Jochen Neuffer, a conductor, composer, and arranger, showcases his talent with his debut big band album AUGMENTED REALITY. The album features sophisticated melodies, colorful harmonies, and expansive musical arcs, primarily composed by Neuffer himself, with the exception of a modern interpretation of the classic "Pennsylvania 6-5000." These compositions move beyond traditional big band jazz conventions.
For this project, Neuffer works with the renowned Tobias Becker Bigband, now in their third studio production, demonstrating their exceptional musicality and versatility. Tobias Becker entrusts Neuffer with the musical direction, allowing the compositions to be tailored specifically to the band and providing space for soloists to shine. Neuffer produced the album alongside Henk Heijink, a former member of the Metropole Orkest with over 30 years of experience, who has worked with artists like Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter, and Joshua Redman. Heijink played a key role in the Metropole Orkest’s Grammy-winning collaboration with Snarky Puppy in 2016. AUGMENTED REALITY is the first project Heijink has taken on as a producer since retiring from his career.
Line Up:
Conductor, Arranged By, Composed By, Producer –Jochen Neuffer
Saxophone, Clarinet – Alexander Bühl, Lukas Pfeil, Markus Harm
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Christoph Beck, Daniel Roncari
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Jonas Brinckmann
Trombone – Bart Van Lier, Florian Seeger, Marc Roos, Tim Hepburn
Bass Trombone – Patrick Flassig
Trumpet – Benjamin Lindner, Christian Mehler, Christian Mück, Heidi Bayer
Bass – Markus Bodenseh
Drums – Martin Grünenwald
Guitar – Christoph Neuhaus
Piano, Co-producer – Tobias Becker
Producer – Henk Heijink
Recorded By – Dirk Overeem
Recorded By, Mixed By, Mastered By – Philipp Heck
Photography By – Caterina di Perri
