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Press Release English/German

 
For the first time ever, New York jazz vocalist Elisabeth Lohninger and Bridgeport/Connecticut bassist Steve Clarke are teaming up for a European tour. They are joined by pianist Walter Fischbacher and drummer Alex Bernath. Elisabeth, with thirteen released albums and years of touring under her belt, is excited to combine her passion for song and her distinctive velvet sound with Steve's infectious groove and Walter's dazzling solo work. Alex Bernath supplies the rhythmic backbone plus an extra helping of simmering intensity.

Elisabeth has performed in renowned venues both in New York City and abroad, teaming up with jazz greats such as Donny McCaslin and Ingrid Jensen. Steve has released 6 CDs as a leader and has toured Europe for 15 years, performing as a headliner as well as with legendary Slovak trumpet player Laco Deczi. He has performed alongside jazz luminaries such as Mike Stern, Sherri Winston and Sam & Dave.

Zum allerersten mal gehen New York Jazz Sängerin Elisabeth Lohninger und Bridgeport/Connectitut Bassist Steve Clarke gemeinsam auf Europa Tournee. Mit von der Partie sind Pianist Walter Fischbacher und Schlagzeuger Alex Bernath. Elisabeth, mit dreizehn veröffentlichen Alben und Jahren and Tourtätigkeit in ihrem Resumee, freut sich sehr, ihre Leidenschaft für Songs und ihren einzigartig samtigen Sound mit Steve´s mitreissendem Groove und Walters brillianten Soli zu kombinieren. Alex Bernath bringt dabei das rhythmische Rückgrat und eine extra Portion köchelnder Intensität.

Elisabeth war zu Gast in angesehenen Jazz Clubs in New York und Europa, und hat mit Jazz Heavy Hitters wie Donny McCaslin und Ingrid Jensen zusammengearbeitet. Steve hat 6 CDs als Band Leader veröffentlicht und ist seit 15 Jahren in Europa auf Tour, sowohl als Bandleader als auch als ehemaliger Bassist für den legendären slovakischen Trompeter Laco Deczi. Er trat mit Jazz Größen wie Mike Stern, Sherri Winston und Sam & Dave auf.

 

Elisabeth Lohninger, voice

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Growing up in a small Austrian mountain village (population 25), Lohninger started singing in school and church choirs. At the age of six, she joined her two sisters in what would become a nationally renowned vocal group specializing in the songs of her homeland. She soon ventured in other directions and studied classical music and jazz, finishing her studies with a Masters degree in music and English Language and Literature. In 1994, Lohninger relocated to New York. Elisabeth has toured as a band leader with her quartet as well as in duo and trio settings. Her touring schedule has included renowned venues such as Porgy & Bess in Vienna, Jazzschmiede Duesseldorf, The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard and Kitano in New York City, B-Flat Jazz Club in Tokyo. Highlights of her festival performances are: Summerstage New York, Mexico City (Eurojazz Festival), International Prague Jazz Festival, Cairo International Jazz Festival, International Jazz Festival Hilden (Germany). Since 2002 Lohninger is a faculty member at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

Steve Clarke, bass

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Born and raised in Bridgeport CT, a graduate of Housatonic Community College, Clarke has worked with many critically acclaimed musicians including the two- time Grammy nominated jazz flautist Sherry Winston, R&B innovators The Coasters, The Drifters, Mary Wells, Sam & Dave, and Ben E. King. He has recorded 8 CD's & tours Europe with trumpeter Laco Deczi’s Celula NY Band and has just performed and recorded in Romania with guitarist George Baicea.

click here for extended German bio

Walter Fischbacher,  keyboards

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New York-based pianist & keyboard player Walter Fischbacher's most recent studio release "Dreamcatcher" (2014, Jazzsick) "has been called "inspired" and " of the highest musical value" by international jazz reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. Fischbacher, who has worked with jazz luminaries such as Randy Brecker, George Garzone, Ingrid Jensen, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Chico Freeman, Tim Lefebvre, Joel Rosenblatt and the Vienna Art Orchestra, is originally from Austria. He studied classical piano in Vienna from 1985 -'90, and jazz piano and composition 1990 -'94 at the Conservatory of Vienna. Fischbacher relocated to New York in 1994, where he, in addition to his work as a musician, manages his own recording studio and leads his band, “Phishbacher”. Walter Fischbacher draws from a vast musical background encompassing not only classical piano repertoire but also the music of jazz piano greats such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea


Alex Bernath, drums

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Alex Bernath, currently residing in Cologne, Germany, is an international touring and recording drummer specializing in styles ranging from Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop and Fusion. Musicality and Groove are the two most important pillars he builds his drumming on.
 

Robert Coleman (James Brown guitarist) stated once:  “Alex is so steady and funky, if James Brown was here tonight, Alex would be his new drummer”.

In the  past years,  Alex had the pleasure to work with greats such as :
Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones). Fred Wesley (James Brown/Tina Turner) Jamal Thomas (Maceo Parker/SOS Band) and Branford Marsalis (Miles Davis/Sting), Rodney "Skeet" Curtis (P-Funkadelic/Maceo Parker)

He has learned play the drums from, and is therefore influenced by the styles of:

Keith Carlock (Steely Dan/Toto/Sting), Jamal Thomas, Stanton Moore (Dr.John/Galactic).

Alex's compositional work is internationally acknowledged, it's been reviewed in famous Jazz magazines (Jazzthing/Soultrainonline.de), Drum magazines (Sticks), it was listed in "Deutsche Schallplattenkritik's Bestenliste" and voted "Best Jazz Album of Poland 2018".
Photos for Download
Photo Credit: Walter Fischbacher
   
  
Stage Plan


Technical Rider

 NOTE!!! - THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR FULL CONCERT ONLY - SMALL CLUBS AND STAGES WILL REDUCE THE EQUIPMENT & INPUTS REQUIRED)
If we are on tour we most likely carry all of our backline ourselves, ALL WE NEED IS AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET. Please contact us at walter [at] walterfischbacher.com or SMS +1 347 993 3561 if there are any questions

Sound System:
Band requires a minimum 10 inputs from FOH desk
(prefer A&H, Soundcraft, Yamaha or Midas consoles)
Please include:
3 Dedicated monitor mixes
One Multi Effect processors cabable of Reverb
Four 12" or 15" 2-Way Monitor Wedges
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Input List:
 (Mic preferences - EV/Shure/Sennheiser/AKG)
01) Kick Drum
02) Snare Drum
03) Left side overhead condensor
04) Right side overhead condensor
05) Bass mic
06) Bass DI
07) Keys left DI
08) Keys right DI
09) Voc mic


Keyboards:
 One acoustic grand piano (6' in length or more). If no piano is available: One 88 Key weighted action master keyboard (Roland RD 600/700, Yamaha SX90 or similar ) + keyboard stand
!!!PLEASE READ!!!: When on tour in Europe we will bring our own keyboard.

 Bass Amplifier:
(1) GK combo or similar
!!!PLEASE READ!!!: When on tour in Europe we will bring our own bass amp

 Drum Kit:
 18" Bass drum
10" Tom Tom
12" Tom Tom
14" Snare drum
4 Cymbal stands (2 boom, 1 straight and Hi Hat)
kik drum pedal area rug Adjustable Drum Stool
 Drummer will bring his own cymbals

!!!PLEASE READ!!!: When on tour in Europe we will bring our own drums set