Omer Klein & Sebastian Studnitzky

In the organizer's words:

16th Kassel JazzFrühling

Pianist Omer Klein and trumpeter Sebastian Studnitzky need no introduction. They are both internationally recognized composers and bandleaders who have been creating their own unique soundscapes for years. Although they had known and appreciated each other's work for some time, the two only played their first notes together in the summer of 2021, which was to become a decisive moment.

"Almost by chance, we were booked for a duo concert in Usingen, not far from my hometown of Frankfurt, and I had the feeling that it was going to be something special," says Klein. Studnitzky confirms: "From the very first note, it was clear that there were no boundaries between us and the music. We were fearless together," and Klein adds: "The music flowed so effortlessly that we almost laughed at times, and we seemed to be able to invite the audience to participate in every little nuance."

The pair decided to develop their newly formed duo further, and so their current program was born. The material includes some of Klein's compositions, some of Studnitzky's and cover versions of songs by their favorite artists: Monk, Stevie Wonder, Jobim. "In situations like this, the how is more important than the what," says Studnitzky, "the songs are there for us to have a starting point. We immediately throw ourselves into the unknown with them, and that's a lot of fun." Klein summarizes: "It's that tightrope act, that risk-taking, that spirit of discovery that makes it worthwhile for an artist to go on stage and for people to listen. It's exciting to be part of something like this."