TØRN is an improvising ensemble of contemporary music. The specific sound of this band is achieved by the high transparency of its powerful improvisations. The decision to base the music on compositions (original or others’) while the ensemble’s approach is improvisation and the protagonists’ situatedness is within the wide field of open improvisation between New Music and Punk Rock, contributed significantly to the concretion of this special band’s collective musical path.

In this extraordinary trio, three fine masters of their craft are working side by side.

Bassist Achim Tang was born in Berlin, spent many years in Vienna and remains one of the most remarkable exponents of his instrument. His sense for harmonies and his exceptional creative talent supply the trio’s music with implausible extensiveness. Achim Tang is ”Improviser in Residence” in Moers, Germany 2011.

Philip Zoubek was born in Vienna, now based in Cologne for more than a decade, is one of Europe’s most expressive young pianists. Thrilling how his lines weave themselves into the dynamic structures of Tang and Hertenstein. Unique is his sensitive and thoughtful way to lead melodies and to let occur and decline form.

Through thrust and swing Joe Hertenstein’s alert drumming is constantly readjusting the music. With his unique sound and language he succeeds in wondrous ways again and again in bundling the emerging ideas. Since 2007 Hertenstein commutes between New York and Cologne.