by Rainer Frey, Bernhard Wöstheinrich, featuring Hartwig Nickola

POLYPHONY AT THE BAIZ, SESSION 017

Recording of performance 017 of the Polyphony concert series from September 16, 2025, at the BAIZ in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin.

OUR GUEST FOR THIS EVENT: HARTWIG NICKOLA

Hartwig Nickola has been a prominent figure in the Berlin music scene since the 1980s, playing in a variety of bands including Ulla Meinecke, Stardust Memory, Oel, and Fortified Static. He has also been a member of the Atze Music Theater ensemble.

For over eleven years, Nickola played in a trio with Rainer Robben and Rainer Frey, performing numerous concerts that were often improvised and very spontaneous. During one of these performances, his passionate playing led to his contrabass breaking, an unintentional finale that also brought the concert to an end.

Nickola describes his musical approach as riding his bass through all genres, from classical to rock, pop, jazz, and “free stuff.”

ABOUT THE EVENT SERIES

Every third Tuesday of the month, there is a performance at the venue where the both may perform as a duo, or as a trio with different guests, or maybe even solo from time to time. The music explores a wide range of sonic possibilities, starting with the electric guitar and atmospheric electronica and venturing into uncharted soundscapes. They see themselves as influenced by Berlin’s tradition of experimental and informal art and music.

“Polyphonie im BAIZ” pushes the boundaries of genres, creates new sonic spaces, and celebrates spontaneous musical interaction. These performances are open, allowing for freedom of expression and resulting in daring and unpredictable creations. The final outcome of each performance is always provisional, leaving room for the unexpected in future showcases.

credits

Hartwig Nickola: Bass
Rainer Frey: Guitar & Electronics
Bernhard Wöstheinrich: Soundscapes & Keyboards

Produced and edited by Rainer Frey
Mix and master by Markus Reuter

A huge thank you to Matthias Bogisch and the entire BAIZ team!
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