Jonas Engel and Asger Thomsen have been collaborating closely for years at the boundaries of free improvisation and acoustic sound synthesis. Together with Ben Bennett, they’ve formed CAECILIAN, a trio that transforms acoustic instruments into radical soundscapes. Through extended playing techniques, instrument preparations, and Bennett’s unique percussive language, their music unfolds somewhere between improvisation, noise, and electroacoustic illusion; highly sensitive, uncompromising, and full of surprising twists. CAECILIAN is the result of a long-standing collaboration: Following an intensive tour through Germany and Scandinavia, the trio recorded their debut album, which will be released shortly on the renowned label Dinzu Artefacts (Los Angeles).
The concert is presented in collaboration with the “Bruitkasten” concert series organized by the Impakt e.V. collective. Bruitkasten is a space for musical experimentation, spontaneous encounters, and extraordinary listening experiences in a communal atmosphere. Since 2022, the series at Ebertplatz has developed into one of the most exciting platforms for improvised and experimental music far beyond Cologne’s city limits and has been honored with the APPLAUS Award every year since its inception. For Cologne Jazz Week, Bruitkasten offers a glimpse into its diverse program: Three sets showcase different facets of contemporary improvisation, ranging from acoustic sound exploration to collective free improvisation and performative electronic music.
Supported by NICA artist development
Ben Bennett – perc
Jonas Engel – reeds
Asger Thomsen – db
