Niklas Lukassen

Niklas Lukassen captivates with his impressive sense of instrumental lyricism, equally adept on the double bass, bass guitar, and a unique cello. After returning from New York, he now divides his time between London and Berlin, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the European jazz scene. His distinctive sound also reveals a remarkable bandleader potential. Niklas ventured from an inconspicuous village somewhere in the South German Black Forest out into a life of creative opportunity through his personal musical journey. At the age of 16, he moved to Berlin to cut his teeth in the capital's music scene and attended the Jazz Institute. A formative part of his career lies in New York. Mentored by Ron Carter, he received his Master's Degree from Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree and teaching at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he researches ways of broadening his scope of sounds on a range of String bass instruments. Immersed in contrasting musical worlds, Niklas has accompanied performances with artists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joe Lovano, Jorge Rossy, Norma Winstone, Jo Lawry, Will Vinson & The New York Voices. This winter, Niklas will release his debut album as a bandleader, Still Waters , on Heartcore Records, out February 20, 2026.