Elmar Frey
Biography Elmar Frey
Elmar Frey
"A demonstration of how versatile and imaginative one can move through the field of Modern Mainstream and Post-bop, and how convincingly one can contribute originality," wrote jazz critic Johannes Anders about Swiss drummer Elmar Frey after he released his first CD under his own name. On the 1997 release Kopf/Frey Inviting, no lesser jazz greats than George Gruntz and Seamus Blake played alongside him.
Stylistically, Frey draws his inspiration primarily from the Post-bop and Soul-Jazz of the 60s, as well as from more contemporary trends in the New York scene. Building upon this foundation, he has developed into a distinctive musical personality.
Frey's own band projects are always characterized by groove, swing, and blues. As a composer, he has the opportunity to explore his preference for melodic and harmonic diversity.
In 2005, the sextet album News From The Past was released, featuring compositions and arrangements for three wind instruments.
Frey shares a deep and enduring musical friendship with the esteemed New York pianist Mark Soskin, spanning over two decades. This extraordinary bond has given rise to two albums: Atlantic Crossing (2002) and Another One (2013).
With the Samba-Jazz-Project Mundo Mágico, Frey can explore his great love for Brazilian music.
Currently, Frey is touring with his septet Seven Colors, consisting of four wind instruments and a rhythm section. (An album is set to be released in 2023.)
Thanks to his stylistic versatility and musical sensitivity, Frey has earned a reputation as a skilled accompanist for all kinds of ensembles, ranging from intimate trios to dynamic big bands. As a sideman, he has played or is currently playing in the bands of Vince Benedetti, Christoph Grab, Daniel Schenker, Raphael Jost, Lilly Thornton, Danilo Moccia, Chris Wiesendanger, Heiri Känzig, and many others. His talents as a big band drummer have been showcased with prestigious groups like the Zurich Jazz Orchestra and the Swiss Jazz Orchestra.
As a leader/co-leader, Frey has released 13 albums. He can also be heard as a sideman on over 30 CDs.
In addition to the above-mentioned musicians, he has played with James Carter, New York Voices, Benny Golson, Horace Parlan, Barry Harris, Greg Osby, James Zollar, Franco Ambrosetti, Bobby Shew, Phil Wilson, Ack van Royen, Tony Lakatos, Adrian Mears, Ben Street, Chris Cheek, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Barbara Dennerlein.
