‘Kraut Jazz Futurism’ on Kryptox label compiles the avant-garde of jazz bands evolving Germany’s musical legacy

The music has been labelled via Kryptox’s new compilation as Kraut Jazz Futurism and the label has drawn together the most exciting and accomplished bands of the current scene in Germany. The title is apt, as not only is Berlin the epicentre, but the sound and stylings of this new wave take cues from the rock and electronica of post-war Germany (rather than contemporary jazz more influenced by hip-hop or r&b).

As the label affirms: “There’s a new musical wind blowing through Germany – and especially in Berlin. After years of having been the techno capital of the world, the city now is embracing a much wider musical palette. Attracting a new generation of sonic adventurists, international jazz musicians as well as German talents.”

The artists Stimming x Lambert provide an exclusive track for the compilation, here’s one of their earlier offerings Edelweiss (below).The accompanying video helps deliver a suspenseful and futuristic aesthetic, while also being rooted in a place of historical scientific progression and gothic introspection – it’s where the post-punk, krautrock and kosmische influences can really be spotted and particularly heard on the second half of the compilation. The visuals in Onom Ogemo and the Disco Jumpers’ Liquid Love – reminiscent of the psychedelic oil projections of London’s psychedelic UFO Club or the backdrops to the shows of krautrockers Can – perfectly anchor their jazz compositions, fused with the rhythmic stylings of their German forefathers.

The thriving scene has emerged and continues to blossom thanks to the free and hedonistic spirit that Berlin is renowned for. The post-industrial city houses a blossoming array of new live clubs, festivals and jazz happenings. Germany’s unique lineage of musical styles contributes to the fresh and original take on jazz, differentiating it from other cities that are also championing new forms of the genre. “These highly skilled performers are searching for something new, merging different styles and influences,” the label adds. “It’s a fact: jazz no longer ‘smells funny’. And after London and L.A., Berlin is on its way to becoming a new hotspot for the next generation of jazz-influenced musicians.”

Compiled by Mathias Modica (Munk, Gomma Records, Toy Tonics), Kraut Jazz Futurism is released by Kryptox on November 1st. The majority of the tracks on this compilation were composed exclusively for this release or have only seen a limited release via the artists’ own channels. A few have already been released in 2018/19 on small labels. Here’s a sample selection from the label (lots more to see below though):

And here’s the tracklist for the forthcoming compilation (alongside promo stuff or related bits online, dig in!) – remember the names, it’s a who’s who of the major players and movers on this scene and they’re are about to get bigger (those marked with * are exclusive to the comp’):

A1. Karaba: Der Inder*