Most people have probably heard his bass playing at some point, whether with pop queen Sarah Connor. As a sideman, he is active in many genres, from pop and indie to jazz. Thomas Stieger can now be heard on over 100 recordings.
As a session musician, he has performed with artists such as Jimmy Somerville, Gregory Porter, Narada Michael Walden, Cory Wong, Klaus Doldinger, Chris Barber, Gregor Meyle, Nils Wülker, and Thomas Quasthoff. In September 2024, his first album under his own name, “Choices,” was released. The recording featured many illustrious guests, including Randy Brecker and balafon player Aly Keitas.
The bassist demonstrates the versatility of his musical abilities on this album, particularly in his collaboration with a string quartet, which exemplifies the breadth of his capabilities.
A musical “award-winning elite group”
Thomas Stieger has assembled some of the finest protagonists from the jazz scene for this evening, including the acclaimed bandleader and 2025 WDR Jazz Prize winner Simon Oslender on piano and Peter Gall on drums, who also received the German Jazz Prize for Best Album in 2025.
Equally renowned is Marc Doffey on saxophone, who is not only an outstanding instrumentalist but also a well-established figure in the music scene as an arranger and versatile composer. Guitarist Igor Osypov is currently one of the most exciting musicians on the six strings.
From the very first notes of “Noemi’s Song,” the very special energy between these exceptional musicians is palpable. The performance begins gently, with sonic similarities to Nordic jazz, suggesting a blend of the Tingvall Trio and Nils Landgren.
But then saxophonist Doffey breaks through this tranquil opening with an exceptionally virtuosic solo, showcasing his extraordinary abilities. Equally exciting and captivating is Igor Osypov’s electric guitar solo.
Stieger on bass and Gall on drums underpin their virtuosity with maximum dynamics, while Simon Oslender on keyboards adds the necessary drive to perfect the musical construct. The audience at Bix is enthralled from the start, completely immersed in the sound.
The joy of playing together and the 0:16 loss against “Schweini”
Thomas Stieger’s joy in the collective interplay and his appreciation for the musical skills of his bandmates are evident throughout the entire concert. Stieger’s bass isn’t just an accompaniment; his sensitive solos create an attentive silence in the club and touch the hearts of musicians.
The versatility of his playing is particularly evident in “Changes.” Oslender on piano underpins the bass playing with remarkable intelligence and then seamlessly takes the musical reins with a captivating solo.
Stieger repeatedly emphasizes that the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius is his absolute role model, an influence that occasionally shines through in his playing. Besides stories from his life as a musician, there are also other humorous anecdotes from outside the jazz scene.
Drummer Peter Gall, for example, can regale the audience with a sports story, recounting how, as a young football player, he once had the honor of playing against Bayern Munich icon Bastian Schweinsteiger, but unfortunately lost 0-16.
The musical performance continues to be a success, sometimes harmonious, as the quintet conjures seamless soundscapes into the room, sometimes wild and free, especially when Doffey blows into his instrument. An instrumental interval run that is unparalleled and demands a break after 50 minutes.
The Fender Jazzmaster finds its master
After the intermission, Igor Osypov immediately captivates the audience when, during “Choices,” the title track of the current album, he pulls out all the stops, coaxing incredible sounds from his Fender Jazzmaster. At times, one thinks one hears Pat Metheny, at others a homeopathic dose of Hendrix, then again the soothing playing of Jim Hall. But ultimately, it is the very own and extraordinary “Osypov blend.”
And indeed, it is the mixture of techno-influenced sound, Nordic jazz, and other musical elements that makes this multifaceted evening so special. Each of the performers enjoys the attention and respect of their fellow musicians.
In “Chez Aly,” drummer Gall launches himself into an African rhythmic frenzy that culminates in an ecstatic inferno, where all five musicians achieve a perfect sonic symbiosis.
After this musical tour de force, you can practically hear the audience breathe a sigh of relief. A relaxed “Happy Birthday” for Rottenburg jazz drummer Michael Kersting, who is celebrating his 72nd birthday at Bix this evening, is just what’s needed.
The encore, “Ocean,” is calmer, more contemplative, perfectly suited to this late hour. The vocal part, originally performed by German jazz singer Alma Naidu, is taken over by saxophonist Doffey with his instrument, and with remarkable sensitivity.
An evening could hardly end better: gentle, wonderful, and deeply moving.
Thomas Stieger (b, ld)
Simon Oslender (keys)
Marc Doffey (sax, flute)
Igor Osypov (git)
Peter Gall (dr)
