Jazz at JAKI: Peter Baumgärtner „My Choice“

For Peter Baumgärtner, musical work in a piano trio is one of the most essential forms of expression in a jazz formation. Baumgärtner hardly needs an introduction. In addition to his numerous appearances with his own band, he is celebrating his 30th Hildener Jazztage festival this year. The press wrote about Thomas Rückert: "He is a true master of subtlety, a pianist who doesn't have to show off, not his aesthetics, not his sense of romance and melancholy and not his fragile dabbing of notes. Thomas Rückert is a master of his craft". Bassist Cliff Schmitt has been playing gigs worldwide since his professional debut in 1992. From his first truly professional gig on the south side of Dallas with R&B legend Al "TNT" Braggs, to nightclubs in New York, Paris and Rio De Janiero, to crowds of thousands at festivals in North and South America, Europe and Asia. He lived in New York City for 22 years, but spends most of his time in Germany. Cliff is currently the bassist for Concord recording artist Curtis Stigers and co-leads a duo project called Likho Duo with guitarist / harmonica player Noé Socha.