“Jazz is the freedom to have many forms.” This quote from Duke Ellington is literally the motto of the Erich Fischer Trio. The thrilling energy and fresh wit of the Erich Fischer Trio and its guests create a passion that is sure to win over audiences. The bandleader draws inspiration from the stylistically diverse and varied world of Jazz, but doesn’t hesitate to incorporate influences from Latin American and African music into his compositions. Erich Fischer’s music runs the gamut from quiet and calm to ecstatically bubbling. The musical form and varied instrumentation surprise, but always at its center: the soft sounds of the vibraphone; a double bass that is not afraid to take over the melody; and drums that offer far more than just a rhythmic foundation. The two guests on saxophone and double bass lend an essential enrichment to the sound of the Erich Fischer Trio. The new CD, Joey's Delight, features 12 new compositions by the bandleader, written in 2024 and 2025.

ERICH ‘JOEY OZ’ FISCHER (VIBRAPHONE, BARITONE HORN)

born 1955, grew up in Bremgarten (canton Argovia) and lives now in Aarau, Switzerland. He studied classical percussion and trumpet at the music conservatory in Zurich. 1992 he stayed for a year in Boston (USA) for further studies on the vibraphone at the ‘Berklee College of Music’. Since 1988 he has been active as a vibraphone player, percussionist, singer, composer and arranger in different jazz, - latin, - and folkmusicgroups. He plays concerts in Switzerland, Europe, California, Boston and New York City. Played shows in radios and television. Recorded more than 20 cds as a bandleader and as a sideman.

THOMAS LÄHNS (DOUBLE BASS)

Doublebass player is a highly distinguished performer of both classical music and jazz. He combines the sophisticated bowing technique of the classical orchestra with the spontaneity of the jazz ensemble. His classical performances include appearances with Heinz Holliger and Peter Eötvös at the Salzburger Festspiele and Schleswig Holstein Music Festival, and regular classical solo performances across Europe and South America. He is one of the few players to perform Hans Werner Henze's Concerto for Double Bass. As a teenager his first musical ambition was to play electric bass, inspired by a love of Iron Maiden – until he fell in love with jazz and learnt the double bass. He studied classical music in Basel with Wolfgang Güttler and Botond Kostyak and took masterclasses with Marc Dresser. He is much in demand on the jazz scene, playing in over 100 jazz gigs a year. As co-leader of VEIN Trio, he makes guest appearances with artists including Christoph Stiefel, Johannes Mössinger and Kolsimcha. His approach is in the tradition of Scott LaFaro, Richard Davis, Miroslav Vitous and especially the great exponents of jazz bowing such as Slam Stewart and Major Holley.

AKIN ELEGBEDE (DRUMS)

Akindimeji Onasanya, born in Nigeria, is an unique experienced drummer and percussionist, who is the founder and driving force behind Ogun Afrobeat. Through numerous collaborations with renowned artists such as Rihanna and Keziah Jones, he has made significant contributions to the worldwide music scene. Next to his music he dedicates time to volunteer work, making him a versatile and dedicated professional in his field. Fluent in English, Yoruba, and Spanish, Akindimeji brings a rich cultural and musical heritage to every project he undertakes.

DAVE FEUSI (SAXOPHONE)

Born as the sixth son on October 5, 1965 in Richterswil / ZH, he attends the Einsiedeln Monastery School after his basic school education, which he graduates in 1985. Already in early childhood he learns the clarinet and changes to the saxophone at the age of twelve. After intensive basic training, he decides to pursue a career as a professional musician and graduates from the Zurich Conservatory from 1985-1990. Despite offers from the classical music scene, he follows another musical passion and decides to study jazz performance in Boston (USA, Berklee College of Music - 1993-1996) with George Garzone and Bill Pierce.

ROBERTO KOCH (DOUBLE BASS)

born in Caracas, is considered one of the most versatile double base players in Venezuela. Since 2013 he is living in Basel. Graduated from Escuela de Música Lino Gallardo, Caracas, with a Master in Jazz Performance (2015) and Music Pedagogy (2017) at the Jazz Campus Basel. He has appeared on more than 50 CD recordings. Roberto Koch has presented workshops about Venezuelan Music in many places such as Berklee College of Music and University of Tokyo.