With Hayden Chisholm tonight: drummer Jochen Rückert

Jochen’s appearance tonight at the Loft, Cologne is something of a homecoming. Jochen was born near this city in 1975, and started playing drums at age six on carnival parades, following the long processions with his tiny snare drum. In 1995 he moved to Brooklyn, his current home. Early on, he was dubbed ‘Billy the Kid’ by the New York scene for his ambidextrous technique. Jochen has toured extensively in North and South America, Europe and Asia. He has recorded for Blue Note, and become one of the most sought after and imitated European Jazz drummers

Under the alias Wolff-Parkinson-White he programs, remixes and produces, becoming a central figure in the downtown club Nublu with a regular solo show. Of his new trio I Led Three Lives (pictured – Jochen’s on the right) Deli Magazine wrote: ‘Each member has a distinct flair and style all his own, but when they come together the result is an eclectic near-psychedelic form of tech-jazz.’

Here’s a recording from last April of him playing with Hayden and bassist Matt Penman:

I wonder: which Jochen are we getting this evening? The electronica-influenced minimalist, or the six-year old carnival drummer? Either way, I reckon we’re in for a treat.