Lionel Friedli wins award
The Suisa Foundation has awarded its Jazz Prize to Lionel Friedli. The Biel-based drummer's dynamic playing combines the vigour of rock with the freedom of jazz. In this way, he influences the music of numerous groups.
Lionel Friedli was born in Moutier in 1975 and has lived in Biel since the 1980s. He took his first drum lessons at the age of eleven, and in 2005 completed his jazz training at the Lucerne University of Music and Performing Arts. Since 1998, he has played in a trio with his fellow student Lucien Dubuis, with whom he has already released seven albums and given numerous concerts, also internationally. Lionel Friedli has already shared the stage with musicians such as Heiri Känzig, Vera Kappeler, Marc Ribot and Colin Vallon. His current groups include: Sarah Buechi Shadow Garden, Christy Doran's New Bag, Elgar (with Hans Koch and Flo Stoffner), Max Frankl Quartet, OZMO (with Vincent Membrez and Pedro Lenz), Merz feat. Sartorius Drum Ensemble and Whisperings (with Fred Frith).
On November 25, 2015, the Suisa Foundation awarded him the Jazz Prize, endowed with 15,000 francs. A way of paying tribute to the innovative and creative production of Swiss jazz.
