Stephan Kurmann

Born on April 29th 1958 in Basel.
He began at age 12 to teach himself how to play the e-bass. After 2 years, he changed to the double bass, attended first classes by Peter Bockius and played soon in numerous regional jazz bands of the most diverse styles.

During his professional career, which began in 1978, he accompanied many jazz-legends, such as Chet Baker, Wild Bill Davison, Mal Waldron, Harald Mabern, Lee Konitz, Kirk Lightsey, Steve Grossman and others. He had appearances with international groups everywhere in Europe and also in Asia, Australia, USA, Cuba, Brazil and South Africa in big and small concert halls, festivals and clubs.

In 1987 he was awarded the diploma of the "Swiss Jazz School". At the same time, he was also a member of the symphonic orchestra "basel sinfonietta" and founded the "Stephan Kurmann Strings" with Andy Scherrer, Adrian Mears, Julio Barreto, Willy Kotoun and a string quartet. This group issued 5 CDs so far. His work as sideman is documented on several other CDs (e.g. with Dado Moroni, Alice Day, Doug Hammond, Dick De Graaf, Andrea Pozza, Mark Soskin, Feya Faku, Roberto Tarenzi, Jeff Boudreaux).

Among them, there are several CDs which have been produced in Brazil (e.g. with Esdras "Neném" Ferreira, Guinga, Marina Machada, Lincoln Cheibb, Beto Lopes, Andre "Limao" Queiroz, Pedro Morais, Wilson Lopes, Carla Villar), where he has lived partly and worked from 2003-2008.
In 1994 he founded the bird's eye jazz club for which has been the Artistic Director and appears on stage with the most diverse groups of musicians, many of whom have been formed especially for the purpose of this specific concert.

Bands which have already existed for some time and are on tour from time to time: Stephan Kurmann Strings, Adrian Mears New Orleans Hard Bop, Nat Su Quartet, Cojazz, Isla Eckinger Quartet, Alieksey Vianna Trio, Scherrer-Evans-Kurmann-Rossy, the bird's eye soundship, Makaya and the New Tsotsis etc. Thanks to his great experience, he is confident to play the most diverse musical styles. His perfect timing and his deep sensitivity for musical processes provides each band where he plays with special support and a rhythmic basis. Because of this and due to his innovative solo performances he has become a much requested artist in Europe.