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We were able to conduct an interview with the internationally playing formation "4 to the bar" from Frankfurt, which takes us into the world of champagne parties in Davos and Formula 1 in Monaco. An extraordinary line-up with extraordinary music.
Their slogan is "Jazz can dance". That already arouses a bit of curiosity. Would you please tell us something about the musical concept of "4 to the bar"?
The original idea was to make classics by Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, or well-known titles by modern rock bands light and danceable, so that we could play the pieces at elegant champagne parties with grand piano, double bass and horn. It sounds jazzy, but you've never heard it that way before.
Listening to your videos, one can really confirm that! Who is responsible for the program selection? Is there a boss who does everything or is it decided democratically in the team?
The boss is on the one hand the audience, on the other hand Andy Stroh, who composes our songs and writes the lyrics. The arrangements are rather democratic, because everyone gives his best.
4 to the bar - three gentlemen and three ladies on the website ... is there anything to explain? Do you always perform with the same line-up or do you draw on a pool of musicians?
No, we don't have a pool, but each position is filled only once: Miriam sings, Robert plays drums, Claudiu on piano and Andy on double bass. If we expand the line-up, then with saxophone (Kathi) or French horn (Martina). But the sextet is sometimes too expensive, so we often play as a foursome.
Speaking of costs, you often perform with a grand piano on stage. Does it travel with you, or can you use an existing instrument in view of the performance locations?
In good locations or with people with style there is often a grand piano, which we like to use. For high-class events, a grand piano is often delivered and for smaller budgets, we bring a digital piano, which is perfectly fine sonically, but just' not as cool looking.
But what's also cool is the reference list on your website. Can you give us a brief overview of the kind of events you do?
We play concerts, jazz festivals, but we also like to play private events or corporate events or sporting events.
At performances at the Hotel Adlon Berlin, Formula 1 in Monaco or at the World Economic Forum in Davos and many other high-profile engagements. What feedback in your musical career are you particularly proud of, what was your personal highlight?
A breakfast on the Magic Mountain (Thomas Mann) in Davos, where Bill Gates was the host and we went up by cable car and were snowed in for three days. Or the 24-hour race of Le Mans, where we learned what is really LOUD !
We thank you very much for this interview and wish you further fantastic performances.