JOURNEY is the latest album by bassist Tom Berkmann, one of the most sought-after German double bass players, who recently moved to Perth.
His musical journey is closely tied to the places where he has lived and worked. Raised in the Bavarian Alps, he began studying at the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich while still in high school. Later, he moved to Berlin, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene and studied at the Jazz Institute Berlin. As a scholarship recipient at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, he expanded his musical horizons, shaped by the city’s diversity and energy. As a composer and bassist for the soundtrack of Oh Boy, he won the German Academy Award for Best Film Music in 2013.
He has performed extensively across Europe, North America, Asia, and South America, touring internationally and appearing at renowned venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, Umbria Jazz Festival, and Jazz à la Villette in Paris. Along the way, he has shared the stage with acclaimed musicians such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ingrid Jensen, Jeremy Pelt, Charles Altura, Ben van Gelder, and Philip Dizack.
Journey is a musical travelogue, where all his influences blend into a diverse yet cohesive whole. Singable melodies are supported by rich harmonies, and carefully crafted ideas unfold freely into inspired solos, brought to life by a wonderfully balanced band of fellow travelers.
His quintet will feature some of Perth’s greatest musicians: Jamie Oehlers (sax), Kristian Borring (guitar), Harry Mitchell (piano), and Ben Vanderwal (drums).
“For me, music is something for the listener—just put the record on, start dreaming, and make it your own!”