Lionel Friedli (born 1975 in Moutier, Switzerland) is a Swiss jazz percussionist known for his work in contemporary and experimental jazz ensembles.
Early life and education
Friedli grew up in Biel, where he began his musical training at the Biel Conservatory. He pursued higher education at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, studying under percussionist Norbert Pfammatter and graduating in 2005.
Career
Since the late 1990s, Friedli has been active in the European jazz scene. He first recorded with fellow student Lucien Dubois on the album Sumo (2000) and subsequently collaborated with a range of artists, including Manuel Mengis, Nicolas Masson, Vera Kappeler, Christoph Stiefel, and Sarah Buechi. Notable performances have featured collaborations with Heiri Känzig, Marc Ribot, Colin Vallon, and Luzia von Wyl.
Friedli is a regular member of several ensembles:
- 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
- Laura Schuler’s quartet
- Whisperings (with Fred Frith)
Together with drummers Christoph Steiner and Nicolas Wolf, he released the album Repercussive Cycles. Between 2000 and 2021, Friedli participated in 46 recording sessions, spanning jazz, improvisation, and experimental music.
Awards
In 2015, Friedli received the Jazz Prize from the Fondation Suisa, recognizing his contributions to Swiss jazz.
Discography (selected)
- Sumo (2000) – with Lucien Dubois
- Into the Barn (2004) – with Manuel Mengis
- Repercussive Cycles (date unspecified) – with Christoph Steiner and Nicolas Wolf
References
- Wikipedia contributors. “Lionel Friedli.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 24 December 2024.
- Dave. “STEINER – FRIEDLI – WOLF.” 10 May 2022.
- Leuenberger, Manu. “Lionel Friedli, ein vielseitiger Impulsgeber.” SUISAblog.ch, 18 December 2015.
Insufficient Encyclopedic Information – None.