Nils Kugelmann presents his ambitious five-night summer residency at A-Trane, a celebration of five years of his acclaimed trio. This opening night features new compositions meeting a band that has grown deeply together, where groove is not just an option but a constant state, and risk is embraced as part of the creative process.

About the Artist

Born in Munich and now based in Berlin, bassist and composer Nils Kugelmann has made a striking artistic mark in remarkably short time. His debut album Stormy Beauty (ACT) brought immediate recognition—awards, sold-out concerts, and praise from major German media outlets. Süddeutsche Zeitung called him a "bass berserker," while BR-Klassik dubbed him a "mega-talent." With his second trio album Life Score (ACT), he established a recognizable artistic voice. The trio has since performed across Europe and beyond, recently appearing at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London.

The Trio

The core of this residency is a close-knit ensemble:

• Nils Kugelmann — Bass, Composition
• Luca Zambito — Piano
• Sebastian Wolfgruber — Drums

What to Expect

What distinguishes Kugelmann's approach: the double bass is not a supporting role but a narrative voice at the center of his music. His pieces stay in motion, constantly evolving and taking unexpected turns. The residency philosophy captures this perfectly: one night is a concert; several nights become an evolution. There will be moments that happen in exactly this way only once.

This is Contemporary Modern Groove Jazz for listeners seeking sophisticated, rhythmically inventive improvisation.

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