The latest solo program of guitar player/composer Philipp van Endert provides further evidence of his sensitive grasp of dramatic tension. Open space and breathing are elements that come to mind when listening to his playing. Van Endert uncovers and gives new life to the secret force fields of long-discovered melody lines with virtuosic instinct. His music is like a bird’s flight of musical fantasy across the resources of our Jazz heritage. It is not an attempt to reinvent coolness, but rather to sharpen sensitivity for the special quality of lyrical creativity.

Three of the latest releases of guitar player/composer Philipp van Endert explore the very intimate environment of a trio. It is probably the most mature and sensitive performance among the more than 30 CDs on which he has played, either as leader or sideman. The success of these timeless Jazz recordings result from the intimate musical relationship between Philipp van Endert and his partners André Nendza and Kurt Billker, through working together for many years, something that is reflected in each and every take. Van Endert impresses with his musical prowess and brings many of his strengths to the fore in these beguiling yet weighty Jazz recordings. Playing on an equal footing with his congenial trio partners, bassist André Nendza and percussionist Kurt Billker, this guitarist has found the recipe for gratifying Jazz enthusiasts in their quest for meaning.

Line up
Philipp van Endert – electric & acoustic guitars
André Nendza – acoustic bass
Kurt Billker – drums

Releases
2011: Rosebud | 5040JS | buy CD
2006: Khilebor | 5013JS | buy CD
2003: Philipp van Endert Trio | 5007JS | buy CD

Following their critically acclaimed debut album “Trio” with Kenny Wheeler (2004, JazzSick Records) and “Khilebor” (2006 JazzSick Records) with Rick Margitza, Adrian Mears and Stephan Meinberg, the new CD by the Philipp van Endert Trio “Reguengo” (out in stores in fall 2010) demonstrates refreshing originality through compositional skill, fulminate technique, sophisticated chords and the high art of arrangement. All of this is presented on the new CD and live on an international top level with saxophonist Rick Margitza. Through his impressing playing in Miles Davis' Band the tenor player became a shooting star in the late 80s/early 90´s. A steady balance between tradition and innovation is skillfully maintained by the trio and leads to a unique “liaison” between the warm and modern tenor saxophone and the soft and full guitar trio sound.

Line up
Philipp van Endert – electric & acoustic guitars
Rick Margitza – saxophone
André Nendza – acoustic bass
Kurt Billker – drums

He always favoured smaller Band formats and this is why his latest CDs feature only the Duo-, Trio- and Quartet setting. Live concert recordings with traditional as well as free tonal Jazz elements. By any means of freedom all the music pieces still seem melodious, flowing, loose and yet elegant. There is silence as well as tension – a variation of virtuosic melodies and soft sounds, beautiful and timeless. This is an art statement of Lajos Dudas how he sees the modern jazz clarinet in our days – always putting emphasis on “Jazz”.

Line up
Lajos Dudas – clarinet
Philipp van Endert – guitar
and others

Releases
2011: 50 years with jazzclarinet | 5037JS | buy CD
2008: Jazz on stage | 5019JS | buy CD
2007: Artistry in duo | 5019JS | buy CD

Based on modern jazz and originals, the music of Magnolia & van Endert unfolds as a spirited, playful and lyrical dialogue between voice and guitar. Exploring the freedom of improvisation, it sheds a completely new light on the “singing plus instrument” duo format. The voice (with or without words) and the instrument act as both soloists and accompaniment, often at the same time. They intertwine in improvisational journeys and evolve into surprising counterpoints. Poetic moments, impulsivity, humorous caprioles: highly intense duo music with a maximum of liveliness.

Line up
Magnolia (Anne Hartkamp) – vocals
Philipp van Endert – guitar, guitar synthesizer

Releases
2007: Humpty's amazing boogie pencil | 5015JS | buy CD

In 1999, during the recordings of our first album "Things in Common", our closeness as artists and the pleasure of a playful approach to music was the driving force of our common work. We then considered our duo as still being in its "experimental phase". Ten years after – our present recording "The time we spend" is a good example of what comes out if you accept the challenge of further experimentation.” Two guitars, two generations, two careers but still combined through one language and one goal: - Exciting music and the courage to break stylistic boundaries.

Jazz guitarists Axel Fischbacher and Philipp van Endert put their long year experience as bandleaders and sidemen into this duo/quartet project and created a musical platform that features standard jazz compositions arranged and played in their unique way. Supported by one of Europe’s best rhythm sections they are able to present a bright variety of modern guitar playing. Over the last decade they evolved to a working guitar duo bonded through continuing inspiration and respectful exchange of ideas.

„We are still in the stage of experimenting - and we hope this never ends !“

Line up
Axel Fischbacher – guitar
Philipp van Endert – guitar
André Nendza – bass
Kurt Billker – drums

Releases
2007: The time we spend | 5026JS | buy CD

Professor Bret Willmott has organized and directed Bret´s Frets for over twenty years, and the ensemble continues to be a highly acclaimed live act and one of the most sought after performance groups at Berklee College of Music. Past members of Bret`s Frets include notable Berklee alumni Bill Frisell, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Mike Stern and Kurt Rosenwinkel. The present line-up has been touring Europe and USA for the last twelve years and features some of the hottest players of todays modern jazz scene. Fusing elements from Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Latin, the international guitar ensemble Bret`s Frets creates an exciting new sound that features unique guitar arrangements and beautiful original compositions.

Line up
Bret Willmott - guitar
Philipp van Endert - guitar
Christian Rover - guitar
Markus Segschneider - guitar
Thomas Wallisch - guitar
David Wiesner - bass
Johan Svensson - drums
Kurt Billker - drums

Releases
2002: Side steppin' | 5004JS
1997: European Rendevous

These two outstanding musicians have been captivating listeners with a unique musical dialogue. They are presenting Jazz with a richness of melody, masterly skill and playfulness. The intimate duo setting provides them with the freedom to instantly reflect on every impulse, giving spontaneity free reign. They are engaged in a conversation full of evocative sounds and music that is highly rewarding for the listeners as well as the artists.

Line up
Mathias Haus - vibraphone
Philipp van Endert - guitars

Releases
2010: Two above the open sea | 8004JSS | buy CD
2002: Hit the spot, Jack | buy CD
1996: Conversations

The guitarists/bandleaders compositions are interpreted by the Philipp van Endert Group members in a very intensive but also sensitive way, never loosing space and time to breath for the music. The band combines Modern/Contemporary Jazz and Fusion by shifting fluently from complex, artstic moments into lyrical, dynamic situations.

Line up
Philipp van Endert - guitars
Mathias Haus - vibraphone
Reiner Witzel - saxophone
Rainer Wind - bass
Kurt Billker - drums

Releases
2000: Urban Lyrical
1996: Philipp van Endert Group