Musicology Sessions concert series is proud to announce the performance of the eclectic German collective, Jazzanova, on April 11, 2025, at BitefArtCafe.
Jazzanova is a German collective formed by Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer. Established in 1995 as a modern jazz and “chill-out” group, their music is heavily influenced by Latin jazz. For nearly three decades, Jazzanova has been redefining modern music through an authentic blend of intricate rhythms and creativity that transcends genres. From clubs to studios to the festival scene, this collective has built a legacy of unforgettable performances.
The Jazzanova Live Band consists of top-tier musicians whose chemistry and virtuosity bring a unique energy to every show. Whether you love jazz, soul, or electronic music, Jazzanova will captivate you.
Since its inception, Jazzanova has never followed a clearly defined path—it has always been in a state of “becoming.” No mold or direction has ever firmly shaped the group. They have never been bound to specific genres, styles, or formats. Over the years, they have performed as a DJ collective, production house, radio programmers, and music curators—always with one foot in club culture and the other in live performances.
We had the pleasure of speaking with the band, who shared their thoughts on taste, collaborations, and music preferences:
What would you say is the biggest advantage and/or flaw of making music together in a group, especially as a band with many members?
- The biggest advantage is that you can harness the creativity and ideas of many people instead of just one. Of course, this can sometimes be a challenge when disagreements arise.
You’ve been blending jazz with electronic music for a while. What do you think jazz would look like today if it hadn’t evolved into electronic subgenres?
- Jazz has always been open to external influences. It would never have sealed itself off from broader musical developments. Without evolving, it would have probably been boring and stagnant.
If you could step into the shoes of a musician from any era, who would it be, and what would you do differently?
- John Coltrane. We’d love to know what it was like to be at the frontier of artistic expression in the ’60s. After essentially inventing a whole new genre in jazz, he turned inward and pursued real spiritual growth—which was brilliant and awe-inspiring. The only thing we would’ve done differently? Lived longer! 🙂
With such a long history of collaborations, is there an artist or group you still dream of working with, and what would that collaboration sound like?
- Maybe Horace Silver. You never really know what will come out when you start working on a track, especially with such an accomplished artist. The outcome can be very unexpected!
If you had to create a playlist for an ideal evening, what would be your opening track and why? Also, would you share the genre with us?
- “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This” by Idris Muhammad. It’s the perfect blend of disco, jazz, and soul—there’s hardly an occasion where this wouldn’t lift everyone’s mood!
If your music was a cocktail, what ingredients would it have, and what would you call it?
- A very expensive single malt whisky (old) mixed with any soft drink (new) that fits, plus lots of ice—because less is more! Journalists and fans have always determined the name of the genre we play, so we’ll let you figure this one out too. 😉
What’s the most unexpected influence or inspiration that has made its way into your music—something fans might not immediately pick up on?
- A lot of old ’60s and ’70s American and British folk music, which many people wouldn’t expect.
Tickets for the Belgrade concert on April 11th are available at www.tickets.rs.
For more information, visit www.musicology.rs.
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