Niklas Lukassen showcases an equally lyrical sensibility and skillful command on both the upright bass and the bass guitar. 

Living between Berlin and London he is establishing himself as an increasingly indispensable part of the young jazz scene. Sought after in manifold musical situations he also magnetizes as a rising voice that with his distinct sound also radiates enormous band leader potential.

 

A formative part of 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. Currently he explores innovative bass playing concepts as a doctoral researcher at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Unorthodox characteristics of his playing styles are his upright bass playing with a pick, his use of gut strings on the bass guitar and his incomparable explorations on the bass cello.

 

Expressing a keen interest in different musical worlds, his sideman activities have sparked collaborations with the likes of Mike Stern, Joe Lovano, Jorge Rossy,

Oz Noy, Sean Wayland, Valerie Simpson und Jim McNeely.

Furthermore, Niklas Lukassen expands beyond his position as a bass playing sideman and performed as singer in groups like the German National Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO).

On his soon to be released debut album Still Waters Run Deep Niklas Lukassen merges his talents as a composer, bassist and vocalist. 

Alongside his band with Ben van Gelder, Kit Downes, Francesco Ciniglio and guests like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Céline Rudolph and Wanja Slavin he reveals unforeseen musical depths.

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His life in music thus far has led him on tours across China, Malaysia, the Arabic World, Northern Africa, the USA and much of Europe. Historic concert venues he performed at include Lincoln Center, Beacon Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center and the Berlin Philharmonie.

 

A passionate educator, Niklas Lukassen holds teaching positions at the Music Conservatory Carl Maria von Weber Dresden and at the BIMM Berlin.