Michel Reis

The Luxembourger Michel Reis first studied classical piano and then jazz piano in his native country before moving to Boston in the country of jazz's origins. He was not only able to study under many known jazz musicians, but also to perform with them: from Dave Holland to Joe Lovano and Esperanza Spaulding. He lives in New York in the meantime, but still maintains contact with Europe, as this CD proves. He has also toured worldwide and undertook two very successful tours in Japan. He is also going to play at several festivals and numerous clubs in Europe in 2015. This "extraordinary pianist" (Down Beat) will certainly go his own way! Stefan Karl Schmid on saxophone and clarinet has understood the concept and internalized it. With his clear, succinct and sensitive sounds, he plays around the melodies, gives them structure and adorns them with feeling in improvisations. The woodwind player trained in the USA and Cologne (and half-Icelander) has matured into an established player despite his youth, which his comprehensive list of recordings proves.
Can you imagine a drummer who fits as well into this ensemble as Jonas Burgwinkel? Not really. Extremely sensitive, technically brilliant, unbelievably imaginative: these characteristics distinguish him. Numerous prizes and distinctions have been rightfully awarded to him (Echo Jazz, WDR Jazzpreis, etc.) and make him one of the drummers most in demand. This is demonstrated by the more than 50 CDs, on which he contributed decisively.
He interacts outstandingly with the bassist, who is one of the most well-known musicians in Germany: Robert Landfermann. They form the rhythm group of the very successful Pablo Held Trios. His solid but repeatedly surprising bass lines also help shape this quartet. His technical skills seem unlimited, even if he need not prove that anymore. This is already the seventh album for Double Moon Records, on which he has played.