The website of Interzone, biography of Martin Classen

Martin Classen

tenor, soprano, flute & compositions

Born in 1957 in Germany.

Studied clarinet at the Detmold Conservatory in Germany. Advanced studies on saxophone and flute with Ferdinand Povel at the Hilversum Conservatory, and arranging/composition with Kenny Napper and Jerry van Rooyen.

Played as a professional musician in the European jazz scene since 1983. The melodic richness of his improvisations and personal signature of his compositions are acknowledged in press reviews throughout Europe, and awarded at several international contests for his playing and compositions.
With his own quartet and quintet Martin has toured over 20 years the club and festival scene throughout Europe, the Far East and the USA. Through the years Martin worked together with musicians such as Albert Mangelsdorf, John Marshall, Red Mitchel, John Goldsby, Jeff Hamilton, Jerry Granelli, Frank Grasso, Tony Scott, Richard Galliano, Billy Hart, Ritchie Byrach, Thomas Stabenow, Lee Konitz, Horace Parlan, Sigi Busch, Michiel Borstlap, Florian Poser, Klaus Ignatzek, Gustavo Bergalli, Sebastian Altekamp, Tine Schneider, and many others.
With his own quartet he released two CD's: Stop & go and Cereal (with Jeff Hamilton, John Goldsby and Sebastian Altekamp). His cooperation with the Italian accordion virtuoso Luciano Biondini was widely acclaimed and resulted in the CD-recordings Mavi and Prendere o lasciare. Martin also participated in the Soundscape project with the brass group 'Blow up' at the 'Documenta 93' in Kassel, Germany, and successfully fulfilled composition grants by the West Deutsche Rundfunk and various cultural institutions throughout Germany.

Current bands and projects include Angeles Santiago's 'Blues meets flamenco', and Interzone.

Teaches saxophone, and heads the Jazz department at the University for Fine Arts in Bremen, Germany, since 2000. Before, Martin Classen was head of the Jazz saxophone section at the Music University in Hannover, Germany, from 1990 until 1998.

A selection of recordings by Martin Classen:

Mutare Ensemble & Interzone (2007). ScoreTalk. Germany: HfK Bremen.
Interzone & Ton Luiting (2006). Terra incognita. Netherlands: Gomy Music.
Fritz Krisse Quartet (2005). Double spaces. Bremen: Laika.
SongSong feat. Martin Classen (2004). Departure. Germany.
Lis Harting (2000). A distant place. Köln: Mr.D Records.
Martin Classen Quartet (1997). Cereal. Osnabrueck: Acoustic Music Records.
Martin Classen Quartet (1996). Stop & go. Osnabrueck: Acoustic Music Records.
Florian Poser Group (1996). Pacific tales. Acoustic Music Records.
Luciano Biondini (19...). Mavi. Victoria Records.
Mezzanotte (19...). Prendere o lasciare. Cordaria Records.
Trio Georg Rox feat. Martin Classen (19...). Das Mikrophon 2. Tacet Records.
Florian Poser Group (1993). Aspects. Acoustic Music Records.
Quartett & Brass (19...). Culloo. Line Records.
Quartett & Brass (19...). More than four. Line Records.
Michael de Bruin Sextet (19...). Live at the Hooilaert Festival.
Carwin Gysing Octet (19...). Northern lights. Cat Records.
Midland Big Band (19...). Strike up the band.