Jens Düppe, a drummer hailing from Cologne, stands as the prototype of the modern jazz musician who wields the imaginary conductor's baton, transforming the sound of music. His approach is characterized by organic, complex, and balanced qualities, often extending beyond drumming to include composition.
Known for his introspective and free-spirited nature, Jens Düppe is recognized in the media as "one of the most innovative representatives of improvised music in the country." Drawing from a rich musical background, his career has been shaped by luminaries such as Albert Mangelsdorff and Kenny Werner.
In his band, Düppe has gathered musicians who not only harmonize perfectly in the musical sense but also share a deep familiarity forged through many years of collaboration on stage. Frederik Köster on trumpet, Lars Duppler on piano, and Christian Ramond on bass are Düppe's longstanding companions and sources of inspiration. Each member has developed an individual, extraordinary musicality, which Düppe explicitly incorporates into the composition of each piece. The result is a distinctive overall sound that has evolved over nearly a decade of shared performances.
In 2019, Jens Düppe was awarded the WDR Jazz Prize in the "Improvisation" category. The jury lauded him as a "complete drummer" who stands out for his rhythmic creativity in both small ensembles and big-band formats. Düppe was also recognized as a particularly "melodic" drummer, with his sounds enveloping the improvisations of his fellow musicians.
For more information, visit: jensdueppe.de