This year’s “artist in residence” is the Austiran composer and guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel.
One of the most influential and creative musicians of contemporary jazz was sought after by jazz greats: Trilok Gurtu, Dave Liebman, Peter Erskin, Paul Motian, Bob Berg, Gary Peacock, Don Alias, Larry Grenadier, John Patitucci, Vienna Art Orchestra, Dhafer Youssef. In his fruitful career he founded his own label “Material Records Label” (MRL) and the Focus Year program at the Jazzcampus school in Basel. As a composer and guitarist, he plays in many different ensembles under his own name. One of the most ensembles is his quintet with Brad Mehldau (piano), Brian Blade (drums), Ambrose Akinmushire (trumpet) and Larry Grenadier (bass), with whom he released a critically acclaimed album “Rising Grace” under the legendary label ECM.
Wolfgang Muthspiel will play a solo concert on the opening night of the festival Jazzinty on Monday, 16th August at 21.00. On Tuesday, 17th August, he will hold a lecture titled “Finding my place” and teach group lessons for participants of the Jazzinty workshop later in the afternoon.