Monika Roscher’s Big Band was born during a composition class at Munich’s academy of music. A new composition for a big band ensemble was praised and appreciated by the jazz guitarist, who was born in 1985. This encouraged her to continue this musical journey. Monika’s graduation recital, which she had organized with her friends and fellow students, was transformed quickly into the group’s first concert. From that point, things moved quickly. Philipp Winter, a highly impressed producer approached the band leader to offer her a CD. Six months after their inception, the band recorded five tracks on the resulting LP. This allowed them to challenge almost every musical expectation that is associated with big bands. Anyone who thinks of swing as Duke Ellington or Count Basie is wrong. Roscher’s compositions are rooted in Jazz, with their large harmonizations as well as extensive improvisational parts. Roscher’s attention to aural texture, emotional accessibility, and visual vividness in her music suggests a deep connection to contemporary artists from the electronic, triphop, and indie scene. Monika Roscher creates a blend of styles from her own musical experiences. It is neither contrived or calculated. Thees Uhlmann, a poet and musician from Germany, called the band rather “dangerous” after listening to them during Radio Zundfunk’s newcomer program. The verdict? “This shit is crazy!” They released their debut album, Failure in Wonderland, through the prestigious Jazz label Enja Records. It was released at Munich’s most hip and popular Indie cafe, Atomic Cafe. Since then, the press reactions have been tremendous – including two of Germany’s largest newspapers, the Suddeutsche Zeitung, and Zeit Online. Also, Le Monde (France), and Downbeat (USA), were all in awe at the band’s musical accomplishments. The band toured extensively in Germany and abroad in 2013. The band’s highlights included appearances at Fusion Festival, one of Europe’s most exciting art and music festivals in northern Germany, the international Alto Adige Jazz Festivals in Italy and the euphorically acclaimed closing concert at Berlin Jazzfest. John Scofield was also on the stage. The concert was broadcast on several radio stations. FAZ, a German newspaper, witnessed the young musicians’ incredible technical skills and the surprise of the season. from http://www.monikaroscher.com
