Christoph Stiefel: 7meilenStiefel

The Christoph Stiefel Trio consists of Christoph Stiefel on piano, Marcel Papaux on drums, and Patrice Moret on bass.

A master of subtle jazz interplay, Swiss jazz musician Christoph Stiefel has developed his own distinctive compositional and pianistic style over the past 15 years since the trio's formation in the summer of 1990. This style provides the musical framework in which the trio's members can freely express themselves, representing Stiefel's vision of modern jazz.

Stiefel's creative approach revolves around the concept of isorhythm, which is increasingly evident in his fifth trio recording. Isorhythm involves combining rhythms with different melodies, resulting in unexpected layering and a sometimes wild drive.

Born in Zurich in 1961, Christoph Stiefel is active in various musical roles as a pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer. After receiving classical piano training in childhood, his musical interests shifted towards funk, fusion, and jazz in the 1980s. Following over five years with the band Andreas Vollenweider & Friends, he formed his own jazz trio/quartet in 1990, performing extensively in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria with various lineups featuring notable jazz artists.

The trio shares a preference for spontaneous interaction, playfulness, and challenging rhythmic structures (isorhythms), all while maintaining a serene, lyrical atmosphere. Through constant musical exchange and interplay, spontaneous ideas are developed and explored collectively, resulting in a unique musical narrative that evolves with each performance. Stiefel's use of isorhythm serves as a rhythmic reflection of life, accompanying each listener in its own special way.