Cologne-based German-Greek bassist Athina Kontou and her band Mother demonstrate how arbitrary and superfluous geographical, cultural, or traditional lines of demarcation are. Her music is an invitation to all who want to listen without prejudice and marvel.
In exploring the music of her homeland, she reinterprets melodies from Greek musical culture and considers how her identity as a jazz musician and her Greek roots are intertwined. The band enriches these traditional musics with contemporary soundscapes. Mother's repertoire includes arrangements of musical pieces from various styles and countries of origin: traditional dances, Rembetiko, and original compositions.
In the quartet with Luise Volkmann, Dominik Mahnig, and Julius Windisch, she forms a vibrant, colorful ensemble full of intensity and sensitivity. Mother's debut album, "Tzivaeri," was nominated for the German Record Critics' Award and the German Jazz Prize. The quartet's second album will be released in November 2026.
Mother's repertoire includes arrangements of musical pieces from various styles and countries of origin: traditional dances, Rembetiko, and original compositions. www.athinakontou.com/mother/
Athina Kontou - bass
Luise Volkmann - alto sax, flute
Dominik Mahnig - drums
Julius Windisch - piano
