Stories
In our multimedia stories, we highlight selected topics of the festival, explore background information and start conversations.
2023
© Anna Niedermeier
(Un-)Learning Jazz
If improvisation in jazz epitomises intuitive playing, to what extent do musicians have to unlearn what they learnt at university in order to find their own artistic identity? Under the title “(Un-)Learning Jazz”, Jazzfest Berlin 2023’s new online magazine “Story“ looks at working methods and creative processes that seek to find a balance between planning and spontaneity, knowledge and intuition and between individual and collective creation.
2022
Artwork by A. R. Penck, Workshop Freie Musik, 1984
Photo: Dagmar Gebers / FMP-Publishing
Outside Traditions
Illuminating the musical contributions to the 2022 festival edition, the story “Outside Traditions” focuses on radicalism and spirituality in US and South African jazz traditions, sonic explorations in European improvised music and the diverse connections between jazz and folk music. Featuring multimedia contributions by Asher Gamedze, Olga Kozieł, Immanuel Wilkins, Matana Roberts, Julia Neupert, Cristina Marx, Peter Margasak, Ben LaMar Gay, artists from the Umlaut collective and many others. Enjoy reading and watching!
Sven-Åke Johansson
© Kestutis Pleita
Sven-Åke Johansson
With a series of original features, this story uses words, pictures, sounds and videos to present some fascinating glimpses into the life and work of the composer and artist Sven-Åke Johansson, whose dazzling artistic oeuvre, extending far beyond the boundaries of music, is one of the main themes of the 2022 Jazzfest Berlin with several concerts and a film screening.
2021
Terrible Sounds, Film still
© Philip Rizk
Inside the Scene: Cairo
Improvised music has a long tradition in Cairo. The story highlights two artistic video works from the Jazzfest Berlin 2021 programme that refer to it in very different ways.
Johannesburgʼs skyline
© Tseliso Monaheng
Inside the Scene: Johannesburg
In the vibrant metropolis of Johannesburg, musicians find both inspiration and opportunities to present their art. The Digital Guide takes you right into the heart of it.
Jazz na Kombi – Praça Roosevelt
© Cassimano
Inside the Scene: São Paulo
São Paulo is a melting pot of cultures. This is also reflected in the city’s experimental and diverse musical scene, into which the Digital Guide provides first insights.