Primary Instrument: Guitar
Much has been written about London's hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by those at the top of their game, one has to take notice. Since moving to London from Austria in 2006, guitarist Hannes Riepler has made his mark on the city’s vibrant jazz scene, not only for his outstanding, inventive guitar skill and freewheeling energy, but as an extraordinarily talented composer.
“Playing and listening to Hannes' music is great - it is interesting and challenging, but also melody-driven and accessible” says pianist Kit Downes, winner of the 2008 BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star, and a 2010 Mercury nomination for his debut album Golden. “It is written in way that is both very open and well-referenced - which means it never feels hard to play, and it all shines with Hannes' warm and interesting personality.” The highly acclaimed and award-wining bassist Jasper Hoiby adds, “his beautiful compositions are a breath of fresh air”.
The Brave is Riepler's stunning debut. A stylish venture that at times thrills with the immediacy of New York’s propulsive downtown style, and at others swings like hell. With roots firmly established in the jazz tradition, yet with a sound influenced by rock, classical and folk music, his is a music that is contemporary and melodic.
For his debut, Riepler is joined by some of the finest players on the London jazz scene - tenor saxophonist Tom Challenger, Kit Downes on piano, John Scott on drums, with Ryan Trebilcock completing the Quintet on double bass. The Brave is released on Jellymould Jazz, a fledgling label passionate about good music, and dedicated to recording and supporting innovative artists.
“....Austrian guitarist Hannes Riepler ably combined delicacy and strength in his solos...” (Chris Parker, The Vortex) )
“playing and listening to hannes' music is great - it is interesting and challenging, but also melody-driven and accessible. It is written in way that is both very open and well-referenced - which means it never feels hard to play, nor too derivative of other music, and it all shines with Hannes' warm and interesting personality. KIT DOWNES
“Riepler stylishly combines the immediacy of New York’s propulsive Downtown style with classical and folk textures.” (London Jazz Festival)
