A Summer Residency DAY4: Nils Kugelmann

Five nights. Same club, same band – entirely different results. Bassist and composer Nils Kugelmann brings new compositions to A-Trane's stage for an immersive residency celebrating five years of his tight-knit trio, with pianist Luca Zambito and drummer Sebastian Wolfgruber.

Born in Munich and now Berlin-based, Kugelmann has built an impressive artistic presence in remarkably short time. His ACT Records albums Stormy Beauty and Life Score earned him acclaim as a "bass berserker" (Süddeutsche Zeitung) and "mega talent" (BR-Klassik). The trio has performed across Europe and beyond — from London's legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to performances in Romania, Kosovo, and Ecuador.

The Residency Concept

Rather than a single performance, this week-long series is built on evolution. "One night is a concert. Several nights become an evolution," as the venue's description puts it. Each evening showcases Kugelmann's new compositions meeting a trio that has grown tightly together and learned to embrace risk as fundamental to their sound.

What Makes This Special

For Kugelmann, the double bass is never a supporting role — it's a narrative voice at the centre of his music. His pieces stay in constant motion, unexpected and unpredictable. Groove isn't an option; it's a constant state. When things shift, they shift toward the interesting.

The Musicians

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

Contemporary Modern Groove Jazz. Expect moments that will never happen quite the same way again.

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