Music journalist, author and sound artist Michael Rüsenberg invites jazz greats to an interesting exchange at "Speak Like A Child." The title of the series goes back to the title track of the legendary Herbie Hancock album from 1968 and is a reference to the musical primary color of the Stadtgarten. Now the popular interview series is also available as a podcast, to be heard here on this website, Spotify and iTunes.

Norbert Stein, born in 1953 near Neuwied, is one of the founding members of the Initiative Kölner Jazzhaus e.V..

Stein studied saxophone in Cologne, belonged to the Cologne Saxophone Mafia in 1984-87; for many years also to the dance/music project "Boury" with the legendary dancer Robert Solomon.

Norbert Stein has a clearly recognizable style. Since 1987 his projects have been operating under the name "Pata Musik". From duo to big band, also including graphic notation: his compositions captivate with a specific melodicism, it can be hymnal, also chant-like, sometimes in the rhythm of speaking.

The conversation with Norbert Stein took place on January 31, 2020 in the lounge of the Stadtgarten, an hour before his concert in the series "Past & Present".

Text: Michael Rüsenberg