AKI is comprised of swiss singer and songwriter Lucia Cadotsch and three Brits; pianist/organist Kit Downes, bassist Phil Donkin and drummer James Maddren. The origins of the group stem from a longstanding collaboration between Cadotsch and Downes, who together wrote many songs where Cadotsch’s blend of imagery and wordplay fuse beautifully with the rich musical landscape provided by Downes. The idea to add a rhythm section was borne out of the desire to expand the sonic possibilities, and to inject the music with fresh input and perspective. Maddren and Downes have been very close musical partners for almost two decades, and the depth of this connection is felt deeply in this music. Maddren doesn’t just provide the role of a drummer but also adds tension, suspense and excitement. To complete the band, Donkin who also has partnered Maddren and Downes in various ensembles since the mid-2000’s provides the glue for this Smorgasbord of elements to blend seamlessly. Donkin and Cadotsch have been neighbours in Berlin for over a decade, and after the years-long desire to work together, this group provides the perfect template.
The compositions are malleable in nature, in that whilst having concrete essences in their mood and imagery, there is still so much room for creativity and contrast. This perhaps makes sense, given the jazz-background of all members. That every performance is different is a goal and a priority, but somehow the root idea of each song remains constant.

Lucia Cadotsch (voice), Phil Donkin (Double Bass), Kit Downes (piano, organ), James Maddren (Drums)

"Remember the name Lucia Cadotsch – you’re going to be hearing a lot of it!“, wrote to the British "Guardian" about the Swiss singer. Together with the Berlin based saxophonist and composer Wanja Slavin - according to SZ an artist "between genius and madness“ - she opens up a whole new chapter with LIUN + The Science Fiction Band: Urban music with dark beats, dazzling synths and pulsating hooks. Wanja Slavin's multilayered orchestral arrangements are contrasted with Lucia’s frank and translucent voice that cuts through the clutter. The result is a phantasmagorical world that mirrors our contemporary state as an absurd, but wonderful combination of natural and virtual elements.“

Lucia Cadotsch (voice), Bernhard Meyer (bass), Mark Pringle (synthesizer), Fabian Rösch (drums), Wanja Slavin (saxophone, keyboards)

SPEAK LOW II - the acclaimed trio of Swiss vocalist LUCIA CADOTSCH - is back with their long-awaited second long-play!

Through a rare display of musical telepathy and a clockwork of ensemble work Speak Low is demonstrating how the strength of the original concept is providing a platform for further explorations. This time they’re touching a repertoire from such different musical minds as Brian Eno, Rickie Lee Jones, Luciano Berio, and Tony Williams and yet again their unmistakable sonic trio treatment makes these originals vividly alive for a new generation of listeners, as well as for veteran music lovers in search of fresh takes on these beautiful songs. While Cadotsch challenges all common vocal Jazz traditions, Sandsjö creates skeins of feathery-toned notes and Eldh deploys the combination of strength and mobility that makes him one of the most compelling of all current bassists.

Lucia Cadotsch (voice), Frans Petter Eldh (double bass), Otis Sandsjö (tenor saxophone)