Olivia Trummer

Olivia Trummer, a pianist, vocalist, and composer from Germany, merges intricate post-bop harmonies and contemporary creative jazz with her own poetic songwriting. Early notice came through intimate ensemble recordings such as the 2005 release Nach Norden and the 2010 album Nobody Knows. Dividing her professional activities between European venues and New York stages, she formed a close association with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, appearing on his 2022 project Fly Now. Additional studio partnerships include flutist Hadar Noiberg, vocalist Mario Biondi, and drummer Nicola Angelucci, the last of whom appears on her 2023 effort Dialogue's Delight.

Trummer entered the world in Stuttgart in 1985 into a household shaped by her musician parents. Classical piano instruction began at age four under her mother’s guidance, and during adolescence she turned toward jazz exploration. At the University of Music in Stuttgart she completed dual degrees in jazz and classical piano performance. That same period yielded her first trio recording, the 2005 album Nach Norden, and the follow-up Westwind three years later, both featuring longtime bassist Joel Locher.

Upon completing her undergraduate work she relocated to New York City to pursue a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music. Subsequent recordings appeared, among them 2010’s Nobody Knows and 2011’s Poesiealbum. International performances and sessions also brought her together with the DR Bigband, Miho Hazama, Jimmy Cobb, Bobby McFerrin, Mario Biondi, Tim Garland, and Bodek Janke.

The 2014 album Fly Now showcased guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel alongside bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire. Around the same time she became a member of Rosenwinkel’s Caipi ensemble, traveling extensively on tour. She later joined flutist Hadar Noiberg for the 2019 recording The Hawk. Two years afterward she made her Warner Music debut with For You, an album of her own songs and vocals that again included Rosenwinkel along with trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso, bassist Rosario Bonaccorso, and drummer Nicola Angelucci. In 2023 she and Angelucci issued the live album Dialogue's Delight, captured at Italy’s Panorama Music Festival and featuring guest accordionist Luciano Biondini.