David Helbock – piano, rhodes, synthesizer
Peter Madsen – piano
Herbert Pirker – drums
Raphael Preuschl – E-bass, bass ukulele
Claudio Spieler – percussion
Austrian Syndicate is a project born out of the immense affection that David Helbock has for his mentor, Peter Madsen. For this collaboration project, Peter Madsen and David Helbock have selected the best rhythm section that Austrian jazz has to offer: Herbert Pirker – drums, Raphael Preuschl – E-bass, bass ukulele and Claudio Spieler – percussion. The “wild young lions” of Austrian jazz meet one of the most sought after sidemen of the international jazz of the last two decates, with tons of percussion and groove, and, above all, with lots of keyboards and synths, in the spirit of celebrated Austrian musician Jow Zawinul.
North American pianist Peter Madsen has had a long and successful career for over 40 years. Stan Getz co-opted him in his group in 1987 for a tour of the united States and Europe. Since then, Madsen has performed alongside renown musicians such as Benny Golson, Stanley Turrentine, Chris Potter, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Dewey Redman, Don Cherry, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker. In 2001, Madsen lived in both New York and in Voralberg, Austria, where he met David Helbock who, at only 16, was already exhibiting an exceptional talent for the piano. Madsen became his professor, mentor and friend. Over the years, Austrian pianist David Helbock has won numerous awards and has released over 20 albums as band leader.
The group will record their first album together at the beginning of 2023 and will release the album with Act Music around the time of the festival.