DNA

The trio DNA emerges from the collaboration of pianist and composer Diederik Wissels and singer and lyricist Ana Rocha with Nicolas Kummert on saxophone and live electronics. Having previously worked together on the albums “Pasarela”, (Wissels with Kummert, Igloo Records, 2018), “Secrecy” (Wissels and Rocha, Igloo Records, 2020) and “Yearn” (Wissels and Rocha with Kummert and Polyzogopoulos, Igloo Records, 2023) the trio has created new landscapes of words and sounds.

Weaving their sounds together, they uncover new grounds for musical exploration and freedom in the dynamic and intimate conversation established between the voice, piano and saxophone, to which Kummert sensitively adds his own electronic modulation of the three musical voices. This repertoire on the verge of jazz, classical and folk music continues true to the search of beautiful harmonies and melodies, while staying open, fragile and often minimalistic.

The renowned Dutch pianist and composer Diederik Wissels, one of the key figures of the Belgian and European jazz scenes, has worked with many internationally acclaimed singers (David Linx, Fay Claassen, Maria Pia de Vito, Maria João) and instrumentalists (Mário Laginha, Philippe Catherine, Chet Baker, Toots Thielemans, Joe Henderson). He’s won the “Grand Prix du Disque ‘Jazz’ Charles Cros” and the “Victoires de la Musique” with his longtime collaborator David Linx. He also won was the “Choc de l’année” for the Magazine Jazzman and the “Choc de la Musique" award from Le Monde, among many other prizes, with his extensive and acclaimed discography.

Ana Rocha is a Berlin-based, Belgium-grown, German-Portuguese polyglot lyricist and singer that’s gained international acclaim in recent years, having played concerts all over the world, from Brazil to Belgium, France to Germany, receiving praise from the press for her intricate poetic lyrics and clear, precise and expressive voice. The singer established herself in the Berlin and Brussels world and music-scene, becoming a sought-after collaborator in a myriad of projects, constantly expanding her diverse and multifaceted discography.

Jazz saxophonist and electronic artist Nicolas Kummert has always shown curiosity, versatility and openness to all styles of music. He’s played and recorded with renowned artists and bands such as Jeff Ballard, Drifter, Jef Neve, Slowly Rolling Camera, Alexi Tuomarila Quartet as well as his friend Lionel Loueke, with whom he’s released the album “La Diversité” on Edition Records (2017). He works as a composer for films and dance performances, focusing on hybrid sounds and their expressive possibilities.

Together they have found an emotive, nuanced musical language anchored in simplicity, that transports and grips the listeners attention.