Niklas Lukassen showcases an equally lyrical sensibility and skillful command on both the upright bass and the bass guitar. Special characteristic of his distinct artistic voice are his exploration of rarely heard qualities on the fretless bass guitar and his contributions using of a pick on the upright bass.

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A formative part of his young, yet eventful career lies in New York where he attained a Masters’s Degree from Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship under the mentorship of Ron Carter. Furthermore, he holds Bachelor’s Degree from the Jazz Institute Berlin, spent two summers at Berklee College of Music in Boston and participated in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency in Washington D.C..

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Expressing a keen interest in different musical worlds, his activities have sparked collaborations with the likes of Mike Stern, Jorge Rossy and Joe Lovano. Furthermore, Niklas Lukassen expanded beyond his position as a bass playing sideman As a vocalist he  sang in ensembles such as the German National Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO).

In pursuit of charting his own course, he frequently displays his talents as an inventive composer and multifaceted bandleader. His soon to be released debut album Still Waters Run Deep features his band with Ben van Gelder, Kit Downes, Francesco Ciniglio and guests like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Céline Rudolph and Wanja Slavin.

 

His life in music thus far has led him on tours across China, Malaysia, the Arabic World, across the USA and much of Europe.  Historic venues he performed at include Lincoln Center, Beacon Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center and the Berlin Philharmonie. Sought after also beyond the realm of jazz, he has played major popular music festivals with acts under the Label Universal Music Group. 

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A passionate educator, Niklas Lukassen holds teaching positions at the Music Conservatory Carl Maria von Weber Dresden and at the British Institute for Modern Music.