Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz and living jazz legend, British saxophonist Andy Sheppard, are set to mesmerize audiences at the Clarence Jazz Club with their innovative new project, *From Bach to Ellington*. This concert promises a captivating dialogue between the timeless elegance of J.S. Bach and the lyrical beauty of Duke Ellington, blending Baroque counterpoint with jazz improvisation in a performance that is both unique and deeply emotional.
The duo’s collaboration draws on a rich history of shared musical exploration, rooted in years of mutual respect for each other’s work. Their new album, also titled *From Bach to Ellington*, merges original compositions inspired by Bach’s works with reimagined Ellington classics. This creates a soundscape that balances historical reverence with contemporary reinvention, characterized by subtle rhythms, chamber-like textures, and striking melodic clarity.
Michael Arbenz is a hugely eccentric, classically trained pianist with a passion for jazz, shaped by his studies in Basel. His exploration of jazz improvisation, combined with a rigorous classical background, has fueled a successful career, including performances with international jazz stars such as Greg Osby and Ron Carter.
Andy Sheppard, one of the most influential British jazz artists and a long-time ECM record label collaborator, is renowned for his imaginative yet tradition-grounded sound. As one of the few soloists to perform with the postwar big bands of Carla Bley, Gil Evans, and George Russell, Sheppard’s singular voice on the tenor saxophone perfectly complements Arbenz’s inventiveness.
Together, Arbenz and Sheppard offer a mesmerizing musical journey that bridges centuries and genres, inviting audiences to experience the fusion of Baroque sophistication and jazz artistry like never before. Don’t miss this exceptional performance at the Clarence Jazz Club.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/09/21/andy-sheppard-michael-arbenz-jazz-opposites-attract/