Felix Schlarmann’s Tree House includes exceptional artistic personalities who have found each other in the compositions of this new group. The seven members bring something to the music that makes Tree House more than just the sum of its parts. In the ensemble’s unusual line-up two saxophones and vocals complement each other perfectly, blending into the colorful layers of guitar and piano. The players create room for each other, and continuously guard the balance of the band’s unique sound.

With this new project the German-born, Amsterdam-based drummer has fulfilled his own long-time wish of working with the sound palette of a slightly larger ensemble. Therefore, he brought together musicians from different generations, reflecting the variety of the Dutch Jazz scene. Seasoned players Franz von Chossy, Pat Cleaver and Mete Erker are featured alongside rising stars Līva Dumpe, José Soares and guitarist Olivier van Niekerk. Tree House originated from a commission by the German festival Jazzahead in association with the Dutch InJazz.

‘Felix Schlarmann’s Dutch-German collaboration Tree House, with a front line of wordless vocalist, two saxophones and guitar, brimmed with shimmering insight’ (Downbeat).

Līva Dumpe vocals, Mete Erker tenor sax, José Soares alto sax, Olivier van Niekerk guitar, Franz von Chossy piano, Pat Cleaver bass, Felix Schlarmann drums