The Cologne-based pianist and composer Tobias Weindorf (born 1980) plays Modern Jazz that can easily be recognised as "European". His filigree way of playing, as well as his compositions are characterised by an impressive harmonic complexity, which is based on two main influences: on the one hand, his initial classical piano education and the intensive study of composers such as Satie, Debussy and Schönberg. On the other, the strong inspiration by his teachers John Taylor and Hubert Nuss, both pioneers of "European Jazz".
His participation in the big band of his hometown Lüdenscheid was probably responsible for his decision to finally commit himself to Jazz. Thus he was also accepted into the Federal Youth Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Peter Herbolzheimer and finally to study jazz piano at the Cologne Music Academy.
Since then Tobias Weindorf has played in a variety of formations, from which it is worth highlighting The Brodersen-Weindorf Quartet with his wife Kristina Brodersen (albums „You´n´Me“ Mons, 2009; „Traffic“ Ajazz, 2016), the Brodersen-Weindorf Duo (album "Rabaneo" Ajazz, 2015) and the Piano Trio with bassist Gunnar Plümer and drummer Peter Weiss (album ́Stories to be told ́ 2017, Jazzsick). As sideman Tobias played with Matthias Nadolny, Ack van Rooyen, Fay Claassen, Lee Konitz, Giovanni Falzone, Thomas Stabenow, Paul Heller, Atlanta Jazzband, Gary Fuhrmann, Francois de Ribaupierre, Matthias Bergmann, Big Band Convention, Uli Brodersen Band, Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Tom Gäbel & Band, Frankfurt Jazz Big Band, Rheinische Philharmonie Koblenz, Bochum Symphony Orchestra, Herbert Grönemeyer and Lagwagon frontman Joey Cape - among others.
Tobias is also a permanent lecturer at the “Rheinische Musikschule” Cologne and at the Bielefeld Jazz Workshop "Summer Jazz" (cond.: Uli Beckerhoff) and has been engaged at the Cologne Children's Opera for years. In 2010, he took part in the world premiere of the jazz opera for children "Vom Fischer und seiner Frau" by Ingfried Hoffmann, the play ́L ́enfant et les sortillèges ́ by Maurice Ravel and the play ́Die Heinzelmännchen zu Köln ́, also written by Hoffmann.
For a brief description of Tobias' music, there is an adequate quote from John Taylor:
„I have known Tobias for many years and have enjoyed watching the growth of his musical talents. He uses his limpid touch and imaginative sense to great effect. His solos are exciting and full of good ideas.“ (John Taylor)