Peter Somuah Group

Peter Somuah is a gifted trumpeter who learned to play by listening endlessly to his trumpet heroes Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Hargrove. Somuah stands out with his warm and melancholic sound, as well as the rhythmic prowess reflecting his upbringing surrounded by the music styles native to West Africa. He touches his audiences and makes them groove. In 2021 Somuah won the Erasmus Jazz award for young jazz talent, and in 2022 he won the prestigious Edison Jazz Award with his debut album Outer Space. In June 2024, Somuah worked on a project with the WDR Big Band playing his own compositions, arranged and conducted by the musical cosmopolitan Michael Mossman. His latests album &quot;Highlife&quot; takes listeners on a vibrant journey through the rich musical heritage of Peter Somuah’s Ghanaian roots and the innovative world of jazz. Drawing from his early years playing highlife music in Accra, and blending it with influences from legends like Miles Davis, Somuah creates a unique sound that bridges generations. The album showcases a rich tapestry of instruments, from highlife’s signature rhythmic guitars and percussion to Somuah’s radiant trumpet, weaving a captivating dialogue between highlife and modern jazz. Recorded with vintage analogue equipment, Highlife captures the warmth and grit of 1960s highlife, while propelling the genre into new territories. This album is not only a celebration of Ghana’s musical legacy but also a statement of pride, addressing themes of colonialism and self-empowerment, inviting listeners to reflect and dance to the rhythms of both history and the future of jazz.

Trumpet

Keyboards

Piano

Bass

Drum Kit

Percussion

Ludivine Issambourg feat. Brian Jackson

Spirit Music Society & Moods present

Ludivine Issambourg is one of the most famous French flutists, composers, and producers of the last 15 years. Her talent has won her the admiration of artists like Wax Taylor and Catherine Ringer. One reason for her popularity is her legendary album Outlaws, a celebrated tribute to Hubert Laws&#x27; jazz funk and his CTI years. At Moods, Issambourg will continue this story with her new work, Above the Law. She explores the influences of legendary flutists such as Jeremy Steig and Ronald Snijders, drawing inspiration from soul rare groove à la Gil Scott-Heron. The evening will be dedicated to Ludivine&#x27;s current vision of modern jazz. In addition to her own compositions, she will play select covers. For this performance, she has invited a special guest: Brian Jackson. The legendary pianist, flutist, and composer, who made music history with Gil Scott-Heron, will accompany Issambourg and her band at the Schiffbau.

DJ ATN

Warm Up & Afterparty

Etienne, aka DJ ATN is a respected musical Gourmet from Paris, having spread rare grooves and deep disco vibes all through the city&#x27;s best places. He became and is still resident DJ and booker at the world famous NEW MORNING jazz club. Besides, ATN is half of the Mochi Men duet, alongside with DJ producer Young Pulse, together providing DJ sets, remixes, edits, original productions and collaborations. In the meantime, ATN has been managing and developing the infatuous rising french funk band ECHOES OF, noticed as a powerful backing band for Kyoto Jazz Massive, and also known as JÉROBOAM, signed on Danilo Plessow SPACE GRAPES label.

Flute

Leitung

Trombone

Saxophon

Fender-Rhodes E-Piano

Vocals

W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend To Cause Havoc)

WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) were the biggest rock band in Zambia in the 1970s and were at the forefront of a new genre known as zamrock. They fused influences ranging from the Rolling Stones to Black Sabbath to James Brown and mixed them with traditional African rhythms and songs. At the height of their popularity, the band often needed the police to keep fans at bay while their lead singer Jagari - whose name is an Africanization of Mick Jagger&#x27;s name - roughed up the crowd. As Zambia&#x27;s economy stagnated and the country suffered from the AIDS crisis, WITCH disbanded. Jagari, now the only surviving member of the original line-up, retreated to a life of quasi-anonymity as a university music professor before being wrongfully arrested in Zambia&#x27;s darkest hour. Now in his 60s and spending his time mining gemstones, WITCH didn&#x27;t receive much attention outside of their home country until 2012, when Now Again Records reissued their entire discography. Their last concert at Moods 2023 was certainly a highlight of the year and we are therefore delighted that the band is returning.

DJ Voilà Tim

Tim Waller alias Voilà-Tim will play a fine mix of African tracks before and after the concerts.

Guitar

Töbi Tobler & Patrick Sommer mit Reto Suhner

Patrick Sommer

Töbi Tobler, a veteran of the alternative Swiss folk music scene, has been collaborating with bassist Patrick Sommer for quite some time. Reto Suhner has just recently joined the duo, although he is otherwise based in jazz and improvisatory music. While Töbi Tobler sets the tone on his hammered dulcimer with waltzes, schottisches and polkas, unconventional instrumentation adds new colour filters to the overall sound. Patrick Sommer, for example, not only plays bass, but also the Moroccan guembri, and Reto Suhner adds saxophone, as well as clarinets and flutes of all kinds, including the xiao (Chinese flute), bansuri (bamboo flute) and duduk (Armenian flute made of apricot wood). With these many excursions, the pieces sparkle anew again and again, like crystals in a clear mountain lake.

Clarinet

Duduk

Hackbrett

Guembri

Kontrabass

LINA_

Portugal: nova geração

Adalu, Moods and the Portuguese Consulate in Zurich present the “Lusosonic Festival” - an intimate festival with a strong musical presence. A powerful sound journey through contemporary lusophone music. The program brings together promising talents from Portugal, Cape Verde, Angola and Brazil and demonstrates the diversity and strength of the current musical landscape in the Lusophone world. An unmistakable, expressive voice and expansive music based on fado: this is &#x27;Fado Camões&#x27;, the album by Portuguese singer and composer LINA_. Fado Camões&#x27; is a unique composition based on the classic poetry of Portugal&#x27;s most famous historical poet, Luís Vaz de Camões. &quot;I became curious, I wanted to know more, beyond the &#x27;Lusíadas&#x27; or &#x27;Sonetos&#x27;&quot;, explains LINA_, &quot;and I discovered that his themes - change, childhood, love, heartbreak or the description of nature - fit into the context of fado and its metrics.&quot; The simple elegance of the recent past is still there, but now there is a new spaciality in which the voice stands out amidst the silence of guitar and violin. It&#x27;s about language, writing, poetry and the structure of Camões&#x27; poems, combined with the expression and &#x27;saudade&#x27; of fado.

Violin

Tomoki Sanders

Non-binary, music-crazy and at home in both Japanese and African-American culture. Tomoki Sanders is a free electron, eager to explore Great Black Music, urban music, electronic music and the avant-garde. Discovered at this year&#x27;s Winter JazzFest in New York, the 31-year-old talent is a promising artist for the future. Although Tomoki was born into music as the child of the legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, they have made a name for themself. This is evident through their collaboration with the Kassa Overall supergroup over several years, as well as their joint performances with Moses Sumney, Ravi Coltrane and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown. Following these ventures, Tomoki Sanders produced the band&#x27;s debut album, set to be released on Impuls! in 2026. Building on the label&#x27;s rich history, it storms through the door reopened by Kamasi Washington and Shabaka Hutchings, showcasing all its fantastic personality.

Electronics

E-Bass

JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam

The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam offers an important platform for the Swiss jazz jam scene. After the musical opening of the jam band, lively and exciting sound conversations begin between musicians who spontaneously meet on stage, reflecting the diversity of jazz in all its facets. The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam is supported by the non-profit association JazzBaragge. There is no presale for JazzBaragge, only box office.

Patrick Sommer Quintet – Momentum

Bass, drums and three wind instruments – Patrick Sommer&#x27;s Quintet seeks momentum, a shared flow that allows the music to flourish and transcend compositional ideas. Patrick Sommer has assembled a group of strong personalities for his quintet. Together with drummer Pius Baschnagel, bassist Sommer forms a rhythm section that trusts each other blindly and has been shaping a wide variety of musical contexts for many years. Baritone saxophonist Charlotte Lang and trumpeter Bastien Rieser are two confident voices of the younger generation. Christoph Grab has been an influential tenor saxophonist on the Swiss jazz scene for three decades. Patrick Sommer&#x27;s compositions arise from his engagement with his various low-pitched instruments – double bass, bass guitar and the Moroccan guembri. In his bass universe, he creates moods, and explores his musical possibilities and experiences. The resulting pieces are relaxed and clear. The band deliberately avoids the constraints of rigid arrangements, allowing itself to unfold freely and independently – fresh, adventurous and intense.

Baritone Saxophone

Flugelhorn

Tenorsaxophon

Sopransaxophon

Altsaxophon

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek

jazzhane & Moods present

Derya Yıldırım insists that if you’re going to play an old folk song then you have to contribute something new, otherwise you might as well just put the old record on. With her band Grup Şimşek’s forthcoming album Yarın Yoksa, which translates to If There’s No Tomorrow, she continues this journey revitalizing Anatolian folk music and instrumentation by infusing timeless melodies with a modern psychedelic flair. Born in Hamburg, Germany to Turkish parents, she grew up influenced by her family’s Anatolian background and the myriad of cultures in the city. Derya’s musical roots started at home playing folk music with family members. Although she is a multi-instrumentalist, Derya always felt drawn to the sound of the bağlama - “there’s just something very magical about it”. And her concerts are just that: magical!

Emel

Emel Ilter is a record collector, DJ and radio host based in Basel. She is currently resident on NTS Radio London, presenting pieces of her record collection with her regular show «Heavy Love Affair». On RadioX Basel, she is host and producer of the monthly music special «Soul Sketches», inviting music lovers to share their music and stories with the listeners. Emel is part of the «NOT TOO YOUNG Swiss Soul Weekender» collective which is organising an annual vinyl-only Rare Soul event in Lucerne since 2012; creating a gathering where like-minded international collectors can connect, celebrate and worship rare and unknown music. After Derya Yildirim&#x27;s concert, Emel will also play Turkish records from the 60s and 70s from her collection.

Bağlama

Orgel

Synthesizer

Gansch & Roses

50 Jahre Thomas Gansch Anniversary Band

Thomas Gansch needs little introduction. The Austrian trumpeter, composer and mastermind behind Mnozil Brass has already graced Moods several times - and he loved it. So much so that he is playing one of his only four shows with Gansch &amp; Roses here for his 50th birthday - the only one outside Austria and at his own request. He gave himself a birthday present: a band that will make you go into raptures. Greats such as Randy Brecker, James Morrison, Dave Taylor, Peter Erskine and Wolfgang Puschnig pay their respects to Gansch and play together with Michael Hornek, Albert Wieder, Florian Trübsbach, Fabian Rucker - and of course the birthday boy himself. This concert was made possible in cooperation with JAM MUSIC LAB University. Thomas Gansch is professor, Peter Erskine and Randy Brecker are guest artists at JAM University.

Bassposaune

Tuba

Zara McFarlane

«Sweet Whispers» - Celebrating Sarah Vaughan

British jazz singer Zara McFarlane is one of the most prominent artists of her generation. The multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, composer and performer seamlessly blends jazz, reggae, folk, nu-soul and electronic music. Her career took off when world-famous DJ Gilles Peterson discovered her self-produced EP, leading to a series of critically acclaimed albums on his Brownswood Recordings label. Zara has been the talk of the town ever since. She has collaborated with music legends such as Louie Vega, Hugh Masekela, Ivan Lins, Nicola Conte, Antibalas, Ezra Collective and Shabaka Hutchings. Meanwhile, her tracks have been remixed by renowned artists including Floating Points and Osunlade. She dedicates her evening at Moods to one of the greats: Sarah Vaughan. With her warm voice and deep knowledge of jazz history, McFarlane will interpret not only key songs from Vaughan&#x27;s career, but also works by the artists who inspired and supported Vaughan. It will be an evening in which the future of jazz honours the past — and enchants the audience.

Emmet Cohen

Emmet Cohen celebrates the jazz tradition: the finest jazz, with swing, precision and, in the words of Downbeat Magazine, &quot;a nimble touch, measured step and warm harmonic vocabulary&quot;. He sees himself as a mediator between the audience and his fellow musicians, who in addition to his trio have included Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Tootie Heath and George Coleman. In other words, Emmet Cohen brings a fresh palette of sounds to classic jazz forms with an almost unparalleled mastery and passion. Back at Moods after a packed show in 2024.

Latin Jam @ JazzBaragge

Ida Nielsen & The Funkbots

lda Nielsen&#x27;s life was turned upside down when she joined music legend Prince in 2010 and began touring with &quot;The New Power Generation&quot; and the 4-piece powerhouse rock band &quot;3rdeyegirl&quot;. She describes playing with Prince as the most magical musical journey ever. An ongoing learning experience beyond imagination. This journey continues after her years with Prince with a remarkable solo career. In 2019 she was voted one of the top ten bassists in the world in the annual Music Radar poll (along with other greats such as Stanley Clarke &amp; Victor Wooten). Ida Nielsen &amp; The Funkbots deliver an energetic funk show full of good vibes, tight grooves and subtle references to her former employer and teacher Prince. Back at Moods for the 3rd time, for fans of funk, groove, Prince, Nik West and The Next Movement.

Cavaliere Spruzzi (Monorecords)

The man for funk in Zurich for 4 decades. Who doesn&#x27;t remember the legendary Cool Mondays? Smoky afternoons in THE record store in Zurich on Froschaugasse? Or the Real Funk for Real People series at Moods? Cavaliere Spruzzi is back! You better put on your dancing shoes!

Pongo

Adalu, Moods and the Portuguese Consulate in Zurich present the “Lusosonic Festival” - an intimate festival with a strong musical presence. A powerful sound journey through contemporary lusophone music. The program brings together promising talents from Portugal, Cape Verde, Angola and Brazil and demonstrates the diversity and strength of the current musical landscape in the Lusophone world. Lisbon-based Angolan singer/songwriter/performer Pongo has firmly established herself as one of the best Afro-Fusion artists working today. From her sellout shows around Europe, famous for their raw energy, to her captivating COLORS Studio performance, Pongo has become a true vanguard of modern African pop. A formerly of cult favorite electro-crossover band Buraka Som Sistema (joining when she was just 16), Pongo has built a huge following since going solo for her blend of traditional Angolan stylings with hard-hitting, energetic electronic production, seeing her shortlisted for African Artist of the Year at the Kora Awards in 2024 for her album ‘Sakidila’ and her song ‘Kuzola’ featuring on the Fifa 23 Soundtrack. Pongo marked the start of a new creative cycle with her single ‘Katana’ - a fiery, exhilarating track that immediately fired her to 3 the TikTok Viral Charts. Now, she presents ‘Sugar Rush’, a feat with the artist NoMBe, with a joyful energy in a melodic fusion of pop and afro-beats.

Fidju Kitxora

A very recent and somewhat mysterious entity in transit between Lisbon and Cape Verde, Fidju Kitxora releases &quot;Racodja&quot;, their first album, in 2024. Evoking the past, present and future voices of the diaspora, they reorder different languages into a lively and constantly changing music where the heat of funaná, the swing of semba, the syncopations of kuduro and afro-house and other sincere miscegenations flow, among field recordings, gliding synths, vocal samples and an unstoppable barrage of infectious beats.

Romeu

Angelo Romeu is a music selector from the south of Portugal who has been playing music in various venues for over 20 years. With his broad repertoire of music, he manages to get audiences dancing or relaxing by the pool. His travels have taken him to Oslo, Lisbon and currently to Zurich, where he is part of the Kasheme project. He loves sharing musical treasures and taking people on a journey through his record collection.

Disk Jockey

Dance

Den Dala

Album Release «Say Hi to the Storks»

When you think of storks, you quickly think of offspring and new beginnings. They also flutter into Moods with Zurich band Den Dala for a record launch when they present their new album ‘Say Hi to the Storks’. Den Dala remains true to their roots. In their songs, they blend jazz, indie and psychedelic rock into a groovy mixture that makes it nearly impossible to stand still. The band is not alone - Junes, Rye (Chestnut Bakery) and Tim Bond, who are also featured on the album, will also be taking part. Not only can you say hi to the storks, but also do something good for them with your ticket. You have the option of making a donation to the Swiss Stork Society with your purchase. And a real record launch always includes a bit of mischief. What do a razor, the guitarist and 200 sold tickets have in common? You&#x27;ll find out at the concert.

Den Dala Community Set feat. Junes, Rye (Chestnut Bakery) und Tim Bond

Album Release «Say Hi to the Storks»

After debuting their new album, they will continue to play music. The five-piece band has invited extra reinforcements for this. Junes, Rye (Chestnut Bakery)  and Tim Bond will be jamming and grooving together with Den Dala. It&#x27;s definitely worth staying. 

Mama Shroom & Yunus Baba

The dynamic duo that is Hollabackshroom and Yunus Findus back at it. 2 for 1 special. Strap up, lean in and stomp those boots, these two clowns come packing bags of wax-stamped surprises. Strictly vinyl, mostly nonsense.

MKZ Big Band Summit

Big Band Summit 2025 Once again: “Three Bands — One Event!” Every three years, Moods hosts the spectacular summit meeting of three big bands. The matinee will open with the Big Band MKZ under the direction of Zurich saxophonist Christoph Irniger. Next up, the SJMUZ BigBand, led by trombonist Lukas Reinert, will take to the already fired-up stage. For the third set, the two bandleaders will join 14 fellow teachers from the Zurich Music School and Conservatory (MKZ) as performers in the teachers@mkz.big.band , under the direction of pianist Andreas Christoph Szalatnay. The three ensembles present a wide stylistic range of compositions and arrangements, captivating the audience with their shared passion for orchestral jazz.

Joe Sanders' Parallels feat. Plume, Seamus Blake & Kendrick Scott

American bassist and composer Joe Sanders is a jazz great who has shared the stage with many big names. He will do so again at Moods. His band&#x27;s lineup is so impressive that each member could fill the club on their own. With Kendrick Scott on drums, Plume and Seamus Blake on saxophones, and Sanders on bass, this is a band that will make every jazz fan&#x27;s heart beat faster. Together, they will present Sanders&#x27;s latest album, Parallels. On the album, Sanders thrills fans with fine melodies, elegant lyrics, a deep-rooted sense of tradition, and a vibrant groove. His warm, singing bass provides fertile ground for brilliant melodies, even in complex structures, and makes for an experience that delights both the heart and ear. The line-up and the setting for the event are both &quot;unerhört&quot; (unprecedented). &quot;Unerhört!&quot; is a 10-day jazz festival taking place at various locations in Zurich and Winterthur. This concert will be partially seated.

Raul Midón

«Lost & Found»

Raul Midón has worked with countless legends in the industry including Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Terence Blanchard, &amp; Dianne Reeves. His albums “Bad Ass and Blind” and “If You Really Want” were nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Jazz Vocal Album” category in 2017 and 2018 respectively – proof of his artistic class. On his new album “Lost &amp; Found,” the blind singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist once again shows his innovative side. It is Raul&#x27;s first completely self-produced album. To achieve this, he learned the art of sound engineering with the help of Michael O&#x27;Reilly, an experienced New York sound professional whom Raul had already met during his major debut “State of Mind” under the tutelage of legendary producer Arif Mardin (Queen, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Bee Gees, Phil Collins, Norah Jones). The album comprises ten multifaceted songs, which Raul himself describes as a mixture of smooth folk, alt-pop, and jazz. A stylistic bouquet that has something for every taste. With his talent for blending genres and his stage presence, he succeeds in conveying pure joie de vivre. Whether on record or live, Raul Midón touches, inspires, and moves.

Orchestra Baobab

Orchestra Baobab has been on stage for over 50 years! The Senegalese band was founded in 1970, ten years after the country&#x27;s independence, and created the soundtrack of the young nation with its mixture of traditional music and influences from all over the world. Over the years, the line-up has of course changed, but what makes Orchestra Baobab what it is today has remained the same: An irrepressible joy of playing and the unmistakable mix of Afro-Latin American styles, international pop and traditional griot music. Tour presented by ByteFM

Afreekaya & Voilà Tim

Afreekaya, who shuttles tirelessly between Latin America and the Middle East, between the Caribbean and Africa, makes audiences sweat with his Afro-tropical, funky or raw sounds with a psychedelic or electronic twist. Tim Waller, alias Voilà-Tim, first became aware of South African music in 1985. He was immediately captivated by the beats and the energy, and since then he has taken every opportunity to browse through Africa&#x27;s rich palette of musical styles and bring this lively music closer to the dancing public.

Congas

Timbales

Jay-Jay Johanson

Jazz, trip hop, pop and even easy listening: these are the building blocks of Jay-Jay Johanson&#x27;s musical universe. For almost 30 years, the Swedish musician, singer and composer has inspired reflection with his melancholy lyrics. From jazzy vocals on bizarre film noir arrangements to electroclash, Johanson has reinvented himself time and again since the &#x27;90s. This is also evident on his latest album, Backstage, which he will be presenting at Moods. This 15th album features tones not heard on previous releases. For instance, he has recorded an entire song in French for the first time. He also surprises with sounds of a soul genre he has never explored before, or with a piece that culminates in a house track. It promises to be an evening full of surprises.

CRi is a newcomer DJ from Zurich and part of the collective Beach Club Underground, whose musical journeys build bridges between electronic textures and lively, organic sounds. Her sets are characterized by light beats and a dense atmosphere that invites you to listen and move in equal measure. Inspired by trip hop, funk and nu jazz, she creates a multi-layered soundscape that fits seamlessly into familiar club nights as well as intimate circles.

Džambo Agusevi Orchestra

Kultur Shock & Moods present

The Džambo Aguševi Orchestra from Strumica in North Macedonia is one of the spearheads of Balkan brass. Led by trumpet virtuoso Dzambo Aguševi - also known as The Funky Tiger - the ensemble combines traditional rhythms from the southern Balkans with influences from jazz, funk, soul and Turkish music. With an unmistakable, energetic style, they have conquered international stages, from festivals to club concerts. Their sound is rooted in the Roma tradition, but sounds global and contemporary, virtuosic, groovy and full of joy.

Mario Peric

Warm Up & Afterparti

The BalkanEkstra Parti doesn&#x27;t stop at oriental sounds or Arabic rhythms - the main thing is to dance! rrWith the legendary concert and party series Kultur Shock, Mario Peric is one of the pioneers of the Balkan scene as an organizer, DJ and producer. He has been thrilling audiences for many years with his varied, explosive and crazy sounds. His musical spectrum cannot be pinned down to one direction. The main thing is that it rocks!

Horn

Tapan

Simon Berz TECTONIC

Simon Berz is a transdisciplinary artist who seamlessly blends improvised music, sound art, and performance. One example of this is his TECTONIC performance. Berz conceived the idea during an artist residency in Iceland. There, he explored the island&#x27;s soundscapes and discovered the unique acoustic properties of volcanic basalt stones. Berz combines the archaic power of the stones with contemporary electronic sound processing. His work has a special appeal. As Berz himself says, “My hands elicit stories from the basalt that are older than words. In every sound lies a universe; in every vibration, a connection between us and the rhythm of the Earth.&quot; His work is not just music; it is an invitation to feel with our whole bodies how we are all part of a great tectonic dance.

Monobloco

Adalu & Moods present

How many stories can you fit into 25 years? In the case of Monobloco, the answer is: infinitely. For more than two decades, the band has been synonymous with excessive celebrations, intense encounters and passion. The anniversary is being celebrated under the motto Nossa História De Amor (Our Love Story). Monobloco has always been a great celebration of love: friendships formed during rehearsals, marriages made to the sound of the tambourine and children growing up to the rhythm of the batucada. Their current repertoire includes classics such as Taj Mahal, Fio Maravilha, Explode Coração as well as new hits from the pen of the famous Jorge Aragão (for example Vou Festejar, Identidade and Coisinha do Pai). Of course, the percussive essence that transcends rhythms and styles remains, delighting fans worldwide.

Miss Trópica

Following the concert, Miss Trópica from Rio de Janeiro will keep everyone on the dance floor with hot rhythms ranging from Brazilian electro and samba rock to cumbia, black music, mangue beat, and baile funk.

Cavaquinho

Snare Drum

Tamburin

Surdo

Florian Favre Trio

Album Release «Live at the bird’s eye»

Pianist Florian Favre of Freiburg is one of the best-known figures on the Swiss jazz scene. With his clear and original style of writing, he creates demystified, pop-influenced, sensitive, and explosive jazz that tells stories. One of these is the Florian Favre Trio, consisting of Favre, Manu Hagmann on double bass, and Arthur Alard on drums. Favre most recently performed solo with his album &quot;Idantitâ&quot;, and he also thrilled the Moods audience with a large ensemble for &quot;Idantitâ Revisited&quot;. However, now the time has come for the return of the Florian Favre Trio, consisting of himself, Manu Hagmann on double bass and Arthur Alard on drums. After a four-year hiatus, a new live album recorded at the Bird&#x27;s Eye Club in Basel will be released in November. The album showcases the trio&#x27;s ability to dance joyfully on a tightrope, exploiting an infinite range of nuances, thanks to the individual agility and musicality of each member.

The Celebration

20 Jahre Metonic Records

Metonic Records is an independent music label based in Biel, founded in early 2005 by Manuel Engel in collaboration with the Trash Collective in Brooklyn, New York. Engel was and is always on the lookout for new collaborations, sounds and new musical constellations. Metonic Records promotes contemporary music and provides inspiration for those who are ready to expand and create change. On this evening, Metonic Records presents both new and established projects from the last 20 years.

Joy Frempong & Meta Marie Louise, Napoleon Maddox, Ana Igluka

FIRST ACT Joy Frempong – Manuel Engel first met Joy Frempong a long time ago, either backstage at the Pod Ring Festival or at a Puts Marie concert in Lucerne, where she performed with Fredy Studer&#x27;s band on the same evening. He congratulated her on her performance and immediately became a fan of her work. Meta Marie Louise – A band that Manuel Engel founded with Kevin Chesham in 2010. Several collaborations followed, and this year the two are performing alongside Napoleon Maddox (Cincinnati) and Ana Igluka (Nantes). Maddox joined them on their last tour in 2024, impressing everyone with his ease, agility, and command of the English language. Igluka worked with Meta Marie Louise in 2015, and the musicians have been close friends ever since.

Annie Aries, Lionel Friedli & Henry Strongbox, Doug Weiss, Romarna Campbell, Estefania Padilla

SECOND ACT Annie Aries – Annie was brought to Engel&#x27;s attention by an old friend from Everest Records. Engel was impressed by her attention to detail and minimalist compositional skills. The idea of pairing her with Lionel Friedli quickly took shape. Friedli&#x27;s style fits perfectly with Aries&#x27;. Engel first met Friedli when he was 15. Even back then, they shared a love of music. As teenagers, they learned jazz standards together and played in various ensembles. Looking back, both musicians are very grateful for this educational time spent together. Henry Strongbox – Manuel Engel&#x27;s &#x27;alter ego&#x27; – loves building boxes that beep, screech, scratch and squeak. He also plays &#x27;prepared piano&#x27; – adding screws, magnets, paper and other items to the strings. He performs alongside Doug Weiss, a world-class bassist and an important mentor during Engel&#x27;s time in NYC. He is a source of inspiration for a whole generation of young double bassists exploring modern jazz. In early 2024, Engel and Weiss had the idea of forming a trio. Now, they have formed a quartet with two young, talented and dynamic drummers who are attracting attention on the European music scene. Romarna Campbell is from Birmingham, and Estefania Chamorro is from Barcelona.

Puts Marie

THIRD ACT Puts Marie – When Manuel Engel returned to Biel after spending almost ten years in New York City, it didn&#x27;t take long for him to meet Max Usata from Puts Marie and strike up a close friendship. Engel later played as a guest on Puts Marie&#x27;s 2013 album Masoch and went on tour with the band when Beni06 (Farfisa organ) was unavailable. Engel describes Puts Marie as one of his favourite bands, a group where intense emotions meet pure freedom. Or, as Engel likes to say, &#x27;Trust is the key&#x27;.

Live Painting – Ainsley Burrows

Ainsley Burrows is a multidisciplinary artist who explores untold stories and unspoken emotions. Engel performed alongside Burrows at his Erotic Poetry Nights in New York City. These shows were so popular that Burrows launched The Sweet Spot in 2006, a format that continues to enjoy success in North America and Canada to this day.

Manou Gallo

The path of the energetic bassist, drummer and singer led from the small town of Divo on the Ivory Coast to the biggest stages in the world. None other than the bass legend Bootsy Collins paved the way for Manou Gallo to be named one of the “Top 10 World Best Bass Players”! Gallo is pure power on the bass, mixing jazz, funk, groove, and Afro beat. Once you’ve experienced her, you immediately recognize her uniqueness: In her hands, the bass sometimes becomes a percussion element, driving the groove to fascinating heights. It’s no wonder Bootsy Collins calls her the “African Queen of Bass”. Other giants like Manu Dibango, Mamady Keita, Wyclef Jean, Marcus Miller, and Lucas van Meerwijk have also taken notice of her and shared stages with her. Proud of her African roots, Gallo says she has the musical freedom to play anything. And it’s precisely this freedom that you’ll find on stage: an explosive mixture of funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and confident Afro grooves. With her technique and her music, Manou Gallo impressively proves that she is one of the best bassists in the world.

K.O.S Crew Dancehall Mood

Party

Dancehall Mood is the monthly reggae and dancehall party at Moods. Like on every first Saturday of the month, the K.O.S crew will make the Moods club cooking with hot riddims. This promises an evening full of dancehall hits and reggae rarities, perfectly tuned to the respective audience and immaculately presented by the K.O.S crew and their guest.

Jowee Omicil

Album Release «sMiles»

Jowee Omicil is a tireless boundary-breaker constantly exploring new musical worlds. No category does justice to this exceptional artist—a saxophonist, singer, pianist, and visionary—who draws inspiration from his Haitian roots to create music that tastes of freedom and carries a mystical touch of rebellion and memory. Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Omicil blends his heritage, experiences, travels, and discoveries into his music, creating a distinctive expression of curiosity and authenticity. Full of energy and joie de vivre, Jowee is a passionate entertainer who thrills audiences with his melodies and grooves. His music blends the freedom of jazz, the depth of gospel, and pulsating beats that surprise, refresh, and empower—a boost of energy for the soul. At Moods, Jowee Omicil will present his latest work, sMiles, to be released on November 11. It is a manifesto of uncompromising authenticity. It celebrates self-expression, the beauty of imperfection, and the courage to take risks. What appears at first glance to be a rebellious web turns out to be a clear commitment to boundless freedom — the common thread that connects all his work. He pays tribute to Roy Hargrove, recalls Wayne Shorter, and bows to Miles Davis — yet he remains unmistakably himself, never imitating and always creatively new.

Cornet

Patrick Sommer Sextet – Rhythm Creature

With Rhythm Creature, Patrick Sommer has created an ensemble that behaves like a pulsating organism. The band as a creature is only marginally tamed and indulges its instincts with relish. The musical ideas for this mostly originate from Patrick Sommer&#x27;s preoccupation with the Moroccan guembri, a lute-like, three-stringed instrument from the Western Sahara. The resulting creative output has also had a lasting influence on his approach to his other bass instruments, rhythms, and phrasing. The resulting pieces are characterised by interwoven rhythms, intense moods and captivating melodies. The band members are all groove specialists: Patrick has been working closely with guitarist Michael Bucher for countless years, and he has been playing in various formations with drummer Kaspar Rast, keyboardist Peter Wagner, saxophonist Dave Feusi and percussionist David Stauffacher for almost as long. Rhythm Creature now breathes life into these pieces and releases them into the wild.

Fulu Miziki

The name says it all! Roughly translated, Fulu Miziki means music made from garbage and that is also the concept behind this eco-friendly afro-futuristic punk collective: the musicians make their own instruments, costumes and masks from discarded objects such as canisters, metal cans and PVC pipes. Their message is unmistakable: the multidisciplinary artists from the Congo want to draw attention to the accumulating waste in Kinshasa and everywhere else in the world and call on people to reconnect with nature. What does that sound like? Complex yet danceable rhythms and vocals somewhere between punk, electro and Congolese rumba.

Afreekaya

Afreekaya, who shuttles tirelessly between Latin America and the Middle East, between the Caribbean and Africa, is always on the lookout for raw, funky and psychedelic Afro-tropical tunes that have long remained under the radar to share with the world. As label manager at Analog Africa and curator of the Hors Tribu Festival, Afreekaya is constantly active, sharing his musical knowledge to keep the cultural scene moving.

Nesrine

jazzhane & Moods present «Kan Ya Makan»

The Franco-Algerian singer, cellist, and songwriter Nesrine is a modern-day Scheherazade—a storyteller of our time. Her album Kan Ya Makan, Arabic for “Once upon a time,” is like a contemporary collection of tales from One Thousand and One Nights. Nesrine’s rich and intricate sound mirrors her diverse musical background. As a classically trained cellist, she has performed with Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Valencia Opera Orchestra under Lorin Maazel. She has also taken the stage as a guest performer with the Cirque du Soleil. Despite a promising career in classical orchestras, she chose to follow her solo path—a decision that has led to great success. Several extensive tours throughout Europe followed and Nesrine has thrilled audiences in classical venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the Amsterdam Cello Biennale as well as at major jazz and world music festivals. Her songs, which she performs in Arabic, French and English, reflect her personal journey, which is rooted in her Algerian heritage and characterised by her life in Paris. Nesrine has released two internationally acclaimed albums on ACT Music. In early 2024, she also released a digital EP on which she performs together with the world-famous Metropole Orkest. Now she is playing her debut in Zurich, live at Moods. This concert will be partially seated.

Cello

Muriel Grossmann Quartet

Album Release «Breakthrough»

Muriel Grossmann is considered a master of spiritual jazz and has created impressive works with albums such as Devotion (Third Man Records, 2023) and The Light Of the Mind (RR Gems Records, 2024). The Ibiza-based multi-instrumentalist interweaves modal jazz in the tradition of John Coltrane with spiritual post-bop, free improvisation and sonic depth. Her compositions are tailor-made for her fellow musicians and impressively showcase their individual strengths. Grossmann creates a dense, meditative atmosphere on stage, as can be heard most recently on the live album MGQ live at King Georg, Cologne. At Moods, the quartet will present their latest album Breaktrough, which will be released at the end of September 2025 - and prove that they play even more vividly live than in the studio.

Composition

Hammond organ

muralim

Album Release «pony»

For Zurich-based band Muralim, music is a matter of the heart and soul. It&#x27;s those moments when you forget everything else and can just be in the present. Their melodies are catchy yet sophisticated. The grooves invite you to tap your feet, and their enthusiasm fills the air above the stage with excitement. The quintet consists of saxophonist Mauro Reimann, guitarist Joachim Frey, pianist Tim Bond, bassist Elias Kirchgraber, and drummer Martin Maron. They met while studying at the Zurich University of the Arts. There, they quickly attracted attention and were featured in the &quot;Best of Swiss Jazz Bachelors&quot; series. Although Mauro Reimann writes the band&#x27;s music, it is ultimately not a solo effort. When the band jams together, the pieces evolve through the influence of all the band members. The result is music that is hard to resist.

SPECIAL: The President’s Holy Groove Jam 

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Melissa Aldana

At the end of the year, the Zurich Jazz Orchestra presents the Grammy-nominated Blue Note artist Melissa Aldana - one of the most innovative and independent jazz musicians on the international scene. Born in Santiago de Chile, the saxophonist comes from a family of musicians: her father and grandfather were both saxophonists. She began playing the saxophone at the age of six under her father&#x27;s guidance. Initially influenced by Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley on the alto saxophone, she switched to the tenor saxophone after hearing Sonny Rollins. As a teenager, she played in jazz clubs in Santiago and was invited by pianist Danilo Pérez to perform at the Panama Jazz Festival in 2005. She later moved to the USA to study at Berklee College of Music. She released her debut album &quot;Free Fall“ in 2010. At the age of just 24, she was the first instrumentalist and first South American musician to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. The Washington Post praised her as representing a new sense of possibility and a new direction in jazz. Her album Visions (2019) earned her a Grammy nomination in the Best Improvised Jazz Solo category. Nate Chinen (NPR Music) called it one of the best jazz albums of the year and praised Aldana&#x27;s ability to combine technical brilliance with a rich emotional palette. The concert program she is presenting with the Zurich Jazz Orchestra at Moods was written entirely by her. One part was arranged by Jim McNeely for the HR Big Band, the other by Ed Partyka especially for the ZJO and its soloists.

Shantel & Bucovina Club Soundsystem

Shantel &amp; Bucovina Club Soundsystem bring the full energy of club culture and dance parties live on stage. The analog meets the digital, the east meets the west. With a pulsating spectacle where acoustic is mixed with electronica and beats, you will dance to Balkan Pop, Global Bass, Diaspora Beats, Turkish Psychedelica and Electro to the point of no return.

Ilan Jamon

Global Beats way beyond the Balkan borders: with the BalkanEkstra Parti there are no stops for Oriental sounds or Arabian rhythms – what’s important is the motto: danceable! Where the journey will take us through the night is unclear, but one thing is certain: dancing until the hips hurt, the feet burn and the stars dissolve with the dawn.

Style Bakery feat. Lou Kaena / Jule X / BIGZIS

Renowned acts present their songs in unique versions developed especially for this evening. Raw and unpolished. Hosted by the outstanding collective Jonny Ive, Pablo, Toni Schiavano and Flo Reichle. The December edition features three extraordinary characters: Lou Kaena is an important new voice in Swiss rap. Directly from Wiedikon, she brings French-language lyrics to the stage that deal with sexism, self-image and social expectations - personal, powerful and poetic. It is no coincidence that her collaboration redwhite with Soukey and Ella E became the anthem of the Women&#x27;s National Team 2025. Jule X, the exceptional talent from Bern, has been providing a breath of fresh air with his Vokuhila Mafia for a few years now. His sound is electronic and playful - an unmistakable mix of pop, techno, punk and rap that dissolves genre boundaries with a wink. Big Zis has stood for independence and artistic unyieldingness for over twenty years. She is considered one of the most influential exponents of Swiss rap: lyrically and musically uncompromising, politically clear. Her flow is unmistakable - direct and razor-sharp. She has been a regular on the Style Bakery stage for years and the evenings with her are real highlights. And don&#x27;t forget: Hand-picked vocalists also freestyle with the band. The band and MCs rock each other to unimagined heights and improvise the unheard-of.

Host

Raphael Jost's Swingin' Christmas für Familien

Christmas and jazz - it&#x27;s a tradition. And so are the Swingin&#x27; Christmas concerts by Raphael Jost and his band, which have been a firm fixture of the festive season for many people for over 10 years and ensure sold-out halls. Raphael Jost is that rarest of birds, the British saxophonist Will Vinson, who lives in New York, once said. A singer and songwriter with a great voice and at the same time a pianist whose skills enable him to share the stage with the best. Jost, who has already won the Swiss Jazz Award for his debut album, sees himself as a modern crooner. He leads through the evening with humor and without too much kitsch. Swinging classics such as Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland are joined by his own songs, JingleBells gets a pinch of Brad Mehldau and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer becomes a sleigh ride to New Orleans. The program leaves plenty of room for solos and at the same time impresses with sophisticated and original arrangements. Singer Stefanie Suhner combines jazz and soul in her magnificent voice and has already toured with Udo Jürgens and Pepe Lienhard, among others. The horn section features the two outstanding soloists Bastien Rieser on trumpet and Christoph Grab on tenor sax. Jost&#x27;s long-time companion Raphael Walser on double bass and the renowned drummer Elmar Frey form the rhythm section. The six musicians are united by their irrepressible joy of playing and their love of the jazz tradition. They inspire the audience with a lot of energy, groove and lively interplay - and ensure a swinging Christmas. - Duration of the concert 50-65 minutes - Children of all ages are welcome at this concert. - We will make sure the volume is appropriate, but we still recommend ear protection for the little ones. - Children under 12 can attend the concert free of charge, but we ask that you reserve a free ticket. - Young people aged 12-16 pay half price. - Can&#x27;t afford a ticket? Email us at info@moods.ch.

Raphael Jost's Swingin' Christmas

teilbestuhlt / partially seated

Christmas and jazz - it&#x27;s a tradition. And so are the Swingin&#x27; Christmas concerts by Raphael Jost and his band, which have been a firm fixture of the festive season for many people for over 10 years and ensure sold-out halls. Raphael Jost is that rarest of birds, the British saxophonist Will Vinson, who lives in New York, once said. A singer and songwriter with a great voice and at the same time a pianist whose skills enable him to share the stage with the best. Jost, who has already won the Swiss Jazz Award for his debut album, sees himself as a modern crooner. He leads through the evening with humor and without too much kitsch. Swinging classics such as Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland are joined by his own songs, JingleBells gets a pinch of Brad Mehldau and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer becomes a sleigh ride to New Orleans. The program leaves plenty of room for solos and at the same time impresses with sophisticated and original arrangements. Singer Stefanie Suhner combines jazz and soul in her magnificent voice and has already toured with Udo Jürgens and Pepe Lienhard, among others. The horn section features the two outstanding soloists Bastien Rieser on trumpet and Christoph Grab on tenor sax. Jost&#x27;s long-time companion Raphael Walser on double bass and the renowned drummer Elmar Frey form the rhythm section. The six musicians are united by their irrepressible joy of playing and their love of the jazz tradition. They inspire the audience with a lot of energy, groove and lively interplay - and ensure a swinging Christmas.

Lindy Hop Crashkurs by Tanzwolke

One hour before Raphael Jost&#x27;s invites you to dance with Swingin&#x27; Christmas, interested visitors can brush up their skills at the free Lindy Hop crash course. A free course from Tanzwolke for newcomers and beginners. We approve of your suitable outfits. Let&#x27;s dance!

Lindy Hop Dancing Night

Galliano

“It&#x27;s hard to say whether it was an idea or if it just happened...” Whatever the reason, in 2023, Rob Gallagher announced: Galliano are back! Formed in London&#x27;s underground clubs and warehouse parties in the late 1980s and making their debut with the Acid Jazz label in 1988, Galliano emerged from a culture encompassing music, dance, fashion, art, design, and literature. “They were the first group to really make the connection between club and jazz culture – the opening line to a space that would later include groups from The Comet is Coming to Ezra Collective,&quot; explained Galliano&#x27;s long-time supporter, Gilles Peterson. Three decades later, Galliano are back with their new album, Halfway Somewhere, released on Peterson&#x27;s label, Brownswood Recordings. Their unmistakable blend of astral jazz, cosmic funk, conscious soul, dub reggae and dancefloor rhythms is as sharp as ever!

V.I.P. Session by JUR Records

JUR Records lädt zur V.I.P. Session : Macht euch bereit für eine wilde Tanznacht mit namhaften DJ’s und einer gehörigen Portion Drum’n’Bass

Los Dos Engros

Every year, the Moods program begins with the Los Dos en Gros invasion. Ten friends get together to set Han Sue Lee&#x27;s jungle blues fantasies to music, animate dance legs and drum in the still young year. After 27 years, Tischhauser&#x27;s evening services have become history and so the long time as Nightliner in the Schiffbau of the Schauspielhaus comes to an end. The louder and longer the En Gros will groove and move, the louder the swamp blues will be. Swamp Blues gabbers, Boogie trash is a fact. Let&#x27;s dance into 2026 and melt into a Rio Grande with plenty of power.

Herr Wempe aka DJ Soulsonic

Mr. Wempe plays music with soul: blues, rhythm&#x27;n&#x27;blues, jazz, soul, funk from all over the world. He also works as a music editor at the radio station Open Broadcas. Get dressed &amp; put on your dancin&#x27; shoes!

Accordion

James Brown Tribute Show

The same procedure as every year: the SoulVision Allstars are back with their James Brown Tribute Show! Since 2007 - shortly after James Brown left us for the big stage - this top-notch band of Swiss musicians has ensured that the works of the «Godfather of Soul» are not forgotten. Building on the hits and lesser-known pearls, and with boundless energy on stage, the band delivers a powerful mix of Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop. An evening not only for nostalgics and dyed-in-the-wool Funksters, but also generally for all of those who want to get those hips a-shaking to swing in the New Year.

Erika Stucky – STUCKY FINGERS

&quot;Sticky Fingers&quot; is widely regarded as one of the Rolling Stones&#x27; finest albums. According to Rolling Stone magazine, it ranks 64th among the 500 greatest albums. However, that doesn&#x27;t mean it can&#x27;t be improved upon. Certainly differently, though. That brings us to our point: if you slip slightly on the keyboard, &quot;Sticky&quot; becomes &quot;Stucky.&quot; Erika Stucky dares to try this in her new program. Stucky is known for her cover versions. She delves into the essence of a song, tinkering not only with its structure but also its soul. With her unmistakable voice, humor, and poetic subversion, Stucky sheds new light on the legendary album. She weaves jazz interludes, cabaret charm, and a hint of rock aesthetics into a kaleidoscopic, cinematic stage production. In this project, Stucky is joined by two renowned English musicians: Terry Edwards and Paul Cuddeford. Edwards plays the saxophone, trumpet, bass, and melodica and gained musical experience with Madness, Tindersticks, and Nick Cave, to name a few. Guitarist Paul Cuddeford&#x27;s musical résumé is equally impressive. He has played with the crème de la crème of the British music scene, including Bob Geldof and Sir Tom Jones. Together, they will breathe new life into hits such as &quot;Brown Sugar&quot; and bring &quot;Stucky Fingers&quot; to life.

The Celebration

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