Barbara Bruckmueller

Barbara Bruckmüller, a composer and jazz pianist born in Vienna, was influenced by the sounds of "Hollywood Jazz" from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s at a young age. Although she received piano lessons early on and studied intensively for seven years, it took some time for her to discover her true passion for jazz. She successfully completed her jazz piano studies with Paul Urbanek at the Gustav Mahler Conservatory in Vienna in 2004, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey.

Barbara's inspiration and role models lie not so much in individual pianists, but rather in great Big Band leaders and composers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gil Evans, Joe Henderson, and Maria Schneider.

In 2009 the debut concert of the BBBB - Barbara Bruckmüller Big Band - graced the stage at Porgy & Bess in Vienna. Yet, Barbara Bruckmüller's fervor for the orchestra remains as vibrant as ever. In 2013, she debuted her first album, "Barbara Bruckmüller Big Band," showcasing her original compositions and earning acclaim with the "Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik" (German Record Critics' Prize). 

Her subsequent release, a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, seamlessly fused traditional Viennese melodies with the infectious rhythm of swing, demonstrating her versatility as a composer and arranger. In 2015, Barbara assumed leadership of the Porgy & Bess Stageband series, orchestrating captivating performances that featured collaborations with spoken word artist Wadud Ahmad and live musical accompaniment to silent films, showcasing her ability to tailor her ensemble to diverse artistic expressions.

Distinguished guests, including New York crooner Tony Hewitt and Austrian trumpeter Thomas Gansch, graced the Big Band stage, captivating audiences with dedicated evenings honoring the legacies of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and showcasing compositions from female band members Viola Falb and Swantje Lampert. 

The Big Band boasts an ensemble of exceptional musicians, from trombonist Robert Bachner to Saxophonist Viola Falb of the Austrian jazz scene. International talents, such as the late Brazilian bassist Paulo Cardoso or American Pianist Danny Grissett contributed their artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the ensemble.

Bruckmüller's prowess as a composer was further recognized in 2017 when she received a composition grant from the Austrian Federal Chancellery, solidifying her place as a luminary in the contemporary jazz landscape.

Supported by this grant from the BMUKK, Barbara expanded the Big Band into a full-fledged jazz orchestra, augmenting its sound with strings for her ambitious compositions, "A Chain of Moments - Suite in Five Movements" and "¡MONKuKNOW!?" Her latest work, "The Spaces Within and Without," premiered in 2021. In 2022, audiences were treated to the electrifying energy of Barbara Bruckmüller Big Band live at Porgy & Bess, Vienna, with a vinyl release capturing the essence of their unforgettable performance from 2020. 

In August 2023, she and her orchestra were invited to record "Trumpet Tales" by guitarist and composer Klaus Wienerroither at the ORF RadioKulturhaus in Vienna, set to be broadcast in a radio session on OE1 in 2024.

With her latest project, "THREE VIEWS OF A MUSICAL PIECE: A Chain of Moments – Suite in five Movements”,  in collaboration with virtuoso pianist Aruán Ortiz, Bruckmüller continues to push the boundaries of her artistry. This innovative endeavor offers three distinct arrangements of her captivating composition "A Chain of Moments - Suite in five Movements," inviting listeners on a transcendent sonic journey. Each arrangement presents a unique perspective on the piece, showcasing Bruckmüller's unparalleled skill as both a composer and arranger and reaffirming her status as a visionary force in contemporary jazz. This 3-CD-Album was released in August 2024.

Awards

2013 - "Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik" (German Record Critics' Prize)