SEAN ARDOIN, 4-TIME GRAMMY-NOMINATED KREOLE ROCK AND SOUL ARTIST FROM NEW ORLEANS, TOURING IN SWITZERLAND WITH SON SEAN DAVID
Photo © Gioele Pozzi
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Guests
39
Cities
20
Countries
3
Continents
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House
Who's in the House?
Welcome to our Guest Book, a space dedicated to celebrating the talented artists and friends who have graced La casa de nadie.
Each entry reflects a unique contribution to the creative energy of our cultural platform, whether through unforgettable performances, insightful conversations, or inspiring collaborations. Explore their stories and discover the vibrant international community that continues to shape our shared artistic vision.
At La casa de nadie, the female ratio is 35.4%, a figure that underscores the need for greater gender representation in the creative industry. By sharing this data, we aim to raise awareness around the diversity present (or lacking) in artistic collaborations, encouraging more equitable and inclsive opportunities for women in the arts. Gender balance in creative fields not only enriches the cultural landscape but also ensures that voices of all backgrounds are heard and celebrated.
Find the names and stories of artists, creators, and collaborators who are part of our journey, sharing their art and passion with us. Browse our Guest Book by clicking on the names or simply scrolling down to explore!
Alejandro Vásconez, Alessandro Pittini, Alfio Laini, Amaya Justiz, Amina Scott, Ana Viteri, Ángela Calvo Ríos, Ariel Cusenza, Ask Kæreby, Aurelio Espinoza, Beatríz Morales, Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves, Bo Dollis Jr., Bryce Eastwood, Byron Coba, Camila Crespo, Carlos Camacho, Carlos Pastás, Chico Macedo, Chipi Chacón, China Moses, Christoph Grab, Cosima Bodien, Danny Herrera, Daniel Bagutti, Daniel Schenker, Daniel Somaroo, Dario Bianchin, David L. Harris, David Mendoza, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Didier Espinosa, Dimitris Christopoulos, Dudu Alvear, Edgar López, Edwin Sanz, Elija Tamou, Ella Yépez Knecht, Fabián Valverde, Federico Foderaro, Fernanda Delgado, Fernando Corrêa, Francisca Näf, Freddy Benitez, Gabriel Otoya, Germán Toro-Pérez, Guy Bettini, Heribel Izquierdo, Humberto Amésquita, Ida Nielsen, Indira González, Isabel Delgado, Javier Alarcón, Jean-Christophe Groffe, Jean-Jacques Knutti, Jesse McBride, John Boutté, José Braide Leyva Valdes, José Pino, Juan Domingo Pino, Juan Sebastián Ortega Trejos, Juliana Zhu Xinyun, Karina Delgado, Lars Carl Schmid, Leandro Irarragorri, Liliet Silva, Lorgia Loor, Lula Galvão, Maeva Briacca, Manon Mullener, Márcio de Sousa, María Delia Valencia, Martina Knecht, Mauricio Rodriguez, Mauro Martins, Maxime Paratte, Miguel García, Mike Galisatus, Mischa Frey, MISS C-LINE, Muriel Schwarz, Nelson Briceño, Niccolò Monté Rizzi, Oscar Velásquez, Oswaldo Parra, Pablo Miguez, Paul Gonzalez, Rainie Liu, Rich Harpur, Roohari Prem, Rodrigo Aravena, Rómulo Alarcón, Samuel Boutros, Samuel Toro-Pérez, Sandra Túquerez, Scott Kinsey, Sean Ardoin, Sebastián Córdoba, Silas Kutschmann, Stefano Di Battista, Sylvie Klijn, Simon Wyrsch, Ursula Wienken, Vanessa Collier, Viviane de Farias, Wayne Bergeron, William Valencia, Xiaowen Summer Huang, Yohnny De Miranda, Yosmara Castañeda
Explore Artist Profiles
DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, DIRECTOR (CHINA/HONG KONG)
Juliana Zhu Xinyun
Juliana Zhu Xinyun is a Chinese choreographer and director who made a notable impact in the art world with her critically acclaimed production Catfish Effect (2021). Her academic journey is equally impressive, beginning with her early training at the prestigious Beijing Music and Dance School, followed by studies at Minzu University of China, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (where she earned an MFA in Dance Choreography), and the Academy of Theatre Arts in Bytom, Poland.Juliana's collaboration with La casa de nadie began in 2018 thanks to the Transcultural Collaboration international graduate semester program. This opportunity initially brought her to Zurich, and subsequently expanded our work to Hong Kong and Shanghai. This fruitful partnership resulted in two major art projects: asphalt nature, which premiered in 2018 at the Baptist University, Kai Tak Campus, in Hong Kong, and Catfish Effect, which debuted in July 2021 at the Shanghai International Dance Center. This dance theatre production, featuring music by José Pino and dramaturgy by Hong Tianyi, stands as a testament to her artistic vision and is available for festival programming in Europe (contact La casa de nadie). Juliana’s work is defined by her ability to blend her deep cultural heritage with modern dance aesthetics, creating performances that are both innovative and emotionally resonant. Currently based in Hong Kong, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while developing new projects that reflect her evolving artistic perspective.
Projects: Asphalt Nature | Catfish Effect
SOUND ARTIST, GUITARIST, COMPOSER, ARRANGER (ECUADOR/ZURICH)
LA CASA DE NADIE RESIDENT
José Pino
José Pino embarked on his musical journey at a young age as a singer and guitarist in Ecuador’s capital Quito. He delved into jazz guitar, eventually focusing on Brazilian jazz guitar. After pursuing his Certificate of Advanced Studies in Computer Music at the Zurich University of the Arts, in 2020 he earned a Master of Arts ZFH degree in Composition and Theory, with a specialisation in Electroacoustic Composition. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for his exploration of sound synthesis and digital composition, igniting a passion for experimentation and innovation in music production. Ranging from solo pieces to orchestral arrangements, José Pino’s compositions are deeply rooted in the rich traditions of African American and Latin American music, while they push the boundaries of electronic and electroacoustic music. He releases his electronic music under the pseudonym Dudu Alvear. A recognised music educator at the Musikschule St. Gallen and founder of the cultural platform La casa de nadie, José Pino is deeply committed to the dissemination of arts and culture across diverse communities, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and making artistic expression accessible to all. In recent years, his compositions garnered international acclaim, being featured at prestigious venues from Havana to Shanghai. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Podcast | La casa de nadie Portrait | La casa de nadie Records | La casa de nadie Live Booking | La casa de nadie Learning Hub | Asphalt Nature | Catfish Effect
DRUMMER, BASSIST (BRAZIL/KARLSRUHE)
Mauro Martins
Bassist and drummer Mauro Martins hails from Curitiba, a vibrant metropolis in southern Brazil. He began his musical journey at just six years old, mastering both guitar and percussion. A European resident for many years, he has participated in many different musical worlds. He is a highly sought-after session man, arranger and composer, and he has collaborated with first class pop and jazz musicians, such as Phil Collins, Tania Maria, Richard Galliano und Chico César. From Montreux to New York’s Blue Note and Birdland, he has played at festivals and clubs all over the world. In 2022, he recorded the single Rademés y Pelé (La casa de nadie Records) with the José Pino Trio, alongside José Pino and Dimitris Christopoulos. As a bassist, his speciality is a funk- and jazz-driven playing on the six-string electric bass, uniting incredible virtuosity with an intriguing melodic quality. Mauro Martins brings dynamic energy and skill to the Balakumbala Duo, performing alongside Viviane de Farias to captivate audiences in Zurich and beyond with their vibrant, unforgettable shows. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Records | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
SAXOPHONIST, COMPOSER, ARRANGER (BRAZIL/SÃU PAULO)
Chico Macedo
Chico Macedo is a Brazilian instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator, known for his mastery of saxophone, flute, and clarinet. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Saxophone from FMU/FAAM in São Paulo, Chico moved to Switzerland to pursue a Master's degree in Jazz Performance at the Jazz Institute of the Basel Academy of Music (FHNW). There, he studied under notable musicians such as Daniel Blanc, Mark Turner, and Guillermo Klein, refining both his performance and compositional skills. Upon returning to Brazil, Chico became a member of the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica Brasil, where he plays baritone saxophone, and has worked with celebrated artists like Eumir Deodato, Spok, and Diana Krall. He has also contributed to Brazilian jazz as a conductor, arranger, and educator, including leading the Orquestra Municipal Infanto Juvenil de Itapecerica da Serra and collaborating on arts education projects at SESI-SP.
Chico’s international career includes performances with the OSESP and the Big Band of the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2016, as well as the launch of his own project, the CHICO MACEDO 4TETO, showcasing his original compositions. In 2022, he participated in the recording of 500 Miles High with the José Pino Big Band and Tangerine with the José Pino Trio, further cementing his role as a leading figure in Brazilian jazz. His music continues to bridge the rich traditions of Brazilian music with global jazz influences, reflecting his dynamic musical journey between Brazil and Switzerland.
Projects: La casa de nadie Records
PIANIST, COMPOSER (SWITZERLAND/LAUSANNE)
Manon Mullener
Manon Mullener, born in 1997 in Fribourg, Switzerland, is a pianist and composer with a deep-rooted passion for jazz and Latin music. Raised in a musical family, she began playing the piano at age four at the Conservatoire de Fribourg. Her love for jazz, especially Latin rhythms, led her to Cuba at 17, where she expanded her musical knowledge. Upon returning to Switzerland, she pursued further education at the Bern University of Music. Her second album Insomnia (2023) marked the beginning of a European tour with ther quintet. Her talent and versatility have garnered attention, with Le Temps magazine naming her as one of the "next generation of Swiss jazz musicians to watch closely." She has performed at prominent clubs and festivals across Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba. Manon’s versatility as a pianist shines through her involvement in diverse projects, including Nicole Johänntgen’s Robin, Nolan Quinn’s 5tet, and a duo with Cuban pianist Dayramir Gonzalez. Since 2020, she has also been a moderator for the Jazz am Sunntig radio show on Radio RaBe, and in 2024, she launched a podcast series, Jazz am Sunntig Unplugged: New York Series, featuring interviews with musicians from the New York jazz scene. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: La casa de nadie Podcast | La casa de nadie Portrait | Watch Interview
GUITARIST, COMPOSER (COLOMBIA/ZURICH)
Sebastián Córdoba
Sebastián Córdoba Upegui is a Colombian guitarist and composer based in Zurich. He began his musical journey at a young age, initially learning to play the flute. Later, under the guidance of his father, he picked up the guitar, with the traditional music of Colombia playing a significant role in shaping his early style and inspiration. He went on to study classical guitar at Universidad Eafit and at Universidad Bellas Artes in Medellín. Further expanding his expertise, Sebastián studied composition at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). Sebastián’s creative work embodies a deep exploration of themes rooted in Latin American cultural heritage. The album Sebastián Córdoba & José Pino (2020, La casa de nadie Records) reflects this vision, blending traditional influences with contemporary sounds in an intimate bass and guitar duet that captures the spirit of collaboration and experimentation. His compositions reflect a nuanced understanding of myths, ancestral rituals, and socio-political events that have influenced his environment. His music serves as a multidimensional tool, bridging communication between cultures, ideas, and emotions. Through his art, Sebastián opens pathways for reflection, analysis, and interpretation—transforming music into a record of his observations, deconstructions, and recreations of complex themes. Just as visual arts evoke emotions through storytelling and reinterpretation, Sebastián’s music seeks to narrate, to warn, and to recreate—a driving force that defines his ongoing creative journey. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: La casa de nadie Podcast | La casa de nadie Records
BASSIST, COMPOSER (CONGO-BRAZIL/WINTERTHUR)
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves is a Brazilian bassist, guitarist, and composer with deep Congolese and Angolan roots. His musical journey began early, playing gospel and African music as part of his parents’ family band, the Kuziem Singers. From 2007 to 2012, he honed his craft at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), studying jazz bass under the guidance of Rätus Flisch, Uli Heinzler, and Dominique Girod. After completing his studies, he discovered a passion for South American and Caribbean music, establishing a second home near São Paulo, Brazil, from 2013 to 2018. Since returning to Switzerland in 2019, he has been composing and performing in various formations, such as Nuna Latin Jazz World, the Kuziem Brothers, the Kaan Peeters Quartet, Ekute Le Trio, and the José Pino Quartet, blending gospel, hip-hop, African, Caribbean, and South American music into his repertoire. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Room Sessions | La casa de nadie Podcast | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
SAXOPHONIST, COMPOSER, ARRANGER (BRAZIL/CREMONA)
Roohari
Roohari is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger with over 15 years of rich experience in the music industry. A graduate of Souza Lima & Berklee in Brazil, he has played with renowned artists such as Cauby Peixoto, Toquinho, Rosa Passos, Raul de Souza, and the Soundscape Big Band. Currently based in Cremona, Italy, Roohari specializes in bossa nova and Brazilian music, with a focus on saxophone performance and composition. In addition to his extensive performance career, Roohari partners with José Pino in a duo. Roohari's innovative approach to music includes exploring improvisation techniques fused with meditation, interdisciplinary artistic connections, and insights drawn from everyday experiences. With over seven years of experience as an educator, he is dedicated to sharing his passion for music with others.
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
VOCALIST, BIG CHIEF (USA/NEW ORLEANS)
Bo Dollis Jr.
Singer Bo Dollis Jr. has been deeply shaped by the rich traditions of Mardi Gras Indian culture. As Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias, he leads the tribe in celebrating and preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of New Orleans. His influence extends internationally, with standout performances including JazzAscona in 2022 and 2023. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: La casa de nadie Portrait | Read Interview | Artikel Tessiner Zeitung (Deutsch)
GUITARIST, COMPOSER, ARRANGER (BRAZIL/RIO DE JANEIRO)
Lula Galvão
Lula Galvão (born Brasília, 1962) is one of Brazil’s most respected guitarists and violonists, known for his exceptional technique, versatility, and unique blend of Brazilian rhythms with jazz influences. Over the years, Lula has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Brazilian music, including Caetano Veloso, Guinga, Rosa Passos, Leila Pinheiro, and Ivan Lins. He has also shared the stage with renowned international jazz artists like Cláudio Roditi and has performed in major jazz festivals worldwide.
Lula's musical journey began at the age of nine when he received his first guitar from his father. His natural talent quickly emerged, and he became known for his constant playing, often in his house's acoustically perfect bathroom. Although initially self-taught, Lula later studied with Brasília-based musicians like Luciano Flemming and Paulo André Tavares, who helped nurture his extraordinary potential. Influenced by his brothers—drummer Zequinha Galvão and bassist/composer Carlos Galvão—Lula grew up surrounded by a rich musical environment that shaped his eclectic style, ranging from traditional Clube do Choro to rock, jazz, and bossa nova.
Lula's playing is renowned for its inventive, jazz-influenced improvisation, intricate harmonic arrangements, and melodic solos. His contributions to Brazilian and global jazz have earned him a reputation as a master musician, sought after for both live performances and studio recordings. In addition to his extensive work with Brazilian artists such as Gal Costa, Zé Renato, and Chico Buarque, he has also worked with jazz greats like Ron Carter, Frank Gambale, and Didier Lockwood, bringing his distinct sound to an array of musical genres.
His solo album Bossa da Minha Terra, released in 2008, highlights his skill in arranging and interpreting classic Brazilian songs, blending bossa nova and jazz seamlessly. In 2018, he released another solo album, Alegria de Viver, recorded in Bonn, Germany, which features his fresh arrangements of timeless Brazilian standards like Carinhoso and Zanzibar. In 2022, Lula made significant contributions to the recordings of 500 Miles High with the José Pino Big Band and Radamés y Pelé with the José Pino Trio, further solidifying his role as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.
Lula’s versatility extends beyond the guitar; he has recently embraced the cavaquinho, adding another dimension to his musical expression. His partnership with renowned composer and guitarist Guinga has captivated audiences both in Brazil and abroad, showcasing their deep musical synergy.
Currently based in Rio de Janeiro, Lula continues to draw inspiration from his roots in Brasília, where his career first took shape. His legacy as a versatile, innovative artist is not only defined by his musical collaborations but also by his ability to cross genres and push boundaries, making him one of the most admired musicians of his generation.
Projects: La casa de nadie Records
GUITARIST (ARGENTINA/ZURICH)
Pablo Miguez
Pablo Miguez, or "Pablito" as his friends call him, is a versatile musician, celebrated for his unique blend of genres and rich cultural influences. Born and raised in Argentina and now based in Switzerland, Pablo is skilled in both guitar and percussion. Since the age of 19, he has worked as a freelance musician, performing with various ensembles across cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Buenos Aires, London, Paris, and Zurich. In the Nineties, Pablo performed nearly 200 concerts with Pippo Pollina, including an acclaimed five-concert tour in Italy featuring Charlie Mariano. He has since shared stages and collaborated on numerous projects with distinguished musicians such as Juan Munguia, Dudu Penz, Rodrigo Aravena, Alejandro Panetta, Roberto Pulido, Raylor Oliva, Jorge Enrique Rodríguez Pérez, Raoul de Souza, Cesar Correa, Gary Padmore, Carlos Irarragorri, and David Stauffacher. As band leader of Tercer Pulso Trio, alongside Aurelio Espinoza on electic bass and Freddy Benitez on drums, Pablo Miguez combines the vibrant energy of Latin rhythms with the freedom of jazz and improvisation. Pablito’s compelling performances continue to captivate audiences, establishing him as a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene in Switzerland. Photo © Antero Trujillo
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Art Magazine | Read Article
VOCALIST (SWITZERLAND/BASEL)
Jean-Christophe Groffe
Jean-Christophe Groffe has crafted a unique path in music, blending profound expertise with an innovative approach to both classical and contemporary repertoire. As an artist, he is highly sought after for his performances, as well as his research—particularly in collaboration with the Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST) in Zurich—and his frequent appearances on radio broadcasts. Groffe is the founder and artistic director of thélème, an ensemble devoted to original interpretations of Renaissance works, and co-director, alongside Francisca Näf, of SoloVoices, which explores contemporary and experimental music. His contributions include numerous recordings, such as Un poeta en la calle by electroacoustic composer José Pino (from the album Parallele Welten/La casa de nadie Records, 2020), highlighting his versatility and dedication to cross-genre creativity. The album Baisiez moi (thélème/Aparté) earned the prestigious Gramophone Classical Music Award for Early Music in 2022. In 2023, Groffe expanded his creative endeavors by directing a music video for John Dowland's Flow My Tears, featuring thélème, Sarina Panahideh, and Sting. This project further demonstrated his ability to bridge musical traditions with modern storytelling. The video was released alongside the album all we get is life (thélème/Aparté) in 2024, a product of his collaboration with Sting. Photo (detail) © Benjamin Henon
Projects: La casa de nadie Records
PERCUSSIONIST, COMPOSER, PERFORMER (VENEZUELA/GENEVA)
Edwin Sanz
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in the San Agustín del Sur neighbourhood, Edwin Sanz began his artistic journey as a dancer. Raised in a family of artists, he was mentored by his uncle, Reinaldo Mijares, a renowned choreographer and dancer from the Barlovento region, where Afro-Venezuelan culture holds significant importance. While still a teenager, Edwin joined Grupo Madera, one of Venezuela’s leading Caribbean music ensembles, where he began his studies in percussion, quickly mastering the craft and becoming a virtuoso. Today, Edwin is recognised globally for his exceptional skill, ingenuity, and mastery in Latin American percussion, jazz, and world music. Known for his versatility, he plays a wide array of percussion instruments, including congas, bongos, drums, shamanic drums, cajón, timbales, xequerê, agogô, pandeiro, maracas, and djembé. A sought-after musician, Edwin was invited to join Rodrigo & Gabriela for their Area 52 world tour, showcasing his talent in Caribbean and Cuban music. With his own band, San Augustin, which blends Latin music, Afro-jazz, and blues, Edwin performed at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in the UK, where the band received an overwhelming ovation and won the Best Latin Band award. Edwin’s unique ability to blend styles, cultures, and influences has led him to perform with legendary artists such as The Gypsy Kings, The New York Salsa All Stars, Tito Nieves, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto, Isaac Delgado, Willie González, and Steve Winwood. Passionate about multidisciplinary projects, Edwin has also performed with the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. In recent years, Edwin Sanz has graced the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues, including Paléo, Montreux Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Edge Festival, Feria de Cali, Ghent Jazz Festival, Radio City Music Hall in New York, Warner Theater in Washington, and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Projects: La casa de nadie Records
PERCUSSIONIST, GUITARIST, ARRANGER (CUBA/ZURICH)
Heribel Izquierdo García is an Italo-Cuban musician based in Zurich with a rich academic background, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Music and a Master’s in Jazz Music Education from the Lucerne School of Music. His diverse career spans multiple roles, including guitarist, percussionist, orchestra conductor, and arranger, and he is skilled in various genres such as jazz, pop, salsa, rumba, timba, and film scores. As percussionist for the Swiss band Lele Gorri, he brings his extensive rhythmic expertise and diverse musical background to the forefront. Photo © Antero Trujillo
Projects: Zurich Jam Session
DRUMMER, PERCUSSIONIST (SWITZERLAND/BELLINZONA)
Daniel Bagutti
Daniel Bagutti, born in 1991, is a Swiss drummer and percussionist. Introduced to drums at age 5, he pursued formal training under jazz musician Silvano Borzacchiello from 2003 to 2009, realising his passion could become a profession. His musical journey began with notable appearances alongside Claudio Pontiggia's bands Desamper and La Bottega. Daniel has performed with various Swiss bands and graced stages at rock, jazz, and blues festivals across Switzerland. In 2011, Daniel ventured to New York City, performing at prestigious venues like Zinc Bar and Blue Note. Collaborating with musicians like John Lander and Dylan Kaminkow, he released his album Interweave in 2015. Returning to Europe in 2014, Daniel joined Michael Fleiner y su Septeto Internacional, touring Switzerland and South America and featuring in renowned jazz festivals. A member of José Pino Quartet, throughout his career, Daniel has shared the stage with esteemed musicians like Juan Munguia, Dudu Penz, and Chip Crawford. Currently, he teaches at TASIS (The American School In Switzerland) and contributes to the GOS project (Guitar of Stones) with the band Make Plain.
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
HAIR ARTIST (ECUADOR/QUITO)
Ariel Cusenza
Juan Domingo Pino, known by his artistic name and established brand Ariel Cusenza, is a hairstylist and hair artist with 30 years of experience, certified in both Europe and Latin America. A four-time national champion in avant-garde hairstyling, his journey began at age 17, and in 1998, he won his first trophy for gala hairstyling. After living and working in Paris, his passion for hairstyling positioned him among the top in the field globally, with creations showcased in countries like Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay. A natural creator of avant-garde hairstyles, Ariel has established his own style, inspired by the beauty of nature. Currently the owner and creative director of Cízone Saloon in Quito, he continues to educate and inspire new generations of Ecuadorian stylists.
BASSIST, COMPOSER (GERMANY-POLAND/COLOGNE)
Ursula Wienken
Ursula Wienken, born in 2001, is a German-Polish bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Cologne. She is skilled in electric and double bass, specializing in rhythmic and danceable music. Originally from Neuss, Germany, Ursula began her musical journey with the acoustic guitar at age 7 and added the electric bass at 9. She later expanded her repertoire to include the double bass upon starting studies at the Hochschule Für Musik und Tanz in Cologne in 2020. Ursula has performed at prestigious festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival and has toured across Europe. In 2022, she was awarded the Neusser Kunstförderpreis for her contributions as a bassist and composer. She has played in notable ensembles such as LaJazzO NRW and the Bundesjugendjazzorchester, and is a band member of Lele Gorri and the José Pino Quartet. Photo © Niclas Weber
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
TRUMPETER, FLUGELHORNIST (SWITZERLAND/ZURICH)
Daniel Schenker
Daniel Schenker (born 1963, Zurich) is a distinguished Swiss jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist with a career spanning several decades. He began trumpet lessons at ten and, after studying computer science at ETH Zurich, furthered his musical education with renowned teachers such as Bert Joris, Tom Harrell, Wynton Marsalis, and Malte Burba. Schenker received his professional diploma from the Swiss Jazz School in 1995 and has since become a sought-after sideman in Switzerland, participating in over 70 CD and LP productions. His freelance career includes performances with jazz legends like Kenny Werner, James Moody, Bill Holman, and Joe Haider, and international tours with artists such as George Gruntz and Pepe Lienhard. Daniel Schenker has led his own quartet since 2001, releasing four albums. In 2022, he participated in the recording of 500 Miles High with the José Pino Big Band. Schenker has co-directed the Zurich Jazz Orchestra since 2013, leading projects with artists like Paolo Fresu, Thomas Gansch, and Jojo Mayer. He is also a faculty member at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and the Zurich Conservatory of Music (MKZ). Daniel Schenker continues to be a major figure in Swiss jazz, combining his roles as a performer, educator, and innovator in the field. Photo © Urs Jaudas/Tages-Anzeiger
Projects: La casa de nadie Records
BASSIST, COMPOSER, ARRANGER (USA/NEW ORLEANS)
Amina Scott
Bassist, composer, and arranger Amina Scott, bandleader of the Amina Scott Quintet, is a passionate advocate for greater representation of women in the music industry, and the recognition of African American music. An esteemed faculty member at Loyola University New Orleans and the University of New Orleans, her performance history includes collaborations with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the DDB Big Band, and renowned artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Steve Turre, Wessell “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Nicholas Payton, David Murray, Jamison Ross, Joanne Brackeen, Herlin Riley, and Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah. At JazzAscona we had the opportunity to conduct an in-depth interview with her for the press, highlighting her vision and career. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: La casa de nadie Portrait
DRUMMER, COMPOSER (PORTUGAL/ZURICH)
Márcio de Sousa
Márcio de Sousa is a drummer and composer of Portuguese descent, who has become a prominent figure in Zurich's dynamic jazz scene. Growing up in Switzerland within a Portuguese family, Márcio's musical journey has been shaped by both his multicultural background and his deep passion for jazz. An active performer in a wide range of settings—from intimate duos to full big band arrangements—Márcio’s artistry transcends traditional boundaries, earning him a reputation for his uncompromising approach to jazz. With the Márcio de Sousa Quintet he brings a distinctive voice to the genre, one that blends respect for jazz tradition with a relentless drive to push its limits. The quintet’s sound is characterised by the powerful force of three brass players and a grounded rhythm section, with a focus on collective frontline improvisation—a modern reimagining of classic jazz principles. For Márcio, honouring the tradition of jazz means constantly challenging it. His work is driven by a critical exploration of the genre. His compositions and performances reflect a deep understanding of jazz’s history, while pushing its boundaries into new, exciting territories. With a background that bridges Germanic and Iberian cultures, Márcio De Sousa brings a unique perspective to his music, incorporating diverse influences and approaches into his work. His ability to fuse technical precision with spontaneous creativity has made him a respected figure not only in Switzerland but in the international jazz community as well. Whether performing as a bandleader or collaborating with other artists, such as Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves and Rich Harpur in the project Ekute Le Trio, Márcio continues to redefine jazz, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the tradition he continually seeks to challenge. Photo © Martina Knecht
Projects: Zurich Jam Session
VOCALIST, COMPOSER (NETHERLANDS/LAUSANNE)
Sylvie Klijn
Sylvie Klijn is a dynamic singer and composer captivating audiences in Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. With master's degrees from Fontys Conservatory and the University of Utrecht, as well as advanced studies in jazz voice and composition from Haute École de Musique Lausanne, her musical expertise is profound. Sylvie embarked on her musical journey as a classical pianist. Transitioning from her classical roots, Sylvie delved into jazz and pop music, seamlessly blending these genres in her compositions. Her works evoke distant realms through wordless melodies or convey narratives with subtle influences. A band leader of the Latin jazz trio Vagalumes, alongside Samuel Boutros and Paul Gonzalez, she also collaborates with guitarist José Pino for a sparkling Latin jazz duo performance, and with accordionist Lea Gasser in the duo Oxeon, where they blend classical influences with original compositions. The Oxeon album Somewhere Far (2023) was nominated for the Edison Klassiek award. Sylvie has graced stages at prominent events such as JazzOnze+ and the Cully Jazz Festival, and her music has been showcased on Swiss radio. Photo © Mathilda Olmi
Projects: Zurich Jam Session | La casa de nadie Live Bookings
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