consists of Mats Holmquist’s compositions and arrangements from this album.

Sound Pollution Eclectic is a group formed by trombonist Karel Eriksson. The band consists of award winning musicians and the most in-demand players currently living in the Graz area. The musical essence of the group is diversity. With influences from jazz, rock, metal, classical and country music one can never know what to expect.
The group is releasing their first album "Free To Choose" as part of a CD-release tour in B-flat,

Shahab Tolouie trio: is an internationally acclaimed formation performing "EthnoFlamenco", their rare and talented dedication that blends the Persian instruments of an ancient world, with the soul-stirring Andalusian heartbeat of traditional Flamenco.
Originality as well as virtuosity of each member of the trio takes the audience to an exciting journey from the Caspian Sea to Persian Gulf and through the entire Mediterranean lands to Spain.

the legendary Jam Session with Robin Draganic'

In the first part of the evening we want to present ourselves as a soloist and in the second part as a duo. Primarily we play our own compositions but also pieces of our music role models like Carla Bley, Pat Metheny or Georg Gershwin. For us, the focus is on interaction and freedom for sound and improvisation.
Philipp Wiechert (guitar), presents his solo program, which moves between jazz, bluegrass and folk. It opens up a world of sound for the listener, which makes use of both elements of acoustic acoustic guitar and modern guitar sounds. The use of effect devices and loop stations gives his pieces a complexity that often suggests more than just an interpreter.
Falk Breitkreuz (alto and bass clarinet) My solo concept is the "latent polyphony". On my instrument, which is unanimous in itself, I try to make the music sound as if several instruments were playing simultaneously. Melody and accompaniment merged into a single entity. A style that J.S.Bach developed in his Partitas for Violin or the Cello Suites to great mastery of his time. You will hear my favorites from jazz, classical music and folk music.

Regis Molina, incredible alto saxophonist from Cuba, RobinDraganic´the fantastic Canadian acoustic bassist (known for his work with Lyambiko, as well as his legendary Wednesday B-flat jam session), Kenny Martin, the greatest groove drummer, also from N.Y.C., together with Marque Lowenthal, pianist and composer from Boston (also known through his work with the fluid jazz singer"Lyambiko": ) will present an evening full of funk, blues, free improvs, afro-samba and more, some from the feather of Lowenthal or Hirson, others reworked works from famous jazz artists. Hope toseeyouthere!

MFA KERA & Black heritage feat. Mike RUSSELL is known for Afro Soul, funk and jazz music. Black Heritage invites you to an unforgettable and unique musical journey with the fascinating charismatic vocalist and composer Mfa Kera of Madagascar, also known as "the VOICE" (the voice) and the extraordinary guitarist and singer Mike Russell from Washington DC. The variety and richness of its rich repertoire and the high quality of the soloists and the compositions make the group the right place in both jazz and world music events and festivals.
mfa kera: The Creole singer and composer is originally from Madagascar and grew up in Senegal. "Imagine Sarah Vaughan, Grace Jones, Shirley Bassey, and Ima Sumac in an African singer, then get an idea of ​​their great talent, to experience their live stage performance, to truly appreciate their energy and charisma to be able to enjoy. " Her musical career began in Paris with blues and gospel. Soon she worked with well-known musicians such as Memphis Slim, John Lee Hooker, Mikey Baker and Milton Buckner. As a singer she contributed to the movie "The Adventure of Jazz", which brought her into contact with jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. Her first record was consequently a "Homage to Mahalia Jackson".

Ricardo begin musical studies at the ‘’Seminario Redentorista Symphonic’’, in Manizales (Colombia) 1991. In 2000 begin classical saxophone studyes in Bogotá at the Javeriana University. In 2001 start jazz saxophone studyes at the same university, where in 2007 he obtained the title of "Master in Music" in "Jazz Saxophone". In the 2005 he participates in the "National Selmer Paris Saxophone Conpetition", obtaining the second place. In 2008 he participated in the "Panamerican Jazz Cannonball Saxophone Competition" in Mexico City and won the first place. In 2009 he obtained the prestigious DAAD scholarship to travel to Germany and study "Meisterklasse-Fortbildungklasse" at the Hochshule für Musik, Nürnberg. During his stay in Germany he recorded his first studio album called "Esperando" 2011. In 2012 he obtained the title of "Master of Music" in "Jazz Saxophone" and returned to Colombia. In August of 2013 Ricardo participates with his quintet "RN5" in the "Jazz Voices Competition" in Cartagena, where he obtains the first place. Participate with ''RN5'' in the festival ''Jazz al Parque'' in Bogotá, in the 2013 and 2015 versions. In 2014, he was invited to participate in the ''Mompox Jazz Festival''. In 2015 he released his second studio album called ''Almusik''. The same year participates in ''Festijazz Bolivia''. He is an active member of the ''Big Band Bogotá'', with concerts in the festival ''Jazz al parque'' 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. In 2017 he is nominated for the Anglo Grammy with the Sanalejo Band. He is currently Prf. of jazz saxophone and jazz coordinator in the PIJ área in the Javeriana University and Sergio Arboleda University in Bogotá. In 2018 Ricardo obteined the DAAD Study Visits for academic scholarship - Artists and Architects, 2018 and and he prepares to release his third studio album.

JAM EXPERIMENT (exactly as written for the website/programme) COPY Chosen in the ‘Shape of Jazz to Come in 2018’ in Jazzwise, Jam Experiment are an award winning band that are based in London, UK. Formed in 2014, they have appeared on BBC Radio 3, and Jazz FM numerous times, and played at leading jazz festivals and venues across the UK including London Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, leaving audiences in awe. They released their debut album in 2017 followed by a 40 date UK Tour! The lineup includes the winner of Rising Star in the 2017 British Jazz Awards, trombonist Rory Ingham, his brother Dominic Ingham on violin and voice, Toby Comeau on piano/keyboard, Joe Lee on bass, and Jonny Mansfield on drums. Jam Experiment's sound is dynamic jazz fusion balanced with intricate compositions and adventurous improvisations negotiated through mutual admiration for each other. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; through this process they've challenged their own musical boundaries. This concert will part of their 2018 Summer Euro Tour! PRESS "Jam Experiment is ‘feel good’, accessible, intelligently crafted… and irresistible." London Jazz News "Jam Experiment takes what is a refreshing audience-friendly approach that embraces jazz-funk with as much passion and seriousness as more traditional influences” Jazzwise "Their ability to connect with the audience was exceptional...This band are bound for great things. A joy!"

The three elegant gentlemen of NIGHT TRAIN undertake a swinging tour de force in the classical trio setting, from chamber music jazz to the classic big band program.
The trio is very creative in that they are missing a few wind instruments: the arrangements are orchestral, punchy and original. NIGHT TRAIN is indeed the smallest big band in Berlin, which exploits the great possibilities of such a small cast with considerable expertise and high entertainment factor.
Press
"A top-class Berlin trio (...). With its all-round coherent concept and execution an outstanding CD of the contemporary German jazz scene. "(Jazzpodium)
"The first prize of the Jazz & Blues Award Berlin 2001 went to the right people: Night Train, with its 'smallest Big Band Berlin' program: a trademark and an exceptionally creative and sophisticated formation which, despite all the seriousness of their concept, is a proper one
Ingredience brings pleasure to the action. "(Jazzpodium)
"They call themselves the 'smallest big band of Berlin' and yet do not need such superlative diminutive. (...) You have found a perfect mix of expertise and entertainment, which in turn proves how great the possibilities of such a small c