Simone Felber's iheimisch - complex, moving, unconventional
Simone Felber's iheimisch - complex, moving, unconventional
Jazz/Folk – With iheimisch, Simone Felber, one of the most defining voices in contemporary Swiss folk music, has created an ensemble that blends tradition and modernity into a singular musical experience. Together with Rafael Jerjen (double bass), Polina Niederhäuser (cello), and Adrian Würsch (Swiss accordion), Felber delves into the intriguing question of what homeland sounds mean today. Their music addresses a universal, often suppressed theme: mortality. With both lightness and profundity, they craft contemporary folk music that brings the transition between life and death to vivid, emotional life.
Felber’s fascination with yodeling and her openness to new sounds merge into music that both moves and surprises. The blend of her classical training, deep engagement with traditional natural yodeling, and passion for experimentation opens fresh perspectives on folk music and its evolution. In this lineup, iheimisch explores the intersections of classical music, folk traditions, and jazz—creating a space where the familiar and the unfamiliar come together to form a new musical home.
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Simone Felber – Voice
Adrian Würsch – Swiss accordion
Polina Niederhäuser – Cello
Rafael Jerjen – Double bass
BERG & Corin Curschellas - Atmospheric, Groove-driven, Mystical
BERG & Corin Curschellas - Atmospheric, Groove-driven, Mystical
Jazz/Folk - BERG combines the sonic roots of alpine folklore with the vibrant harmonies of contemporary jazz. Led by Fabian M. Mueller (piano, synthesizer), the ensemble takes the audience on a journey through their latest album, Schimmer, into a world of acoustic contrasts: from gentle breezes and Segantini-blue skies to driving rhythms that herald an approaching storm, creating a musical landscape that feels both familiar and enigmatic.
For the album Schimmer, BERG collaborated with Corin Curschellas. The powerful pioneer of Rhaeto-Romanic song brings a fresh and captivating tonal quality to the ensemble. Her versatile voice and keen sense of atmosphere enrich the band and expand Schimmer's spectrum with a unique emotional depth.
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Corin Curschellas – Vocals, Dulcimer
Fabian M. Mueller – Piano, Synthesizer
Kaspar von Grünigen – Bass
Emanuel Künzi – Drums
mohs. - Organic, Hypnotic, Dreamy
mohs. - Organic, Hypnotic, Dreamy
Jazz/Electro - The Lausanne-based quartet mohs. creates a soundscape that invites a contemplative journey. Inspired by nature – the band’s name refers to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness – their music combines dreamy textures with organic melodies. Their sound echoes the forces that surround us, encouraging stillness, reflection, and immersion.
The compositions and arrangements are the result of close collaboration among the four musicians. The outcome is a refined and polished sonic landscape, blending minimalist repetition, jazz, electronic elements, and improvisational freedom. Tracks like Lonely Cowboy and the title piece Mirage merge nostalgic guitar loops, funky rhythms, and soothing soundscapes into a truly distinctive experience.
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Zacharie Ksyk – Trumpet
Erwan Valazza – Guitar
Gaspard Colin – Bass
Nathan Vandenbulcke – Drums
Swatka City - Multifaceted, Urgent, Nuanced
Swatka City - Multifaceted, Urgent, Nuanced
Indie - Swatka City is not just a band; it’s an imaginary place full of colors and stories. Since their founding in 2009, the group led by David Nydegger has constantly evolved and reinvented itself – always with the unmistakable signature of creating urgent and multifaceted pop music. Their rich sound invites listeners into a world where synthesizers, analog tones, and atmospheric guitars blend seamlessly into a unique whole.
With three albums under their belt, including the acclaimed Off Season (2019), and nearly 15 years of history, Swatka City stands for continuous sonic experimentation and musical evolution. With their latest album, The Floating Island, they grace the Rank stage, presenting songs that are as intricate as they are powerful. On stage, they deliver a captivating energy, seamlessly blending new tracks with their well-established repertoire – subtle yet forceful, and always unforgettable.
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David Nydegger – Vocals, Synthesizer
Matthias Nydegger – Guitar
Philipp Schlotter – Keyboard, Synthesizer
Maja Nydegger – Bass
Joder von Rotz – Drums
Matthieu Mazué Trio - Precise , Poetic, Intense
Matthieu Mazué Trio - Precise , Poetic, Intense
Jazz - The Matthieu Mazué Trio effortlessly combines structural sophistication with emotional depth. With their latest album We Stay Still, they merge tradition and innovation into a vibrant soundscape that is both contemplative and refreshingly modern. The compositions tell stories that bring vivid images to life, pushing the boundaries of the classic piano trio. Poetry and powerful sonic landscapes intertwine to create a musical journey that resonates deeply.
Since 2019, the trio—winners of the prestigious ZKB Jazz Prize in 2021 and the Jazz Beet Competition—has been captivating the European jazz scene. “Fresh, young, and surprisingly mature,” writes Die Zeit. Pianist Matthieu Mazué, supported by Xaver Rüegg on double bass and Michael Cina on drums, redefines contemporary jazz with his unique signature style – intense, moving, and full of dynamic energy.
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Matthieu Mazué – piano
Xaver Rüegg – double bass
Michael Cina – drums
Dimitri Howald & The Amnis Band - Wistful, Intricate, Boundless
Dimitri Howald & The Amnis Band - Wistful, Intricate, Boundless
Jazz - With his third solo album Southern Return, guitarist and composer Dimitri Howald crafts a sonic world where tropical expansiveness and melancholic intimacy seamlessly merge. Brazilian Tropicalismo, intricate jazz guitar, and wave-inspired elements blend into a deeply personal musical language. Dreamy harmonies and analog synth sounds evoke a bittersweet saudade – a longing for the familiar within the unknown.
Recognized as one of the most exciting guitarists on the Swiss jazz scene, Dimitri Howald has gained international acclaim with his previous albums and projects. At Rank, he will perform alongside the Amnis Band. With guitar, vocals, synthesizers, and rhythmic precision, the quartet propels these multifaceted compositions into new dimensions. Balancing delicate melancholy with powerful climaxes, they create vibrant contrasts that preserve the intimate core of the music while unfolding a captivating dynamism. At Rank, they will not only perform his latest compositions but also play music from his recent albums "Industrial Plants" and "Amnis Alsace."
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Dimitri Howald – guitar, vocals
Stefan Schischkanov – guitar, vocals, synthesizer
Antonio Schiavano – bass
Flo Reichle – drums, MPC
Alehouse Boys – Rousing, Virtuosic, Unconventional
Alehouse Boys – Rousing, Virtuosic, Unconventional
Folk / Vesper 3 Special - The Alehouse Boys, led by Bjarte Eike and Barokksolistene, offer a unique musical experience that brings the vibrant world of 17th-century English taverns into the present. Purcell overtures, rousing shanties, and lively folk tunes merge with improvisation, humor, and baroque virtuosity to create an extraordinary performance. With their unconventional joy in playing and close interaction with the audience, the musicians break the boundaries of traditional concert formats, creating a space where music comes vividly alive.
This concert is part of Vesper III – Vespri italiani, the 42nd Festival for Early Music Zurich, organized by FORUM ALTE MUSIK ZÜRICH, an association that has been creating a platform for early music at the highest level for over 30 years. For the festival, this performance offers a rare opportunity to experience such an unconventional yet historically inspired program in an unusual setting – a unique highlight for all those looking to rediscover early music in a new light.
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- Bjarte Eike (violin, artistic direction)
- Fredrik Bock (guitar, charango)
- Per Buhre (viola, vocals)
- Tom Guthrie (violin, vocals)
- Johannes Lundberg (double bass, vocals)
Ingoma Busuku – Spiritual, Melodic, Rhythmic
Ingoma Busuku – Spiritual, Melodic, Rhythmic
Jazz/Global - Ingoma Busuku, which means "Song of the Night" in Zulu, combines the rich South African vocal tradition with universal themes of love, spirituality, and ancestral connections. The band blends groovy rhythms, soulful melodies, and finely crafted improvisations into a sonic experience that deeply moves and captivates.
The journey of Ingoma Busuku began with the meeting of Swiss drummer Jonas Ruther and South African saxophone legend Linda Sikhakhane. During a shared tour in South Africa, the charismatic vocalist Paras Dlamini joined the band, his distinctive voice adding a unique richness to the ensemble. In 2022, their album Isambulo was released, featuring contributions from pianist Colin Vallon and French bassist Géraud Portal. Vallon infuses the band’s sound with his lyrical touch and seasoned expertise, while Portal’s virtuosic playing and deep grooves provide a solid foundation. Together, the band blends groovy rhythms, spiritual melodies, and refined improvisation into an exhilarating musical experience.
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- Paras Dlamini (vocals)
- Linda Sikhakhane (saxophone)
- Colin Vallon (piano)
- Géraud Portal (double bass)
- Jonas Ruther (drums)
Monte Mai – Moving, Psychedelic, Innovative
Monte Mai – Moving, Psychedelic, Innovative
Indie – Monte Mai is an avant-pop trio from Lugano. Since 2020, vocalist Anaïs Schmidt, guitarist and vocalist Fabio Pinto, and bassist Fabio Besomi have been creating music that combines expansive melodies, angelic voices, and powerful electronic beats. A sound that is both moving and surprising in equal measure.
With their debut album Eye Sea Double (2023), they made a powerful first statement. Their music bridges humanity with electronic precision, intimacy with experimentation. Italian melodies meet cosmic electronics – a unique sound that transcends boundaries. Their new album, produced by Domi Chansorn and set for release in March 2025, continues this journey. It invites listeners to explore new musical worlds and be swept away by their creative energy.
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- Anaïs Schmidt (vocals, synthesizer)
- Fabio Pinto (vocals, guitar)
- Fabio Besomi (bass, electronics)