As part of Musikmesse and the Musikmesse Festival, the ‘Ultimate Jam’ on 2 April 2019 presents an all-star band revolving around drummer and musical director Jost Nickel (Jan Delay, etc.). Music of the highest standard is guaranteed by star guests ex Prince bassist Ida Nielsen, Dead Daisies bass player Marco Mendozaand former The Who keyboarder John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick.
“The Ultimate Jam is a Musikmesse highlight spotlighting the German and international music scene. Topping the bill are the ‘Musikmesse All Stars’, a band formed especially for this evening from some of Germany’s best musicians and international greats who know no stylistic boundaries”, says Musikmesse Festival Director Wolfgang Weyand.
No stylistic boundaries is a must for this star-studded evening because, in addition to their own programme dedicated to soul icon Marvin Gaye, the all-star band of Jost Nickel (drums), Cosmo Klein (vocals), Claus Fischer (bass), Till Sahm (keyboards), Hanno Busch (guitar), Peter Weniger (saxophone) and Florian Menzel (trumpet) is also the backing formation for a variety of guest stars.
One of these guests is Denmark’s Ida Nielsen who used to play for one of the greatest musicians of modern times. From 2010 to 2016, she provided a funky bass line for pop icon Prince. Since his death, the graduate bassist has been forging ahead with her solo career: with ever greater success. The last Germany tour of the congenial funk specialist in November 2018 was characterised by a series of sold-out concerts.
This is also the case when Anika Nilles takes up the sticks. Currently one of Germany’s best percussion virtuosos, she has been able to drum up a huge number of fans and followers on the social media in recent years with some of her videos having registered over three million clicks. Born in Bavaria, her energetic playing combines breath-taking technique with taste and creativity. Accordingly, Anika Nilles has an extraordinary position not only in Germany but also on the international drummer scene.
From Whitesnake, via Thin Lizzy, to David Coverdale: Marco Mendoza is in demand worldwide, both live and in the studio. In addition to numerous collaborations, his solo albums have also been the subject of critical acclaim. Born in San Diego, California, he is renowned for his dynamic playing and stylistic variety ranging from jazz, via fusion and world music, to hard rock. As Dead Daisies bassist, Mendoza has been rocking the world’s stages from Cuba to Australia since 2013.
Another high point of the evening will be the appearance by a genuine rock-music icon: John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick. Originally from Texas but now resident in England, the keyboarder ranks among the most versatile and heavily booked studio and tour musicians in rock history. A glance at his references is reminiscent of a musical Who’s Who and includes Free, Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon and Pink Floyd musicians David Gilmour and Roger Waters, as well as Reggae legends Bob Marley and Johnny Nash. His greatest popularity comes from his many years working – live and in the studio – with rock legends The Who.
The ‘Ultimate Jam featuring Ida Nielsen, Marco Mendoza, Anika Nilles and John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick’ is one of the highlights at the ‘Festival Arena’, an atmospheric circus tent for around 1,500 guests, equipped with modern event technology and erected at Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre especially for the Musikmesse Festival. The concert begins at 19.00 hrs. Admission costs € 25 in advance. Musikmesse visitors and holders of the Musikmesse Festival wristband have free admission (limited contingent).
‘Musikmesse All-Stars’ – the line-up:
Drums and musical director: Jost Nickel (Jan Delay, etc.)
Vocals: Cosmo Klein (Phunkguerilla)
Bass: Claus Fischer (ex Heavytones)
Keyboards: Till Sahm (Phunkguerilla)
Guitar: Hanno Busch (ex Heavytones)
Sax: Peter Weniger (tour support for Lionel Richie, etc.)
Trumpet: Florian Menzel
Special guests:
Ida Nielsen (ex Prince)
Marco Mendoza (The Dead Daisies)
Anika Nilles
John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick (The Who, Mick Jagger, etc.)
Further information Musikmesse and Musikmesse Festival at www.musikmesse.com and www.musikmesse-festival.com.
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With over 2,500* employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €715* million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
Further information is available at: www.messefrankfurt.com
* provisional figures 2018