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Jazzanova

Jazzanova is a Berlin-based German collective of DJs, producers, and musicians specializing in nu-jazz and electronic fusion, formed in 1995 by core members Alex Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Jürgen von Knoblauch, and Stefan Leisering.^[1]^[2]^[3] Blending influences from jazz, funk, soul, disco, Latin, and broken beat with electronic beats and live instrumentation, the group has pioneered a sophisticated club-oriented sound that bridges underground scenes and mainstream appeal.^[1]^[3] Emerging from the mid-1990s European club culture, Jazzanova began as a DJ team before expanding into production, remixing for artists like Common and Roy Ayers, and founding their own label, Sonar Kollektiv, in 1997 to release innovative tracks and compilations.^[3]^[1]^[4] The collective's debut studio album, In Between (2002), established their signature style with lush arrangements and guest vocalists like Clara Hill, followed by Of All the Things (2008), Funkhaus Studio Sessions (2012), The Pool (2018), a mature exploration of deep house and jazz fusion, and in 2025, In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live, a live reinterpretation of their breakthrough album recorded at Little Big Beat Studios, and In Between (Remixes).^[5]^[2]^[6]^[7]^[8] Over nearly three decades, Jazzanova has released numerous EPs, remixes, and DJ mixes, while maintaining an active presence in live performances and label curation, influencing the global nu-jazz and downtempo scenes.^[1]^[3]

History

Formation and early years

Jazzanova formed in 1995 in Berlin as a DJ collective comprising Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Jürgen von Knoblauch, and Stefan Leisering.^[9] The group emerged from the city's burgeoning club scene, where the members connected through a shared passion for eclectic sounds.^[1] They began as a DJ team, spinning rare groove, funk, soul, and jazz records at venues like the Delicious Doughnuts club, contributing to Berlin's underground electronic and jazz-infused nightlife.^[10] In 1997, Jazzanova founded the Sonar Kollektiv record label as a platform for their own output and to champion emerging talent in similar genres.^[11] This move marked their entry into releasing music, with early efforts including the Jazzanova EP 1 and initial remixes that showcased their blending of jazz elements with electronic beats.^[12] These releases, such as reworked tracks for artists like 4hero, were later compiled in The Remixes 1997-2000, highlighting their growing reputation as remixers within the international dance music community.^[13] By the late 1990s, the collective transitioned from primarily DJing to full-scale production, experimenting with nu jazz and electronic fusion to create original compositions.^[14] This evolution allowed them to expand beyond club sets, incorporating live instrumentation and layered arrangements that fused traditional jazz influences with modern electronic production techniques.^[1]

Rise to prominence

Jazzanova's early remix work in the late 1990s helped establish their reputation within the burgeoning nu jazz and electronic scenes, with notable contributions including reworks for artists like 4hero on "We Who Are Not As Others (Jazzanova Mix)" and Incognito on "Get Into My Groove (Jazzanova Re-Groove Mix)," both originally released between 1997 and 1999 and later compiled on their 2000 retrospective The Remixes 1997-2000 via Sonar Kollektiv.^[15] Their track "Coffee Talk" also gained international exposure on Compost Records' influential Future Sounds of Jazz Vol. 4 compilation in 1997, showcasing their ability to fuse jazz elements with downtempo electronics and contributing to broader recognition in European club circuits.^[16] This period marked their transition from DJing in Berlin's vibrant club scene to production, briefly referencing the city's energetic nightlife as a creative catalyst. The collective's breakthrough arrived with the release of their debut studio album In Between on April 29, 2002, through Sonar Kollektiv (JCR), which featured guest vocals from artists such as Vikter Duplaix on tracks like "Soon" and highlighted standout compositions including "L.O.V.E. and You & I."^[17] The album blended live instrumentation—such as piano, flute, and bass—with electronic beats and sampling, earning critical praise for its innovative nu jazz sound; PopMatters described it as "quality 21st century jazz" with an "ambient, exotic, futuristic, and funky" atmosphere that captured the era's fusion trends.^[18] Jambands.com noted its uneven yet dynamic nature as a DJ collective's effort, underscoring their shift toward more structured songwriting.^[19] Around 2000, Jazzanova expanded into live performances, debuting with full-band setups that incorporated musicians for improvisational elements alongside their electronic foundations, including a notable appearance at Sweden's Hultsfred Festival in 2000.^[20] This led to tours across Europe and the United States, aligning with the album's promotion and solidifying their presence in jazz and electronic festivals, where their hybrid approach received features in media outlets like Resident Advisor for bridging club and concert audiences. By the early 2000s, their live shows emphasized the interplay of acoustic and digital elements, drawing acclaim for revitalizing nu jazz's accessibility. Parallel to their artistic rise, Sonar Kollektiv—founded by the group in 1997 as an outlet for their productions—experienced rapid growth, signing talents like Clara Hill, Micatone, and Extended Spirit, and releasing over 50 titles by the mid-2000s that spanned nu jazz, soul, and house.^[21] The label's compilations, such as Sonar Kollektiv (2001) and Sonar Kollektiv 2 (2003), curated by Jazzanova and Dixon, further amplified their influence, earning Sonar Kollektiv the title of best label in 2005 from Gilles Peterson's BBC awards and establishing it as a key hub for Berlin's electronic jazz ecosystem.^[22]

Later career and recent activities

Following the success of their early remixes, Jazzanova shifted focus toward expansive original productions in their later career. Their 2008 double album Of All the Things, released on Verve Records, featured guest vocalists including Phonte Coleman, José James, and Joe Dukie of Fat Freddy's Drop, showcasing a broader, more orchestral sound with layered instrumentation and soulful arrangements.^[23]^[24] The album marked a departure from their remix-heavy beginnings, emphasizing collaborative songwriting and live-feeling grooves across its 18 tracks.^[25] In 2012, Jazzanova released Funkhaus Studio Sessions on Sonar Kollektiv, a live-recorded album captured during a residency at Berlin's RBB Funkhaus, highlighting their growing emphasis on improvisation with a full band and vocalist Paul Randolph.^[26]^[6] The 14-track set reinterpreted their catalog through spontaneous studio performances, blending electronic elements with organic jazz instrumentation to create a dynamic, unpolished energy.^[27] The collective returned to structured studio production with The Pool in 2018, also on Sonar Kollektiv, incorporating vocals from collaborators like Jamie Cullum, Ben Westbeech, and Charlotte OC on tracks such as "No. 9".^[28]^[29] This album reflected their matured sound, integrating hip-hop beats, soul, and nu-jazz with a focus on emotional depth and melodic hooks.^[30] In 2022, Jazzanova contributed to the compilation Strata Records: The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova, reworking tracks from the historic Detroit jazz label in collaboration with DJ Amir, paying homage to its techno and jazz fusion roots through modern remixes.^[31]^[32] The project underscored their ongoing interest in reinterpreting influential sounds from electronic and jazz traditions.^[33] In May 2025, they released In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live, a live reinterpretation of their debut album recorded at Little Big Beat Studios.^[7] Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Jazzanova maintained an active presence through international DJ sets and live band tours, including appearances at European festivals like Fuji Rock and HÖR Berlin, while managing their Sonar Kollektiv label with sporadic releases.^[2]^[34] As of 2025, the group shows no signs of disbandment, continuing with remixes—such as the October 2025 release In Between (Remixes) featuring artists like Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation—and live studio sessions that highlight their evolution toward fuller band performances.^[35]^[36] This progression includes deeper collaborations with jazz musicians, evident in their live reinterpretations and band integrations since the Funkhaus era.^[37]

Members

Core members

Jazzanova's core membership comprises six founding artists who established the collective in 1995 amid Berlin's dynamic 1990s club scene, drawing from shared passions for DJing, production, and genre fusion. These members—Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer—have remained consistent since formation, with no major lineup changes, and operate through democratic, collaborative decision-making across their bases in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. This structure enables fluid contributions, where individual expertise shapes the group's output in DJ sets, studio productions, and live performances.^[38]^[1] Alexander Barck serves as a DJ, producer, and co-founder of the Sonar Kollektiv label, which launched in 1997 as a platform for Jazzanova's releases and broader electronic explorations. Originating from East Berlin, Barck has been a dedicated record collector and DJ since the early 1990s, playing a pivotal role in infusing electronic elements into the collective's sound and building international networks through remixes and collaborations. His work emphasizes seamless genre blending, often bridging house, hip-hop, and jazz in live sets and productions.^[39]^[40]^[4] Claas Brieler functions as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, proficient on keyboards and guitar, with a focus on developing intricate melodic arrangements that define Jazzanova's lush, layered compositions. A founding member and avid record collector, Brieler was instrumental in conceptualizing and launching Sonar Kollektiv, helping curate its early roster of nu jazz and broken beat artists during Berlin's late-1990s scene. His approach prioritizes organic, sample-driven melodies drawn from rare groove and global influences.^[41]^[42]^[4] Jürgen von Knoblauch acts as a DJ and sound engineer, managing the technical facets of mixing and production to achieve Jazzanova's polished, immersive audio quality. His engineering expertise ensures cohesive integration of diverse elements in tracks and remixes, contributing to the collective's reputation for high-fidelity outputs since the mid-1990s. Von Knoblauch also performs in DJ sets, selecting tracks that highlight the group's eclectic tastes in funk, soul, and electronica.^[43]^[38]^[44] Roskow Kretschmann is a producer and percussionist whose rhythmic contributions introduce Latin and funk grooves, adding propulsion and texture to Jazzanova's tracks. Based in Berlin, he operates the Audiomoto studio, specializing in recording and mastering, which has supported the collective's productions and extended to work with affiliated artists in electronic and jazz realms. Kretschmann's percussion work draws from global traditions, enhancing the live and studio dynamics of the group's music.^[45]^[46]^[47] Stefan Leisering operates as a DJ and producer, integral to Jazzanova's creative process through composition, arrangement, and performance. An East German native from Berlin, he co-manages the Jazzanova Recording Studio, where he handles programming and production duties that underpin the collective's sample-heavy, jazz-inflected sound. Leisering's involvement extends to curating releases and DJ mixes that explore hip-hop, broken beat, and Latin influences.^[48]^[49]^[1] Axel Reinemer is a producer, bassist, and recording engineer who emphasizes groove and live instrumentation, grounding Jazzanova's electronic frameworks with organic bass lines and ensemble feels. He co-founded and runs the Jazzanova Recording Studio in Berlin alongside Leisering, overseeing sessions that capture the collective's hybrid style using vintage and modern gear. Reinemer's background in hip-hop production from the early 1990s informs his focus on rhythmic foundation and studio precision.^[49]^[50]^[51]

Collaborators and side projects

Jazzanova has frequently collaborated with vocalists to enhance their nu jazz and downtempo sound, incorporating soulful and hip-hop-infused elements into their productions. Notable contributors include Vikter Duplaix, who provided lyrics and vocals for tracks like "Soon" on the 2002 album In Between, bringing a smooth, neo-soul delivery to the collective's intricate arrangements.^[8] Similarly, Phonte of The Foreign Exchange featured prominently on "Look What You're Doin' To Me" from the 2008 album Of All The Things, delivering introspective rap verses over layered jazz grooves that highlighted Jazzanova's fusion of hip-hop and live instrumentation.^[24] The group has built a reputation as skilled remixers, reworking tracks for a diverse array of artists across electronic, soul, and jazz genres. Early collaborations include remixes for Ian Pooley on "What's Your Number (Jazzanova Renumber)" in 1998, infusing the house track with broken beats and atmospheric textures; Incognito's "Get Into My Groove (Jazzanova Re-Groove Mix)" from the same period, emphasizing funky basslines and Latin percussion; and 4hero's "We Who Are Not As Others (Jazzanova Mix)" in 1997, which added downtempo depth to the drum and bass original.^[13] In the 2000s, they handled high-profile commissions such as Masters at Work's "Our Time Is Coming (Jazzanova's Guestlist Mix)" featuring Roy Ayers in 2001, transforming the house anthem into a vibraphone-driven jazz excursion. Their remix work continued into the 2010s, maintaining the collective's focus on collaborative reinterpretations without individual solo pursuits overshadowing the group dynamic. A key side project of Jazzanova is Extended Spirit, active from 2000 to 2005, led by core members Stefan Leisering and Axel Reinemer, who explored downtempo and ambient electronica separate from the main collective.^[52] The duo released albums under this moniker, emphasizing atmospheric soundscapes and subtle rhythms, such as contributions to compilations like Jazzanova...Mixing in 2000, where they provided tracks like "Siding."^[53] This venture allowed Leisering and Reinemer to experiment with more introspective productions while keeping the emphasis on Jazzanova's communal ethos. Through their Sonar Kollektiv label, founded in 1997, Jazzanova has fostered collaborations with affiliated artists, integrating session musicians into live performances and releases to expand their sound.^[10] The label has supported acts like Paul Randolph, who contributed vocals to Funkhaus Studio Sessions in 2012, blending live band elements with the collective's electronic foundations during occasional augmented live sets.^[6] This ongoing network underscores Jazzanova's role as curators, prioritizing collective creativity over solo endeavors.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound

Jazzanova's music is primarily rooted in nu jazz, often referred to as jazz house, a genre that seamlessly blends acoustic jazz improvisation with electronic beats, downtempo grooves, and house elements to create sophisticated, groove-oriented tracks.^[54]^[55] This fusion emphasizes steady rhythms, polyrhythms, and organic instrumentation, allowing for intentional song structures that balance club energy with reflective listening experiences.^[55]^[56] The collective's signature sound is characterized by layered instrumentation, including live drums, bass lines, and keyboards, built over sampled loops to evoke chill-out atmospheres infused with Latin percussion and soulful vocals.^[2]^[57] This approach yields a mature, absorbing quality, with cosmic soul chords and scintillating colors that prioritize melodic warmth and emotional depth over rigid genre boundaries.^[2]^[58] Tracks often feature syncopated elements and improvisation, drawing from personal record collections to integrate hip-hop, funk, and neo-soul influences in early works.^[55]^[59] In their production techniques, Jazzanova employs a collaborative process that mixes sampling with live studio recordings, using sequencer software for precise programming alongside organic performances to achieve a confident, coherent feel.^[59]^[57] This method emphasizes warmth and vitality, as heard in "I Human feat. Paul Randolph," where fleshly, solid arrangements capture an alive, soulful essence without digital sterility.^[6]^[60] Their evolution reflects a shift from club-focused DJ mixes to album-oriented compositions with narrative arcs, incorporating more live elements to enhance emotional resonance.^[2]^[57] Relative to contemporaries like St. Germain and Kruder & Dorfmeister, Jazzanova distinguishes itself with a stronger Berlin-inflected electronic edge, offering stylish sophistication amid radical experimentation in nu jazz and downtempo realms.^[61]^[62]

Influences and evolution

Jazzanova's musical roots draw deeply from the 1970s jazz-funk era, incorporating elements from artists such as Herbie Hancock and Roy Ayers, whose fusion of jazz improvisation with funk grooves informed the collective's emphasis on rhythmic layering and melodic warmth.^[63] The rare groove movement, exemplified by the Incredible Bongo Band's percussive and breakbeat-driven tracks, also shaped their sampling techniques and dancefloor-oriented ethos. Additionally, influences from Detroit techno and the Berlin techno scene, particularly the dub-infused minimalism of Basic Channel, contributed to their integration of electronic textures and spatial production aesthetics.^[64] In the early 1990s, Jazzanova's inspirations expanded to include the UK acid jazz scene, with groups like the Brand New Heavies providing a blueprint for blending live jazz instrumentation with upbeat, soulful grooves. Concurrently, the atmospheric downtempo of trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack influenced their approach to moody, sample-heavy arrangements that prioritize emotional depth over strict genre boundaries.^[65] These elements converged in their formation as a DJ collective in 1995, where eclectic mixes highlighted a groove-based ethos centered on funk, jazz, disco, and Latin rhythms.^[14] Throughout their career, Jazzanova's style evolved without major stylistic ruptures, maintaining a consistent focus on groove-driven compositions. The 1990s were marked by DJ-focused activities, emphasizing curated sets that fused hip-hop beats with jazz samples. By the 2000s, they shifted toward original production, incorporating live instrumentation and Brazilian/Latin house influences in works like their debut album, while retaining electronic programming.^[64] The 2010s saw further development through improvisation in live sessions, as heard in hybrid recordings that blended studio precision with spontaneous jazz elements. In the 2020s, their output nodded to techno remixes, reinterpreting archival jazz-funk tracks with modern electronic flair, such as their Strata Records project, culminating in the 2025 live album In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live, which reinterprets their debut album with enhanced live instrumentation and improvisation.^[14]^[7] As pioneers in the nu jazz genre, Jazzanova advanced label-based collectives that merged jazz improvisation with electronica, influencing imprints like Compost Records through their collaborative sub-label JCR, which released genre-blending EPs starting in 1998.^[2] Their approach established a template for European acts combining club culture with acoustic sophistication, fostering a broader movement in broken beat and deep house.^[66]

Discography

Studio albums

Jazzanova's debut studio album, In Between, released in 2002 on Ropeadope Records in the United States and Compost Records in Europe, marked their entry into full-length production with 12 tracks that fuse nu jazz, broken beat, and neo-soul elements through a seamless blend of electronic programming and live instrumentation.^[67]^[68] The album features contributions from vocalists like Clara Hill and Capital A, creating a rich, atmospheric sound praised for its innovative fusion of jazz traditions with contemporary electronic textures.^[69]^[18] Their second studio album, Of All the Things, arrived in 2008 via Sonar Kollektiv, with a United States distribution through Verve Records, presenting 14 tracks across a guest-heavy lineup that showcases stylistic diversity from soul-jazz ballads to funk-infused grooves.^[25]^[70] Collaborators including Phonte, Paul Randolph, Ben Westbeech, José James, Leon Ware, Dwele, and Azymuth contribute to its eclectic scope, highlighting Jazzanova's ability to integrate global influences into a cohesive, throwback-soul oriented collection noted for its effortless conversational flow among artists.^[24] In 2012, Jazzanova issued Funkhaus Studio Sessions on Sonar Kollektiv, a live-in-studio recording with their seven-piece band and vocalist Paul Randolph, comprising 14 tracks that emphasize improvisation and raw funk energy captured during sessions replicating their live performances.^[27]^[6] This release, including reinterpreted versions of prior material alongside new compositions like "I Human," underscores the collective's shift toward organic, band-driven dynamics over studio polish, with limited vinyl editions enhancing its collectible appeal.^[26]^[60] The group's most recent studio album, The Pool, emerged in 2018 on Sonar Kollektiv with 10 tracks that signal a return to refined production techniques, blending live instrumentation, sampling, and guest vocals to explore mature themes of introspection and flow.^[28]^[71] Standout tracks such as "Morning Stars" exemplify this evolution, featuring lush melodies and confident arrangements that reflect Jazzanova's refined synthesis of jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop influences.^[72] In 2025, Jazzanova released In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live on Sonar Kollektiv, a live album recorded at Little Big Beat Studios featuring 11 tracks reinterpreting their 2002 debut album with contemporary arrangements and guest Wayne Snow on select pieces.^[7]^[73] As of November 2025, the core studio discography consists of In Between, Of All the Things, Funkhaus Studio Sessions, and The Pool, with the live release expanding their full-length catalog.^[2]

Remix and compilation albums

Jazzanova has established a significant presence in the remix and compilation landscape, leveraging their production expertise to reinterpret tracks and curate influential collections that bridge nu jazz, broken beat, and electronic genres. Their remix work often transforms original material through layered sampling, live instrumentation, and rhythmic reconfigurations, showcasing their ability to enhance emotional depth and dancefloor appeal. Over the course of their career, they have contributed to more than ten such projects, highlighting their curation prowess in selecting and reshaping sounds for broader audiences.^[13]^[74] One of their earliest remix compilations, The Remixes 1997-2000, released in 2000 on Compost Records, gathers their initial forays into remixing, including reworks of tracks by artists such as 4hero's "We Who Are Not As Others" and Incognito's "Get Into My Groove." This double-CD and vinyl set captures the group's early style, blending future jazz elements with downtempo grooves, and features contributions from a diverse array of acts that influenced the burgeoning nu jazz scene. Building on this foundation, The Remixes 2002-2005, issued in 2005 via Sonar Kollektiv, collects later interpretations, notably their Guestlist Mix of Masters at Work featuring Roy Ayers' "Our Time Is Coming," which infuses the original with vibraphone-driven funk and subtle electronic pulses. These compilations demonstrate Jazzanova's skill in elevating collaborators' works while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity.^[15]^[75]^[76] In the realm of compilations, Jazzanova's involvement with Sonar Kollektiv has been pivotal, as they founded the label in 1997 and have curated numerous samplers that spotlight emerging nu jazz talent. The Sonar Kollektiv compilation from 2001, their first major label-curated release, features tracks from artists like Pathless and Soul Quality Quartet, emphasizing future jazz's fusion of electronic beats and acoustic improvisation across a 20-track selection. The Future Jazz ethos permeates their 1990s and 2000s series under Sonar Kollektiv, with volumes showcasing downtempo and broken beat explorations that helped define the genre's sound through curated selections of global contributors. Subsequent efforts, such as the SK200 compilation in 2008, continue this tradition, compiling 15 tracks including works by Soulphiction and Christian Prommer's Drumlesson to mark the label's anniversary with a retrospective of evolving styles. These releases underscore Jazzanova's role as tastemakers, blending their own remixes with peer contributions to foster a vibrant ecosystem.^[77]^[78]^[79] More recently, the 2022 album Strata Records: The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova, released on BBE Music, reinterprets eleven classic tracks from the iconic Detroit label, infusing them with modern electronic and jazz-inflected production. Collaborating with DJ Amir, Jazzanova selected and reworked pieces by artists like Lyman Woodard and Tribe, preserving the originals' spiritual jazz essence while adding contemporary rhythms and textures for a fresh listen. This project exemplifies their ongoing curation skills, bridging historical jazz archives with current club sensibilities and earning acclaim for revitalizing overlooked Detroit sounds. Ongoing Sonar Kollektiv Sampler volumes, spanning from 1998 to the present, further integrate their remixes with label roster highlights, maintaining a steady output of over a dozen editions that reflect the collective's enduring influence on the genre. In 2025, In Between (Remixes) was released on Sonar Kollektiv, featuring new remixes of tracks from their debut album by artists including Jacana People, Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation), and others, celebrating the 20th anniversary with fresh takes on classics like "No Use" and "Another New Day."^[31]^[32]^[80]^[8]

Singles, EPs, and DJ mixes

Jazzanova's output in singles, EPs, and DJ mixes spans their career, emphasizing club-friendly tracks that fuse nu jazz, broken beat, and electronic elements, primarily released on vinyl and digital formats through labels like Compost Records and Sonar Kollektiv. These shorter releases, totaling around 15–20, did not achieve major chart success but gained influence in underground electronic and jazz dance scenes for their innovative sampling and DJ-oriented structures.^[3] Early EPs established the collective's sound, beginning with the Jazzanova EP in 1997 on Compost Records, featuring tracks like "Fedime's Flight" and "Bohemian Sunset," which blended cosmic soul and Brazilian rhythms for DJ circulation.^[81] This was followed by Jazzanova EP 2 in 1998, including "Caravelle" and "Introspection," further exploring downtempo jazz fusion.^[82] The "My Ray" EP in 2000, released on Sonar Kollektiv, marked a shift toward more polished productions with its titular track highlighting smooth, ray-like melodic lines over groovy basslines, appealing to vinyl collectors.^[3] Singles often served as album previews, such as "L.O.V.E. Girl" in 2002 from their debut album In Between, featuring soulful vocals and a 7:48 runtime suited for extended club play.^[83] Later, the "Serene" EP in 2008 on Sonar Kollektiv offered serene, atmospheric tracks like its title piece, emphasizing ambient jazz textures for chill-out sets.^[3] Side project tie-ins included limited "Extended Spirit" singles in various years, extending their experimental ethos into spiritual jazz remixes.^[3] DJ mixes showcased their curation skills, starting with "The Jazzanova Ways" in 1999 on Sonar Kollektiv, a vinyl mix compiling their early edits for club use.^[3] The "In the Club" series, released across multiple years on Sonar Kollektiv, focused on high-energy selections blending funk, soul, and house for party environments.^[3] In the 2010s, "Broadcasting Live" captured festival sets in digital format, preserving their live DJ transitions from events like Sonar festivals.^[2] More recently, "Breezin'" in 2018 provided a breezy, wind-swept mix of light jazz and electronic grooves, with sporadic singles continuing into 2025 tied to album cycles.^[3]

References

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Jazzanova Musician - All About Jazz
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Jazzanova: Home
Record releases, albums, eps, tour dates, news from Jazzanova – the jazz, funk, soul, dance, disco, latin producer and DJ collective.
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Jazzanova
- **Biography**: Jazzanova is a German DJ and producer collective in electronic fusion music, formed in 1995 as a DJ team in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. They began production in 1996 and founded a collective and label, Sonar Kollektiv, in 1998. Their name is inspired by the 1972 album "Jazzanova" by Ira Kris Group.
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Music | Jazzanova
For more than 25 years the eclectic collective from Berlin has been busy producing, composing, arranging, remixing, DJing and generally shaping our musical ...Missing: history discography
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In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live
Free deliveryIn Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live by Jazzanova, released 09 May 2025 1. L.O.V.E. and You & I (Little Big Beat Studio Live Session) 2. No Use feat.
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Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Jazzanova is a Berlin collective formed in 1995, blending dance music. They got their break from Gilles Peterson and formed JCR with Compost label.
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Ropeadope Records 7567 93121-2. Jazzanova is the work of a six-headed DJ collective, which renders it uneven by its very nature.
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Aug 12, 2021 · Artist: Jazzanova Venue: Hultsfred festival Country: Sweden Genre: Nu-jazz, house Date: 2000 Source: Swedish national radio (analog) Show: P3 Live Quality: 160 ...
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Sonar Kollektiv was founded in 1997 by Jazzanova. Designed as a platform for own releases it soon attracted numerous new discoveries and like-minded ...
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Funkhaus Studio Sessions is the result, a satisfying hip-shaker of a “show” that aligns the human touch with musical precision. Jazzanova ...
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Funkhaus Studio Sessions by Jazzanova, released 15 May 2012 1. Let Me Show Ya (Funkhaus Sessions) 2. Theme From Belle et Fou (Funkhaus Sessions) 3.
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The Pool, Jazzanovas most mature and musical album yet, welcomes a host of talented collaborators including Jamie Cullum, Ben Westbeech, Pete Josef, Rachel ...
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Free deliveryOn Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova, DJ Amir and Jazzanova breathe new life into eleven hand-picked tracks from the Strata ...
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Jazzanova Concerts & Live Tour Dates: 2025-2026 Tickets
Find tickets for Jazzanova concerts near you. Browse 2025 tour dates, venue details, concert reviews, photos, and more at Bandsintown.Missing: 2020-2025 | Show results with:2020-2025<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Jazzanova: Funkhaus Studio Sessions - Surviving the Golden Age
Jul 18, 2012 · This collection of 14 tracks is a bright, lovingly hand-made project that attempts to capture the sound of Jazzanova's live-band shows, ...
[36]
Jazzanova · Biography - Resident Advisor
Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, ...Missing: DJing history
[37]
Alex Barck - Red Bull Music Academy
In 1995 he became a member of Jazzanova, a local DJ collective whose blend of jazz, house and hip-hop made them an unavoidable name in the trip-hop era.
[38]
Alex Barck - Sonar Kollektiv
Alex Barck's rise to worldwide fame was as a member of Jazzanova in the late 90's. Also as the A&R manager at Berlin based label, Sonar Kollektiv.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[39]
About - Sonar Kollektiv
Instead, each of its 600+ releases reflects the ever-evolving taste of the collective—a continuous exploration of past, present, and future sounds. There's no ...
[40]
Crate Diggers: Claas Brieler - The Vinyl Factory
Dec 30, 2016 · For over two decades German collective Jazzanova have pushed a sophisticated, omnivorous sound touching on chill-out, funk, house, nu-jazz, ...
[41]
Claas Brieler “Somehow touchable… Repairable!”
A founding member of the city's Jazzanova collective, he was also one of the heads behind Solar Kollectiv, a label that somewhat defined Berlin in the nineties, ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[42]
EGLO.049 Jürgen von Knoblauch from Jazzanova - Electronic Groove
Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Stefan Leisering, and Axel ...
[43]
Juergen Von Knoblauch - Muso
Roles ; Composer. 247 Credits ; Producer. 35 Credits ; Lyricist. 25 Credits ; Programmer. 6 Credits ; Percussion. 1 Credit ...Missing: Jürgen | Show results with:Jürgen
[44]
https://credits.muso.ai/profile/f99a2c2d-fc7d-43e1-9ad1-2b1fa19d2d59
[45]
Roskow Kretschmann: Music
... Jazzanova, Sygaire, Mudegg, El Freakadell known as a remixer, dj, studio wizard and label owner as well musical lines leading from rap & electro to jazz ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[46]
Jazzanova - Sonar Kollektiv
When the team of Alex Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Jürgen von Knoblauch and Stefan Leisering first met, they were all deep into a club scene that ...
[47]
https://www.sonarkollektiv.com/artist/jazzanova/
[48]
Jazzanova Recording Studio, Berlin
The studio was founded by Axel Reinemer, a recording and mixing engineer and producer who, together with his partner Stefan Leisering, forms the most prolific ...
[49]
Jazzanova's Axel Reinemer: Granny Dealt In Hip Hop Records
Mar 23, 2021 · From beats & scratching to recording bands – Axel Reinemer on always being prepared & how to turn flexibility into beautiful moments.
[50]
Berlin, Germany - Producer | JRS (Jazzanova Recording Studio)
Founder and designer of JRS, Axel Reinemer has been intensively immersed in all areas of music production, performance and recording for more than 30 years.Missing: bassist | Show results with:bassist
[51]
In Between (Remixes) - Jazzanova bandcamp
In Between (Remixes) by Jazzanova, released 17 October 2025 1. Another New Day (Jacana People Remix) 2. No Use feat. Clara Hill (Eric Hilton (Trust A Thief ...
[52]
Belle et Fou - compiled & produced by Jazzanova | Various Artists
CREDITS. (R. Kretschmann, A. Barck, C. Brieler, J. v. Knoblauch) Vocals ... JAZZANOVA side project EXTENDED SPIRIT aka STEFAN LEISERING and AXEL REINEMER
[53]
Jazzanova ...mixing | Various Artists - Sonar Kollektiv - Bandcamp
Free deliveryMore fresh nuggets come from the hard discs of Sonar Kollektivs' own Extended Spirit, Slope and Mr. Georg Levin. We also found some hard to get and unreleased ...Missing: Sleeping | Show results with:Sleeping
[54]
Nu Jazz Music Guide: 4 Characteristics of Nu Jazz Music - 2025
Jul 21, 2021 · Nu jazz is electronica with jazz improvisation, emphasizing steady grooves, sophisticated harmonies, and sometimes rock-style compositions.
[55]
Jazzanova bring some nu-jazz electro for those who know - Vanguard
They lay down an electronic foundation for amazing piano soloist Hajime Yoshizawa as good as any live instrumental group could. ... blended with drum machines, ...
[56]
In Between - Jazzanova | Album - AllMusic
Rating 8.3/10 (93) Release Date: July 2, 2002. Duration: 01:14:00. Genre: Electronic. Styles: Clubjazz, Downbeat, House, Jazz-House, Trip-Hop.
[57]
Alex Barck
### Summary of Jazzanova's Sound, Production Methods, Influences, and Gear/Techniques
[58]
Jazzanova: Of All the Things - PopMatters
Dec 4, 2008 · Jazzanova play kickball with decade-divided genres as though the lines between them simply didn't exist, seamlessly moving from hip-hop to funk ...
[59]
Interview | Jazzanova | Complex Cooking - Fifteen Questions
Name: Jazzanova Interviewee: Stefan Leisering Occupation: Producer Nationality: German Recent release: Strata Records - The Sound Of Detroit - Reimagined By ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[60]
Jazzanova - Funkhaus Studio Sessions - Vinyl at OYE Records
14-day returnsJun 19, 2012 · An album that will please every Jazzanova fan and every true music lover with an affinity for warm, soulful, deep and genuine musicianship. When ...
[61]
Jazzanova - Phoenix New Times
Jul 25, 2002 · If Kruder and Dorfmeister are a blunt before breakfast, then Jazzanova is cocktails after dinner. Stylish and sophisticated, Jazzanova's ...
[62]
Songs similar to Sure Thing by St. Germain - Spotalike
Songs similar to Sure Thing by St. Germain, such as Under My Sensi by Boozoo Bajou, Rose Rouge by St. Germain, Bohemian Sunset by Jazzanova.
[63]
Jazzanova Vinyl Records & Albums | Rough Trade
With influences from jazz, soul, funk, and house music, Jazzanova has created a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Their innovative ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[64]
Jazzanova: The Pool - DJ Times
For the album, the on-mic talent includes Jamie Cullum, Ben Westbeech, Paul Randolph, Rachel Sermanni and Charlotte OC. The Pool has connections ...<|separator|>
[65]
Jazzanova | Spotify
... Jazzanova's second production album, Of All the Things, appeared in 2008. The album's throwback-soul orientation was enhanced with lead turns from Leon Ware ...Missing: list | Show results with:list
[66]
Jazzanova: Remixes: 1997-2000 Album Review | Pitchfork
Genre: Electronic / Jazz / Pop/R&B. Label: Compost. Reviewed: November 8, 2000. Jazzanova, the Austrian nu-jazz collective and Sonar affiliate, appear to ...
[67]
https://www.discogs.com/master/56268-Jazzanova-In-Between
[68]
Jazzanova - In Between - RECORD STORE ROOM
Jazzanova. In Between. Bookmark. LABEL : Jazzanova Compost Records (JCR) NUMBER : JCR025-1. FORMAT : 3×Vinyl,LP,Album,Gatefold COUNTRY : Germany RELEASED : 2002
[69]
In Between - Jazzanova bandcamp
In Between by Jazzanova, released 28 April 2002 1. L.O.V.E. And You & I 2. No Use 3. The One-Tet 4. Fade Out 5. Hanazono 6. Mwela, Mwela (Here I Am) 7.
[70]
Music - Review of Jazzanova - Of All The Things - BBC
Oct 24, 2008 · Review of Mixing Mixing Jazzanova. Artist Played By. Jamie Cullum showcases his love of jazz, featuring live sessions and special guests.Missing: vocalists | Show results with:vocalists
[71]
https://www.discogs.com/release/12073766-Jazzanova-The-Pool
[72]
The Pool - Jazzanova | Album - AllMusic
Rating 7.5/10 (18) Jun 29, 2018 · The Pool by Jazzanova released in 2018. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.Missing: production reception
[73]
Jazzanova Discography - Download Albums in Hi-Res - Qobuz
Among the collective's major releases are In Between (2002), Of All the Things (2008), and The Pool (2018), complex albums blending programming and live ...Missing: career | Show results with:career
[74]
https://www.discogs.com/master/1155280-Jazzanova-The-Remixes-2006-2016
[75]
The Remixes 2002-2005 | Various Artists - Jazzanova bandcamp
Written by Roy Ayers. Originally produced and mixed by Louis Vega & Kenny Dope for Masters At Work, Inc. Executive Producers: Masters At Work. Vibes: Roy Ayers.
[76]
https://www.discogs.com/release/571483-Jazzanova-The-Remixes-2002-2005
[77]
https://www.discogs.com/release/8239-Various-Sonar-Kollektiv
[78]
Sonar Kollektiv – compiled by Jazzanova | Various Artists - Bandcamp
Founded in 1997 by Jazzanova, Sonar Kollektiv started as a platform for their own music but quickly became a hub for new discoveries and like-minded artists.
[79]
SK200 - compiled by Jazzanova | Various Artists - Sonar Kollektiv
Free deliveryTo mark this respectable milestone in the catalogue of their Sonar Kollektiv label, JAZZANOVA have put together another of their pristine compilations. Far from ...Missing: growth Sunburst mid 2000s
[80]
Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined By Jazzanova
On Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova, DJ Amir and Jazzanova breathe new life into eleven hand-picked tracks from the Strata ...
[81]
Jazzanova EP 1
Free deliveryJazzanova EP 1 by Jazzanova, released 01 January 1997 1. Fedime's Flight 2. Bohemian Sunset 3. Allee der Kosmonauten.
[82]
Jazzanova EP 2
Free deliveryJazzanova EP 2 by Jazzanova, released 14 August 1998 1. Caravelle 2. Konklave 3. Introspection.Missing: Ray | Show results with:Ray
[83]
Jazzanova Tracks & Releases on Traxsource
JAZZANOVA ; L.O.V.E. And You And I (7:48) ·, Victor Feldman, Paul Kleber ; No Use feat. Clara Hill (4:11) ·, Clara Hill ; The One-Tet (3:51) ·, Capitol A ; Fade Out