Richard Koch – Rays of Light

Richard Koch
Rays of Light

Richard Koch isone of the most original and distinctive jazz trumpeters of our time. Last year, he released his fourth studio album, “Rays of Light.” In terms of the lineup and instrumentation, this acoustic work could just as easily have been performed in the 19th century. Fabiana Striffler onviolin,Valentin Butt onaccordion,Andreas Lang ondouble bass,Nora Thiele onframe drums, and Richard Koch on trumpet.

Koch’s pieces are just as difficult to associate with a specific region or tradition: it’s music that fits just as well in the Austrian Alps as it does in Provence or New Orleans. It resonates in both urban and rural settings. It incorporates Balkan elements such as klezmer; we hear percussion with Eastern origins, and the double bass adds a healthy dose of swing and bop from the bustling metropolises. The accordion offers plenty of room for harmonic interpretation, and the violin shares this space with the trumpet without getting lost in metaphysical speculation.

Koch’s compositions come across as light-footed and colorful. It’s as if he were saying:Listen up, everyone! All the music in the world is here—everything is good!

So it’s no wonder that successful rock and pop acts likePeter Fox ortheBeatsteaks—aswellasmusical boundary-pushers likeNils Frahm orJimi Tenor—have longsworn by Richard Koch’s trumpet playing. Everyone simply loveshavingthis very specialswagat their party. And “party” is indeed a good keyword. Because“Rays Of Light” isperhaps the most party-friendly album to come out of Berlin’s jazz scene in recent years.

It’s hard to think of many jazz musicians right now who can whip up music like this as effortlessly as Richard Koch and his“Rays Of Light.” Musicians who truly aspire to be understood by everyone out there—without ever coming across as camp or kitsch. This instrumental jazz-folk music is celebrated with great sincerity and full concentration—with immense passion and infectious joy!

Richard Koch– Trumpet
Fabiana Striffler – violin
Valentin Butt – accordion
Andreas Lang – double bass
Nora Thiele – frame drums

Doors open and bar service begins at 7:30 p.m. – enjoy fine drinks and delicious snacks.