
Jochen Rueckert New Quartet
- Alexandra Ridout, trumpet
- Kevin Sun, tenor saxophone
- Hamish Smith, bass
- Jochen Rueckert, drums, compositions
Drummer Jochen Rueckert presents his new quartet - a group composed of up-and coming musicians in New York a couple decades younger than himself - a self-imposed challenge for the band leader to keep up with - and invest in - the new generation.Amassed in his stints in some of the mid -2000's greatest bands: the Kurt Rosenwinkel quartet as well as the Sam Yahel trio, Jochen's vast knowledge of how to sustainably run a stellar already resulted in 15 years of touring with his former quartet with mainstays Mark Turner and Mike Moreno.
The new quartet's trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, originally from London, has been in the news recently for winning a Next Jazz Legacy award through New Music USA and subbing in Blue Note all star band "Artemis" at only 24 years of age. Her unique lyrical style has also garnered her ‘Best Soloist’ award at the ‘Keep an Eye International Jazz Award’ in Amsterdam in 2023
Saxophonist Kevin Sun is the epitome of a talent deserving wider recognition; besides being a virtuosic soloist, he is a prolific band leader with more than 8 releases.
Originally from New Zealand, bassist Hamish Smith's rhythmically robust craft is highly in demand; he has recently been swept up by the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet.
The band plays mostly Jochen's original compositions, some brand new, some adapted from one of his previous 6 releases.
Apart from his own bands, Jochen is known for his work as a sideperson in 12 years of the Marc Copland trio, the mid-2000 Kurt Rosenwinkel New Quartet, all of Nils Wogram's Root 70, recent work with the Melissa Aldana trio and Fred Hersch’s trio.Hes has performed all over the world including the Village Vanguard, which is really all that matters.
for booking please contact Jochen directly jochensucks [ at ] gmail.com
Jochen Rueckert New Quartet plays "Big Suze" at Close up in NYC
Jochen Rueckert New Quartet plays "The Itch" at Close up in NYC
Jochen Rueckert Quartet plays Charlie Parker Cornelia street cafe (RIP) NYC
Press quotes
"there’s often a kindred and appealing combination of quirkiness and catchiness.... Excellent" Ottawa Citizen
"Melodies that have a habit of insinuating themselves deep in your head" Downbeat
"An exceptionally fine album" Jazzbreakfast
"a rarely heard warmth from the drums, that perfectly fits this timeless modern music"- Rondo
"It’s perhaps most engaging as a postbop soloists’ album, and the improv is very good indeed." The Guardian
"radiates an understated warmth and sophistication which is so very appealing." AP reviews
"Just outstanding. Highly Recommended." wondering sound