Formed in 2016 by Austrian pianist Simon Raab, Purple is the Color has steadily become one of the most compelling and distinct voices in contemporary European jazz. With Štěpán Flagar (saxophone), Martin Kocián (double bass), and Michał Wierzgoń (drums), the band has grown into a true working collective – evolving organically over the years and always prioritizing artistic depth over flashy spectacle. Their music merges contemporary jazz with elements of chamber music, pop, and free improvisation. Lyrical melodies unfold into tension-rich arcs; passionate, playful passages give way to experimentation and surprise. Quiet moments invite dreamlike immersion, while spontaneous shifts keep the audience engaged at every turn. Their upcoming third release, Unbemanntes Raumschiff (Unmanned Spaceship, to be released in October 2025), is the result of an extraordinary yearlong residency as Stageband at Porgy & Bess Vienna (2024–25). As part of this program, the quartet performed monthly concerts over an entire season, creating a new, tailor-made set for each show – a rare opportunity that inspired an intense period of artistic growth and creativity.