Alexander Hawkins Brings Willow Music to JazzFest Berlin
Alexander Hawkins will present the European premiere of Willow Music at JazzFest Berlin 2026, closing an opening night that also features a new Anthony Braxton septet. The work showcases Hawkins's signature approach to large ensemble jazz, built around ten compositions sharing a unified musical DNA.
What Is Willow Music and How Was It Created
Willow Music grew from a set of ideas Hawkins developed in late 2025 and early 2026, without a formal commission driving the process. He road-tested the material during a residency at London's Café OTO before taking it into the studio. The result is a large ensemble jazz work that draws on techniques from his earlier projects while carving out its own distinct sound world. A recording is due for release next year on the Intakt label.
The Architecture Behind the Sound
Each of the ten compositions in Willow Music shares what Hawkins calls a particular musical DNA, rooted in a system of generating vertical harmony from a single melodic line. This approach creates everything from lean three-part counterpoint to dense masses of sound, where eight or nine instruments follow the same melodic contour in different transpositions. Hawkins cites Ornette Coleman's Skies of America and the orchestral works of Xenakis as touchstones, though he is clear that understanding the theory is never a requirement for enjoying the music.
The Berlin Lineup and the Broader Jazz Scene
Several musicians from the original Café OTO performances are unable to travel to Berlin, but Hawkins welcomes Chelsea Carmichael, Marco Colonna, Matthias Müller, and Nick Dunston into the ensemble. He also highlights the role of saxophonist Tom Challenger as a key figure shaping the next generation of the London jazz scene. For Hawkins, JazzFest Berlin represents both a creative milestone and a chance to experience a carefully curated programme of international jazz as an engaged listener.
Key Takeaways
Alexander Hawkins's Willow Music brings a rigorous yet open-ended approach to large ensemble jazz to one of Europe's most prestigious festival stages. With a studio album to follow and a refreshed Berlin lineup, this European premiere marks a significant moment in contemporary jazz. Keep an eye on JazzFest Berlin 2026 for what promises to be a landmark opening night.
Author: Rosa Sawer
Source: UK Jazz News
Published: September 19, 2026
