JazZstePpa

JazZstePpa is a group formed around an East Berlin project that begins in December 2006, when an old, torn-down jazz club is turned into a two-week mini-festival focused on jazz and electronic experimentation. The event brings together jazz musicians, producers and DJs from across Europe and later develops into JazZstePpa.

The collective is led by Gal Bar-Adon and Gal Moore, both jazz musicians who develop an interest in sound experimentation and electronic music, alongside German sound enthusiast Katalyze!. Their early sound combines dubstep, drum and bass, hard bop and dancehall, with live horns becoming a defining element.

Activity and touring

Throughout 2007, JazZstePpa tours the UK, Germany and Israel. The group gains attention from DJs including Dj Maxximus, Scuba and Joe Nice, and receives airplay on pirate and online radio stations in London, including React FM, Reload-Radio and Sub FM.

Collaborations and releases

The group’s approach leads to collaborations and experimentation with brass players, beat makers and producers from across Europe, including Rusko, Mack Jiggah and Untold. Its first release is the 2008 single Jakin / two on Hotflush Records, a label associated with Benga, Elemental, Scuba and Luke Envoy. Another track, one, appears as the opening track on the Space & Time compilation alongside Vex’d, Boxcutter and Toasty. A second release, five / AmeriCa B, appears on Mental Groove’s subsidiary label MG77.

JazZstePpa’s music is rooted in dubstep but adds a more open, live instrumental feel through horns and jazz influences.