New "Jazz in Baar" project in the Höllgrotten restaurant

It’s a cosy Saturday evening in the rustic restaurant with its Christmas decorations in the back of the Höll. After a fine dinner, around three dozen guests enjoyed Christmas carols from the American songbook, played by the Niculin Janett Quartet. The Sad Pumpkins, as they call themselves, are made up of Niculin Janett (saxophone and vocals), Noam Szyfer (guitar), Maxime Paratte (drums) and Xaver Rüegg (double bass), who stepped in as a short-term replacement for the ill Mo Meyer.

The four young professional musicians go full throttle under the title “Sad Christmas”. And although the English word “Sad” appears in the name of the formation, there’s no sign of sadness, quite the contrary. The pieces are performed in a humorous manner, slightly cool and yet heart-warming. This all starts with Niculin Janett, who leads the program as the singer and presents the individual songs, which the quartet then interprets with virtuosity. He explains (with a wink) that all four musicians were traumatized by Santa Claus as children, and are now trying to overcome this musically.

The activities of the Jazz Association in Baar are primarily combined with the regular events in the Braui (Baar Brewery restaurant) and the open-air concert in summer. "With this new event, we are providing an alternative for guests who like things a little quieter and more intimate," said Ruedi Jung. The objective is the same, namely the care and support of musicians who are primarily dedicated to jazz. In addition to high-profile national and international artists, the organiser also wants to enable regional musicians to perform, and the board of directors commissioned a music committee to plan and organise the project. Small bands of two to four musicians will appear at the first four concerts planned for the winter half-year, which is financed by the visitor's seat reservation and contributions from sponsors.

The Sad Pumpkins during the performance

The new project is, of course, only possible thanks to the close cooperation with the local host Caroline Greipl and her team, as the Restaurant Höllgrotten in Baar has to be brought out of its “hibernation”. It has been a complete success so far, said  the landlady, and she is optimistic about the continuation.

The planning and implementation are carried out by members of the Jazz association in Baar on a voluntary basis. This also includes a shuttle bus service from Baar to the Höllgrotten and back. The Christmas table decorations and the professionally designed flyers show that the helpers are committed.

The next concert, with the Lilly Martin’s Backbone Trio, will take place on March 13, 2020. If you don't want to wait so long for the next jazz session, however, the Two Banjos jazz band concert next Thursday in the Brauerei Baar restaurant is recommended - free admission with a door collection.