Jazz Innovations: Ken Vandermark, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love Perform in Munich

november 20,2025

Avant-Garde Jazz Duo to Perform in Munich

Munich,Germany – A captivating evening of experimental music is scheduled for Thursday,November 20,2025,at HALL6,located at Dachauer Str. 112d,80636 Munich. The performance will feature the collaborative work of renowned saxophonist Ken Vandermark and percussionist paal Nilsson-Love.

The Artists

Ken Vandermark, an American saxophonist and composer born in 1964, is a celebrated figure in avant-garde music. He has a prolific career marked by collaborations with influential musicians across diverse genres, including jazz, improvisation, and even post-punk. His work with members of the association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), such as Fred Anderson, and European free improvisers like Peter Brötzmann, demonstrates his broad musical scope.

Paal Nilsson-Love,a highly regarded drummer,complements Vandermark’s innovative approach with his dynamic percussion work. Together, they promise an evening of challenging and rewarding musical exploration. Vandermark,who received a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 1999,founded Audiographic Records in 2014 and directs the Catalytic Sound cooperative.

event Details

the concert, titled “CHICAGO – Music on the edge: Vandermark – Nilsson – Love,” is set to begin at 8:30 p.m. and will continue until 11:00 p.m. Tickets are currently available through Eventbrite and can be acquired at this link.

Venue Details

HALL6 provides an intimate setting for this musical encounter. Conveniently located, the venue is accessible via Munich’s public transportation system. Further travel information can be found on the MVG website: MVG Connections or the mobile app: MVG App.

Event	Details
Date	November 20, 2025
time	8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location	HALL6, Dachauer Str. 112d, 80636 Munich
Artists	Ken Vandermark & Paal Nilsson-Love

Did You know? Ken Vandermark’s work frequently explores the intersection of composed and improvised music, often incorporating elements of graphic notation and extended techniques.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot in the intimate HALL6 venue and fully immerse yourself in the sonic experience.

Will this performance push the boundaries of contemporary jazz? What new sonic landscapes will Vandermark and nilsson-Love create together?

The Enduring Appeal of Avant-Garde Jazz

The appeal of avant-garde jazz lies in its willingness to challenge conventional musical structures and embrace experimentation. This genre often prioritizes individual expression and improvisation over traditional harmonies and melodies. The current landscape of experimental music continues to evolve, with artists constantly seeking new ways to push creative boundaries, attracting a dedicated and growing audience.

frequently Asked Questions about Avant-garde Jazz

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How does the European approach to free improvisation differ from American approaches, as exemplified by this performance?

The Trio’s unique Sonic landscape: Free Jazz & Beyond

The recent Munich performance featuring Ken Vandermark (clarinet, saxophone), Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (drums), and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums) was a masterclass in improvisational music, pushing the boundaries of free jazz and demonstrating a remarkable synergy between three distinct, yet complementary, musical voices. This wasn’t simply a concert; it was an exploration of texture, rhythm, and harmonic possibilities within the realm of avant-garde jazz. The event, held at [Insert Venue Name if known, otherwise remove this sentence], drew a dedicated crowd of jazz enthusiasts eager to witness this potent combination.

Ken Vandermark: A Legacy of Exploration

Ken Vandermark is a pivotal figure in the Chicago improvisational music scene. His work consistently challenges conventional jazz structures, incorporating elements of experimental music, contemporary classical, and even influences from world music.

* Vandermark’s clarinet playing is characterized by its raw energy and extended techniques.He’s known for multiphonics, circular breathing, and a fearless approach to timbre.

* His saxophone work, frequently enough on tenor and baritone, is equally adventurous, frequently employing unconventional fingerings and a powerful, emotive tone.

* Vandermark’s compositional work frequently enough involves large ensembles and complex arrangements, but his trio work highlights his ability to create compelling music in a stripped-down format. He’s a key figure in the development of post-bop and free improvisation.

Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: Rhythmic Architect

Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, a Norwegian drummer based in Berlin, is renowned for his polyrhythmic complexity and dynamic range. He’s a cornerstone of the European improvisation scene, collaborating with a diverse array of musicians.

* Flaten’s drumming isn’t simply about keeping time; it’s about creating layers of rhythmic activity that interact with and propel the music forward.

* He’s adept at using a wide variety of percussion instruments, frequently enough incorporating found objects and unconventional materials into his setups.

* his work with The Thing (featuring Mats Gustafsson and Anders Weber) showcases his ability to create intensely energetic and chaotic soundscapes, a quality also present in his trio work with Vandermark and Nilssen-Love. He’s a master of jazz drumming and free drumming.

Paal Nilssen-Love: Percussive Force

Paal Nilssen-Love, another prominent Norwegian drummer, brings a similarly adventurous spirit to the trio. His playing is characterized by its physicality,intensity,and a willingness to take risks.

* Nilssen-Love’s approach to drumming is highly visceral, often involving powerful strokes and a relentless energy.

* He’s known for his use of extended techniques, such as playing with mallets, brushes, and even his hands directly on the drumheads.

* His collaborations with musicians like Arve Henriksen demonstrate his versatility and his ability to create atmospheric and evocative soundscapes. He excels in improvisational drumming and avant-garde percussion.

Decoding the Munich Performance: Key Elements

The Munich performance wasn’t about showcasing individual virtuosity (though all three musicians are undeniably masters of their instruments).It was about collective improvisation and the creation of a shared sonic space. Several key elements defined the concert:

1. Dynamic contrasts: The trio moved seamlessly between moments of intense, chaotic energy and passages of quiet, introspective beauty. This dynamic range kept the audience engaged and highlighted the musicians’ sensitivity to each other’s playing.
2. Textural Exploration: the interplay between Vandermark’s woodwinds and the two drummers created a rich and complex tapestry of sound. The musicians explored a wide range of textures, from delicate whispers to explosive bursts of noise.
3. Rhythmic Interplay: Flaten and Nilssen-Love engaged in a constant dialogue, creating intricate polyrhythms and shifting time signatures. Vandermark’s improvisations responded to and interacted with these rhythmic complexities.
4. Harmonic Freedom: The music largely eschewed customary harmonic structures, embracing dissonance and atonality. This allowed the musicians to explore a wider range of sonic possibilities.

The Influence of European Improvisation

This performance exemplifies the vibrant European improvised music scene. Unlike some American approaches, European free improvisation often prioritizes texture, sound, and collective interaction over traditional notions of melody and harmony. The influence of musicians like Derek Bailey and Evan Parker is palpable in the trio’s work. This scene fosters a unique environment for experimental jazz and contemporary improvisation.

benefits of Experiencing Live Improvisational Music

Attending a performance like this offers several benefits:

* Expanded Musical horizons: Exposure to avant-garde music can broaden your understanding and appreciation of music in general.

* Enhanced Listening Skills: Improvisational music demands active listening and encourages you to pay attention to subtle nuances in sound.

* Emotional Connection: Despite its