German drummer and composer Mareike Wiening presents Shifting Perspective, a concert program performed by her internationally acclaimed quintet, nominated for Band of the Year at the German Jazz Awards. Founded in New York more than a decade ago, the band emerged from Wiening’s formative years in the city and has since evolved into a distinctive transatlantic ensemble shaped by long-standing artistic collaboration. Today, the group reflects an international constellation: Rich Perry and Luke Marantz are based in New York, Alex Goodman resides in Graz, Phil Donkin in Berlin, while Wiening herself lives in Vienna. This geographic breadth is not incidental – it defines the ensemble’s artistic identity and sustained presence on both sides of the Atlantic.

The music reflects Wiening’s transatlantic artistic path, shaped by many years in New York and her strong European roots. The quintet’s sound is melody-driven, rhythmically incisive and rich in nuance – ranging from chamber-like textures and lyrical passages to groove-oriented sections with expansive improvisation. Central to the performance is a vivid musical dialogue between soloists and ensemble, marked by spontaneity, emotional responsiveness, and subtle shifts in perspective.

Praised for her compositional clarity and rhythmic sophistication, Wiening creates music that is both intellectually engaging and immediately expressive. Live, the quintet unfolds a dynamic and organic interplay, balancing precision with openness and leaving space for unexpected moments to emerge.

Mareike Wiening has performed at leading international venues and festivals including the Blue Note NYC, Winter Jazzfest, and Carnegie Hall, and has collaborated with artists such as John Zorn, Ben Wendel, and Dan Tepfer. She is Professor of Jazz Drums at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna and teaches at the Zurich University of the Arts. At the end of this year, the ensemble will release its fourth studio album, marking another significant milestone in its ongoing development and further consolidating its international profile.