sebastian schunke profile picture

sebastian schunke

About Me

Sebastian Schunke was born in 1973 and began learning classical piano when he was six. His main influences in the early stages were Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin and Debussy. At the age of 12 he began studying Latin jazz as well, being influenced initially by Eddie Palmieri and later by Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chick Corea and Danilo Perez.In 1996 aged 22 Sebastian Schunke made the move to New York, where he experienced for the first time the tremendous energy and spirit of the city. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin. Sebastian dived into the New York Latin Jazz scene. His compositions caught the attention of renowned musicians like John Benitez, Antonio Sanchez, Richie Flores, Dafnis Prieto, Yosvany Terry and Peter Brainin, with whom he recorded his debut CD Symbiosis in New York (Pimienta/Universal 2003).Electronic and singing Elements as well as strings getting embodied in the musical concept and lead to the recording of the second Album mouvement in 2004 (Timba/BMG) with a large orchestral ensemble featuring international renown artists like Felipe Cabrera on bass; Mario Morejon on trumpet, Lukmil Perez on drums. He performed with his projects on several international Festivals and Clubs in Europe, Colombia, Venezuela and the USA. In 2004 he accompanied the German President Köhler to Africa as the official German Cultural Ambassador. With Olvido he recorded the third CD Olvido Ruiz meets Sebastian Schunke in 2004. This Group toured with great success to China in 2005 and 2006. In November Sebastian recorded his new CD "Vida Pura" featuring the Cuban singer Olvido which was released in 2007. Sebastian Schunke is touring with his different Projects in 2007 and 2008 to Colombia, China, USA, Malta and Germany. It was a great honor to record his new CD "Back in New York" in March 2008 with Paquito d Rivera, Antonio Sanchez, John Benitez, Pernell Saturnino and Anders Nilsson which will be released in Autumn 2008. Besides playing and composing Sebastian is teaching at the Conservatory of Music "Hanns Eisler", Berlin and the Humboldt- University, Berlin. in 2004, 2006 and 2008 he received the Berlin Jazz Award.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 25/07/2006
Band Website: www.sebastianschunke.com
Band Members: Sebastian Schunke - piano, composition (berlin) -Sebastian is recording his music and touring with his music in different formations featuring some of the finest latin and jazz musicians from berlin, new york, paris and cuba: bass: John Benitez; Felipe Cabrera; Ken Filiano; Chris Dahlgreen; Michael Haves; Peter Barshay; Marcel Krömker; Camilo Villa; drums: Antonio Sanchez; Lukmil Perez; Dafnis Prieto; Philipp Bernhard; Diego Pinera; Paul van Wageningen; reeds: Peter Brainin; Mario Morejon Hernandez; Dan Freeman; Yosvany Terry; guitar: Anders Nilsson; percussion: Richie Flores; Pernell Saturnino; Nene Vasquez; Orlando Poleo; vocals: Olvido; Ines Villegas; Special guest: Paquito de Rivera - clarinet.
Influences: Miles davis; Messiaen; Keith Jarrett; but most influences are coming from the different backgrounds of the band members - its their experience and genius that makes the band happening
Sounds Like: just listen to the music - you will see, there is nothing comparable to this sound - enjoy
Record Label: www.termidor.com; universal latino;
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Sebastian Schunke Group on tour again

Sebastian Schunke presents his highly acclaimed new CD Back in New York on extended toursIn 2009, Sebastian Schunke continues in position as a leading talent in the international Jazz scene with his...
Posted by on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:07:00 GMT

"Back in New York" best CD of 2008 by Youngman/Canada

Best of 2008 - CDs and Concerts by Paul J.Youngman The following lists my favorites of this past year. The criteria to make it on the list, it must be a memorable performance, it must feature some so...
Posted by on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:29:00 GMT

New CD Review "Back in New York" by Paul C. Youngman

SEBASTIAN SCHUNKE - BACK IN NEW YORK (2008) Sebastian Schunke - composition, piano Paquito de Rivera - clarinet John Benitez - bass Antonio Sanchez - drums Pernell Saturnino - percussion Anders Nilsso...
Posted by on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:56:00 GMT

New Interview on www.latinjazznet.com CD "Back in New York"

..  .... .. .. .. Posted on November 13, 2008 Pianist, Composer Sebastian SchunkeSpeaks About "Back in New York"By Danilo Navas DN: Since February 2002, when you rele...
Posted by on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:56:00 GMT

New Review CD "Back in New York" by Vinilemania.net

review by Fabrizio Ciccarelli for VINILEMANIA.NET The pianist with the undoubted technical knowledge, Sebastian Schunke returns with Back in New York to the formula of a music which has faded har...
Posted by on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:36:00 GMT

ALLABOUTJAZZ: Article about new CD "Back in New York"

Back in New York Sebastian Schunke | Timba (2008) .. By Raul d'Gama Rose .. Discuss         .... There are several aspects of Sebastian Schunke's new record, Back in Ne...
Posted by on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:19:00 GMT

new CD, touring Colombia, China and Germany

Press release September 2008.... Sebastian Schunke is hidding the Jazz Sky by recording his new CD 'Back in New York' with Jazz Legend Paquito d..Rivera.... .... In 2008, Sebastian Schunke continue...
Posted by on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:13:00 GMT

Sebastian Schunke presents new CD in San Francisco

There will be some nice Pre-Release Concerts in San Francisco, starting 22.07. till 26.07. with a wonderful band featuring Anders Nilsson, Peter Brainin, Peter Barshay, Paul van Wageningen and Sebasti...
Posted by on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:10:00 GMT

Sebastian Schunke receives "Berlin-Jazz-Scholarchip 2008" Award

Sebastian Schunke receives ' Berlin-Jazz-Scholarship 2008' - Award We proudly announce, that Sebastian Schunke received the Berlin-Jazz-Scholarship 2008' -Award. With this prestigious...
Posted by on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:42:00 GMT

Concerts in Germany

I will give some concerts with a nice new project in Germany featuring: Sebastian Schunke - piano Nene Vasquez - percussion Javier Vasquez - percussion Dan Freeman - sax Camilo Villa - bass plea...
Posted by on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:35:00 GMT