The Kaja Draksler Octet is a colorful group featuring very diverse musicians from different countries, with Amsterdam as their home base. The music of pianist Kaja Draksler varies from simple songs to intricate compositions with refined textures inspired by modern classical music. Greek artist Andriana Minou wrote various lyrics especially for this group.

Improvisation plays an important role in the work of Kaja Draksler, who made name in a relatively short time with an extremely varied oeuvre. She released seven albums as a band leader/composer, alongside her solo album The Lives of Many Others. From a review in Downbeat: ‘The young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler shows off a wealth of sturdy ideas on this stunning solo recording.’

Kaja Draksler received the Paul Acket Award 2018, a yearly award granted to a musician deserving wider recognition for his/her exceptional musical talent by North Sea Jazz .

Laura Polence, Björk Níelsdóttir voice, Ada Rave, Ab Baars reeds, George Dumitriu violin/viola, Kaja Draksler piano/composition, Lennart Heyndels double bass, Onno Govaert drums