German pianist and bandleader Yannic Forster has immersed himself in Middle Eastern music. His melodious compositions show devotion to detail, taking the listener on a musical journey full of little surprises.
Inspired by artists such as Avishai Cohen, Shai Maestro and Oliver Messiaen, he builds a musical bridge between the centuries old Middle-East and the contemporary West. Drummer Damian de Muijnck and double bassist Zack Lober build their rhythms with and on each other. This creates interwoven structures as the basis for the singing melody.
In March 2023, Yannic Forster Trio won the Denise Jannah Award at the Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition. They released their EP ‘From East to West’ in June 2023.
Constant experimentation
With new instruments like the Darabuka, also know as Goblet Drum, the trio constantly experiments with sounds. It’s interesting to feel how the different sounds affect the playing and the choices the musicians make.