What an extraordinary weekend it turned out to be at the 60th edition of Jazzfest Berlin! The festival began with a spellbinding performance by pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist Mary Halvorson, igniting a weekend filled with musical genius. With a diverse lineup of 230 artists from 25 countries, the festival enchanted audiences across multiple stages.
A standout performance came from the French quartet Novembre, who delivered a truly sensory experience in their program “Apparitions,” accompanied by a cello trio and two children’s choirs. The night concluded with a mesmerising performance by the dynamic piano duo Aki Takase and Alexander von Schlippenbach, showcasing their three-decade-long musical chemistry.
The following day brought an array of musical wonders, from Nancy Mounir’s captivating piano recital to the experimental improvisation of Fred Frith, Mariá Portugal, and Susana Santos Silva. The powerhouse septet Paal Nilssen-Love’s Circus also took the stage, showcasing their individual commitments that created a cohesive musical experience.
The festival continued to enthrall audiences with a stellar lineup, including a remarkable performance by Eberhard and her Potsa Lotsa XL, followed by a surprising new group led by Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler. The final day at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche featured a mesmerizing performance by Ghosted, a Swedish rhythm section with Berlin-based guitarist Oren Ambarchi, creating a sound reminiscent of an electric organ.
The festival culminated in an intimate set by saxophonist Bill McHenry and drummer Andrew Cyrille, as well as a crowd-pleasing performance by Eve Risser’s Red Desert Orchestra. The weekend wrapped up with the extraordinary pianist Marta Warelis, whose captivating performance at the cozy bistro A-Trane left a lasting impression on the audience.
The festival highlighted some of the finest albums of the year, with Samara Joy’s “Linger Awhile” topping the list of amazing music. The event truly showcased the electrifying talent and diverse range of musical experiences that Jazzfest Berlin had to offer.
As the festival drew to a close, it became clear that the 60th edition of Jazzfest Berlin had set a new standard for musical brilliance, leaving audiences captivated and inspired by the exceptional talent on display.
