Driftwood Quartet

Contemporary jazz with a touch of rock—dynamic, surprising, and thrilling. The music of the “Driftwood Quartet” develops from fragile miniatures to orchestral soundscapes and sharp-edged riffs. The band moves skillfully in the area of tension between melodic composition, polyrhythmic structure, and individuality in ensemble playing and improvisation. Driven by curiosity and the joy of discovery, Joa Frey constantly tests new concepts in his composition, drawing inspiration from natural phenomena and personal stories. The result is complex, ambitious pieces, which nevertheless convey simplicity and dynamic, flowing groove. New musical worlds open themselves up to the public, accessible and entertaining. Zurich-based guitarist and composer Joa Frey’s ensemble “Driftwood Quartet“ started out as a duo with Jeanaine Oesch on bass and vocals. Between 2019 and 2022 the constellation widened, bringing in Samir Böhringer on drums and Marian Iten on alto saxophone. The band’s development shows a steady progression from private to public. From intimate recordings in the living room via the ‘barn session’ (a live performance from 2020 in an old farmhouse) and larger-scale public concerts, culminating in the publication of their debut album on the German jazz label Double Moon Records as part of “Jazz Thing Next Generation” in October 2023.