Manfred Junker

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Manfred Junker has been playing guitar since the age of 12. Following classical guitar lessons and early rock bands, he became increasingly drawn to jazz from the age of sixteen. A jazz duo followed with his teacher at that time, and the first concerts.

From 1991 to 1995, he studied at the Jazz School in St. Gallen under Peter Eigenmann. This was followed by a Berklee Scholarship which enabled him to continue his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After being taught by renowned teachers (Hal Crook, Ed Tomassi, Rick Peckham, Jim Kelly) and a performance at the Conference of the 'International Association of Jazz Educators' in Atlanta in January, 1996, he graduated 'summa cum laude' in the same year.

Returning to Germany, he moved to Constance and since then has been teaching at the Music School in Wil, Switzerland. His regular concert performances are mainly with his quartet, but also in other formations from duos to big band.

Primarily, his style and compositions are based on bop, but they have broadened considerably in recent years. Manfred Junker's preoccupation with jazz of both the past and present, and related musical styles has clearly left their mark, making it impossible to pigeonhole him.

His ten CDs to date strengthen his reputation as a band leader and composer going his own way, determined and uncompromising (Dig it! (1997), Moving on…(1999), Cole Porter Live! (2001), Directions (2003),…meeting Mr.Rodgers(2005), Peace of mind (2006), Eternally – Music by Charlie Chaplin (2008), the solo guitar recording “Alone” (2009), the trio-CD “Manfred Junker’s Journey Within: Departure” (2010) and “Celebrating Bill Evans” in 2013 (with the fantastic singer Barbara Balzan).