JazzTime Böblingen 2025
In 1979, Uli Gutscher, Werner Acker, Capo Mayer, and Karl-Heinz Link founded a band that initially performed as the Capo Mayer Quartet and was renamed the "Uli Gutscher Quartet" in 1980. In 1981, they had their first major performance at the Ludwigsburg Jazz Days. In 1989, the first CD "Trombone Groove" featuring Werner Acker, Thomas Krisch, and Michael Kersting was released, with Herbert Wachter as a guest percussionist. The quartet was expanded to a quintet in 1992, and in 1993, the CD "Uli Gutscher Quintet - Inspiration" was released with Martin Schrack on piano and Herbie Wachter on drums. In its current formation, with Tilman Jäger on piano, the CD "Uli Gutscher Quintet - Abendrot" was produced in 2015, released by Mons Records, and is still current today.
The "Uli Gutscher Quintet" presents an engaging program featuring compositions by Uli Gutscher and Werner Acker, creating a variety of grooves and melodic jazz with exuberant joy in playing. At this anniversary concert, there will be a "Best of Uli Gutscher Quartet / Quintet" from the band's long history. The unique interplay and interaction among the musicians while shaping themes and improvisations are truly remarkable.
Uli Gutscher studied music education at the Stuttgart University of Music and was a lecturer there from 1983 to 2021. He was also the head of the “Jazz/Pop Extension Course” for music educators and taught jazz trombone, harmonic theory, ensemble direction, and jazz piano, as well as leading the “Jazzcrew” at the music school. He played in numerous bands of various styles, such as the SDR Big Band under Erwin Lehn, Bobby Burgess' “World of Trombones,” Charly Antolini's “Jazzpower,” and the Südpool Orchestra. His own projects also include Duo Conceptions, Spiritual Jazz, or “Bach, Brass & Jazz” (Uli Gutscher Trio & LBQ).
Werner Acker, a versatile guitarist, taught guitar and ensemble playing in the Jazz/Pop program at the Stuttgart University of Music until 2021. As a guitarist, composer, and arranger, he is at home in various musical styles ranging from jazz, blues, rock, gospel, soul to pop. Besides his own band “Roots,” he has played with numerous renowned artists. Tilman Jäger is a professor of practical piano playing, improvisation, and jazz piano at the Munich University of Music and the head of the university's salsa band. He also conducts the Böblingen Vocal Ensemble and plays with his own groups such as Tape Four, Spiritual Jazz, or Tango Komplott.
Bassist Thomas Krisch grew up in a musical family and has been a long-time member of the “Krisch Quartet.” He has collaborated with Uli Gutscher, Martin Schrack, and Werner Lehner for many years. He has also accompanied numerous jazz greats such as Nat Adderley, Kenny Drew, and Curtis Fuller. Herbert Wachter is sought after as both a versatile drummer and an expressive percussionist. He has played with German Brass, the SWR Big Band, Paul Kuhn, Max Greger Jr., the Miss Saigon Musical, and the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra.
Uli Gutscher – trombone
Werner Acker – guitar
Tilman Jäger – piano
Thomas Krisch – double bass
Herbert Wachter – drums
Table seating can be reserved in advance at reservierung@boeblingen.de or by phone at 07031 6691612
Admission: 7:00 PM