The musicians of the "Cologne Saxophone Quintet" have been playing together since their time at the Cologne University of Music. Instead of relying on existing literature, they have arranged their repertoire from the beginning, creating their own musical language for the ensemble. Despite the purely classical woodwind instrumentation, their style is strongly influenced by jazz and pop. The five multi-instrumentalists use various saxophones, clarinets, bass clarinets, flutes, and the contrabass saxophone "Tubax." The quintet's arrangements are now part of the repertoire of many saxophone ensembles worldwide.
As winners of the Yamaha Sax Contest 2003, they have performed at various concerts and festivals, including Switzerland and the USA. In 2005, their CD "YO! - featuring Bob Mintzer" was released on Neuklang, partly recorded in New York. The album features eight tracks with guest star Bob Mintzer on tenor saxophone.
Bob Mintzer commented: "The music you are about to hear on this CD is quite something. It swings with a jazz and R&B sensibility while acknowledging the more classical saxophone ensemble approach. The arrangements are extremely smart and very hip! And the playing... well, put it this way: I never missed the drummer. These guys play with the momentum of a world-class rhythm section. The only difference is they don't need one. It was easy and inspiring to solo with the saxophone ensemble providing the accompaniment. I'm sure you will have a good time checking this music out."