Driftwood Quartet

The band effortlessly navigates the space between Contemporary Jazz and Alternative Rock, blending playful elegance with raw energy. Fragile, intricate miniatures evolve into vast, dynamic soundscapes, punctuated by sharp, angular riffs. Driven by curiosity and a fearless approach to experimentation, Joa Frey crafts compositions that marry unconventional structures with catchy melodies. Drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and the wonders of nature and science, the music unfolds as a series of vibrant, multifaceted pieces that radiate both energy and depth, always maintaining a seamless, dynamic flow. Accessible, captivating, and full of unexpected twists, their sound continuously surprises and engages.

 

Zurich serves as the nexus where the four musicians’ paths converge. Originally founded as a duo by Joa Frey and bassist Jeanaine Oesch, the ensemble expanded between 2019 and 2022 with Samir Böhringer on drums and Marina Iten on alto saxophone, forming the dynamic group it is today.

 

In the fall of 2023, their debut album *Litha*, which garnered widespread acclaim from the press, was released by Double Moon Records as part of the anniversary edition of the *Next Generation* series by the German jazz magazine *Jazz thing*. During the release tour, the Driftwood Quartet performed at several prestigious venues, including the FFFF-Festival at Theater Ticino Wädenswil. The concert was recorded by SRF 2 Kultur and aired as a late-night feature in January 2024. The album’s official launch event took place in December 2023 at Mehrspur Music Club in Zurich.

 

The band has since wrapped up the recording of their second studio album, set for release at the end of 2025.

  

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