Jazz-Jumelages for Musicians: Answers to your Questions

1. What is "Jazz-Jumelages"?

"Jazz-Jumelages" is an international jazz project that brings together professional musicians from various European countries to reinterpret traditional folk songs – with a focus on German folk songs – into modern jazz arrangements. This project is part of the 1250-year anniversary of Westphalia, which is funded by the LWL Cultural Foundation and the Sparkassen Foundation. The goal is to musically celebrate and deepen the cultural connections between Westphalia and its partner cities across Europe.

2. Why is the focus on German folk songs?

The choice to focus on German folk songs is closely linked to the 1250 Years of Westphalia anniversary. Folk songs are an integral part of the cultural history of Germany, particularly in Westphalia. Passed down through generations, these songs reflect the identity, values, and everyday life of the people.

Through this project, I aim not only to honor these songs but also to place them in a contemporary context, allowing them to be reinterpreted through the improvisation and diversity of jazz. The idea is that these traditional songs should remain relevant not only today but also in the future, perhaps in 2050, in a modern musical form. The project builds on my previous work with "Folk's Music", where I have already been exploring the creative evolution of folk songs.

3. What is the goal of the project?

The main goal of "Jazz-Jumelages" is to bring together musicians with connections to Westphalia and its partner cities, working at the intersection of tradition and modernity. The German folk songs serve as a starting point, but through collaboration with jazz musicians from across Europe, we aim to revitalize and transform these songs.

Every concert and arrangement will be unique, shaped by the individual interpretations and creative input of the participating musicians. This provides an opportunity to explore European music traditions and merge them into a modern context.

4. How will the collaboration work?

The project includes two Artist-in-Residence phases, where musicians will work together in small groups (up to a quintet) to reinterpret these songs. Each of these working phases will culminate in about 4 to 5 concerts, held in different regions of Westphalia. These concerts will not only take place on the Bonsai Stage as part of the Wald und Wiesen Concerts, but also at established venues like theaters and cultural centers across the region.

5. Will there be smaller side projects?

Yes! In addition to the main concerts and Artist-in-Residence phases, there will be smaller side projects. For these, I will invite individual musicians to collaborate with local musicians from Westphalia. These smaller projects offer opportunities for more direct and creative collaborations, which can be presented in local concerts. This will further strengthen the connection between Westphalian and European musicians.

6. How is the project funded and organized?

The entire project is fully funded by the LWL Cultural Foundation and the Sparkassen Foundation, allowing the invited musicians to focus entirely on the creative process. Travel, accommodation, and meals are provided, and all organizational aspects are professionally managed.

7. Become part of Jazz-Jumelages

If you are a musician with a connection to Westphalia – whether through your hometown, your origins, or a partner city – I would love to hear from you. This project offers you the chance to work at the intersection of traditional music and modern jazz, collaborating with musicians from across Europe to create something unique.

I invite you to become part of this creative network, which not only produces music but also deepens cultural exchange between regions. Let’s shape the future of European music traditions together.

Write to me!