Marian's tips for April

Marian Märki03-26-20263 min. read

The weather in April is unpredictable. Sometimes it's hot, and then it snows again. My tips are the same. From hot rhythms to cool rhymes, everything is included. Here, I'll tell you which April shows I'm particularly looking forward to.

Thursday, April 2 to Sunday, April 5 - The Easter weekend

The Moods' Easter nest is jam-packed with musical treats, and since I couldn't make up my mind, it's going to take a little longer. On Maundy Thursday, Till Ostendarp –you may know him as DJ Real Madrid or as a member of the band Faber – will surprise you with his "Big Band". It’s an experimental big band with a stellar line-up, yet it doesn't sound like a traditional big band. Till's 'Carte Blanche' evenings are always surprising, and I'm particularly looking forward to this one.I am looking forward to seeing Justina Lee Brown on Good Friday. She is one of the most outstanding voices in the Afro-funk, blues, and soul genres. She has a powerful, warm, and truthful voice and presence.
On Saturday, the air at Moods will swirl as if we were in the Sahara. Hailing from southern Algeria, Imarhan is a Tuareg band that has long been one of the defining voices of the Kel Tamashek generation with her modern desert blues. If you like Tinariwen, you won't want to miss Imarhan.
I'm glad that things will be quieter on Sunday because I'll probably be tired from dancing on Saturday. Then, the Indian sitar master Anupama Bhagwat and the tabla virtuoso Manish Madankar will perform. They are a meditative antithesis. Together, they will open a window into classical Hindustani music, which is full of subtlety, depth, and spiritual calm. It's just the right thing to help you relax.

Thursday, April 9 - Bahamadia

If you're a hip-hop fan, then you already know her. If not, then now's your chance to learn more. Bahamadia is a conscious hip-hop icon who enjoys recognition beyond the underground scene. Her debut album, Kollage, released 30 years ago, is a genre-defining classic produced by DJ Premier and the Beatminerz. She has collaborated with stars such as The Roots, Talib Kweli, Slum Village, and Erykah Badu — I think that speaks volumes.

Friday, April 17 - Bixiga 70

Bixiga is a lively district in São Paulo. But you don't have to go there to experience its energy. The band of the same name, which will be performing at Moods, is just as lively as the neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from Afro-Brazilian sounds, the band is renowned for its spectacular live performances and has already captivated audiences at renowned festivals such as Roskilde and Glastonbury. They will bring the sunshine to Moods, regardless of the weather outside.

Sunday, April 19 - Bill Frisell & Eyvind Kang Duo

Bill Frisell needs no introduction. His ability to effortlessly switch between jazz, pop, and contemporary music has made him one of the most influential guitarists of our time. At Moods, he will be joined by a longtime friend: Eyvind Kang. The violinist and guitarist have been collaborating for over three decades. Their performance will be a journey through all of their musical influences, and I'm coming along for the ride.

Tuesday, April 28: Eddie Henderson feat. Piero Odorici Group

As a writer for Moods, I love a good story. Henderson's story is fascinating, to say the least. As a child, he fell in love with the sound of the trumpet and received his first lesson from Louis Armstrong. He then wanted to become a figure skater, worked as a practising doctor and was persuaded by a family friend, Miles Davis, to pursue a career in music. He is now a living jazz legend. It’s not just his story that appeals to me though; it’s his music too. Henderson’s playing is characterised by lyrical phrasing, inventive improvisations, and the use of space and silence in his solos. He also blends traditional jazz styles with contemporary elements such as funk and soul. This is an evening not to be missed.

Marian's April tips

  • Carte Blanche

    Till Ostendarp

    • Tillmanns Grosse Band

      JazzJazz Modern CreativeContemporary JazzBig Band JazzModern Creative Jazz
    • Justina Lee Brown

      Global SoundsAfrica
    • Imarhan

      Global SoundsAfricaDesert Blues
  • Indian Music Circle & Moods present

    • Anupama Bhagwat & Manish Madankar

      Global SoundsAsia
  • Hip Hop Zoo & Moods present

    • Bahamadia with The RuffCats Band & DJ Eclipse

      Rap / R'n'B / BrassRap
  • Solar Sessions

    Adalu & Moods present

    • Bixiga 70

      Global SoundsBrazilAfrica
    • Bill Frisell & Eyvind Kang Duo

      Jazz Modern CreativeContemporary JazzExperimental Jazz
  • Miles Legacy

    • Eddie Henderson feat. Piero Odorici Group

      JazzClassic JazzSoul Jazz