Originally from Germany, saxophonist/bass clarinetist and composer Tobias Klein has been based in Amsterdam since the early ‘90s. His work reflects the cultural diversity of the Dutch capital. The rhythmical and melodic intricacy in his music is coupled with a disarming emotional directness. Structures reminiscent of contemporary composed music combine with cyclical techniques inspired by music from South Asia, the Middle East and West Africa.
Klein is artistic director of the Amsterdam-based ensemble Spinifex. He regularly performs with the trio Almeida/Duynhoven/Klein, with the quartet Dalgoo including Berlin-based musicians Meinrad Kneer, Lothar Ohlmeier and Christian Marien), in duo with clarinetist Oguz Büyükberber and with Bugpowder (a collective group with Jeroen Kimman, Jasper Stadhouders and Tristan Renfrow).
Tobias Klein composes for both contemporary jazz groups and chamber music ensembles. A collection of Klein’s chamber music compositions came out on the CD Chambery, released in 2018 on Attacca Records in its Composer’s Portraits series, performed by Fie Schouten and Jelte Althuis, among others. In 2015, his piece Too Dark To Read for 10 bass clarinets was performed at the International Clarinet Association’s Clarinet Fest at Madrid. Tobias Klein’s work has appeared on more than 30 CDs and he has toured extensively in Europe and Asia.