Thomas Heberer

Last year, Dave Douglas wrote on his blog : "For our New York readers: By all means, PLEASE come hear trumpeter Thomas Heberer this Saturday at Tonic at 8pm. He's coming with his electric trio from Cologne. This is an EXTREMELY RARE visit from a European master. Be there if you can".

True, German trumpeter Thomas Heberer studied with Douglas, but still, for someone with his reputation to be so insistent, it must be more than just out of friendliness that he does this. And he's right. Heberer is not only one of the best European trumpeters of the moment, his long-standing role in the ICP Orchestra can testify of that, but also in the European Jazz Ensemble, in Aki Takase's quintet, with Alexander von Schlippenbach, and many more. His technique is fabulous, which is of course the reason why he is so in demand, but on top of that, his compositional skills and musical vision are excellent as well. He has created several bands or musical projects of his own : Lip Lab (with tuba and drums), Sloops! (trumpet solo, with electronics and dubbed), SSH (with guitar and keyboards + turntables). The most recent projects are with bassist Dieter Manderscheid with whom he has released four CD's so far.

One of his latest US performances can be listened to below in its entirety : a quartet with Nate Wooley also on trumpet, Reuben Radding on bass and Harris Eisenstadt on drums. It was recorded in June of this year in Brooklyn, and it is closer to free improv than free jazz, but more than worthwhile.

Listen and download (also available on his website) :

Map 31
Forest Hills
Myrtle Ave
No Door Bell

His best work according to me is to be found in his duo releases with Dieter Manderscheid, because it is a little more accessible.

Listen to Heberer/Manderscheid :
Room 210
The Progress Thus Far
ER

For more information on Heberer : click here to be linked to his website.