for jazzambach 2027, we are delighted to welcome sasha berliner, one of the most exciting vibraphonists of her generation, as artist in residence. the american musician and composer will help shape all five days of the festival: she performs in the opening concert, develops new musical ideas and compositions during her time in götzis and shares her knowledge in a workshop. her residency concludes with a duo concert with simon jermyn in the st. arbogast chapel – a personal and deliberately open-ended finale to her days at jazzambach.

described by jazztimes as a “young mallet master”, sasha berliner is one of the defining voices of the vibraphone in international jazz. she was voted no. 1 among the “rising star vibraphonists” in the downbeat critics poll, and in 2024 npr jazz night in america selected her for its “youngbloods” series. she has worked with christian mcbride, tyshawn sorey, marcus gilmore and cécile mclorin salvant, among others. in her own music, she combines acoustic and electronic elements with improvisation and influences from jazz, pop, rock and funk.

for this concert, sasha berliner’s vibraphone is complemented by electronic elements and simon jermyn’s guitar sound. loops and improvisation provide the framework for a duo that develops in the moment, remaining deliberately open to spontaneous musical turns. this freedom is particularly fitting for a residency in which new ideas emerge, are tried out and immediately developed through playing together.

originally from ireland, simon jermyn now lives in berlin after eleven years in new york. as a bassist and guitarist, he has worked with jim black, aaron parks, chris speed, gerald cleaver, john zorn and charlotte greve, among others. concert tours have taken him throughout europe and the usa, including renowned venues such as new york’s village vanguard.

the st. arbogast chapel has long been far more than just a venue for this concert. its intimate scale, distinctive acoustics and the light that falls through its windows around midday, continually transforming the atmosphere, have made it an essential part of jazzambach’s artist in residence concert. it creates the closeness between musicians and audience that has defined this format since the festival’s first edition.

together with simon jermyn, sasha berliner brings her residency to a close in st. arbogast with a personal duo concert that once again conveys the creativity and openness of her time as artist in residence at jazzambach 2027.

www.sashaberlinermusic.com

www.simonjermynmusic.com