Johann Bourquenez Solo

Solo piano. Drones, polyrhythms, resonances.

Johann Bourquenez, a Geneva-based pianist and composer, approaches the piano as a total instrument, often playing on the strings to mute or modulate the sound, creating tones close to the oud or the cimbalom, or filling the sonic space with massive, spellbinding drones. Alone at the piano, between jazz, minimalism and noise, he develops a magnetic and powerful music that carries away both mind and body. Natural harmonics and resonances, polyrhythmic counterpoints and melodies that light up the space, Johann seizes the moment in a cathartic experience.

He also leads his trio 692000 and the fully improvised trio BSP, and previously co-founded the trio Plaistow (2007-2017). He has played, among others, at Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Moods (Zürich), Montreux Jazz Festival, Unterfahrt (München) and London Jazz Festival.

Video

Live @ NHAM Fest 2026

streamed live 27 August 2026

from AMR - Geneva

Watch on Peertube ↗ About NHAM ↗

Press

"Bourquenez uses the piano as a 'whole instrument' via the use of prepared sounds and other 'under the lid' techniques. (…) few utilise the interior of the instrument as successfully and comprehensively as Bourquenez."

Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann (Plaistow, London concert, 2016)

thejazzmann.com ↗

"Bourquenez proved himself a virtuoso at the skill of using his left hand inside the piano to damp and bend the notes he was playing with his right hand."

Richard Williams, The Blue Moment (Plaistow, London Jazz Festival, 2014)

thebluemoment.com ↗