Thimo Niesterok (*1996) is one of the exceptional figures of the young German jazz scene and fascinates as a trumpet player not only with his extraordinary musicality, but also with his passion for swing and mainstream jazz.
Niesterok’s warm, nuanced sound and his distinctive phrasing lend his musical language a particular depth that captivates long-time jazz fans as well as new and especially young listeners alike.
During his studies at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, his concert activities already took him to places such as India and South Korea, and as a recipient of the Kobe Jazz Street Award, he travelled to Japan twice.
His music has been released on several own recordings: The debut album ‘First Clambake’ was released in 2017, followed by ‘Two Talkin’ Horns’ in 2019, a collaboration with trombone legend Dan Barrett (USA).In 2023, his latest album ‘Stepping Forward’ was released on the long-established German label MONS Records.
Throughout his career, Niesterok has worked with renowned artists such as Dan Barrett, Scott Hamilton, Engelbert Wrobel, Chris Hopkins, Emil Mangelsdorff, Rossano Sportiello, Thilo Wagner, Joscho Stephan, Frank Roberscheuten as well as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more.
“Thimo Niesterok is still young – and yet at the age of 26, the trumpeter already radiates a distinction,
that last characterized jazz in the sixties of the last century. […]
Stepping Forward shows that he is not only one of the most important young representatives of mainstream swing, but that he also surrounds himself with exactly the musicians that are needed for an authentic presentation of this music.”
– JAZZTHETIK 05/06-2024 (Rolf Thomas) (translated from German)
“He belongs to the young generation of jazz musicians who are open to all directions. Modern languages and styles are just as important to young musicians like him as the masters from long ago. And because the world is full of echoes, it is also worth listening to Thimo Niesterok as he looks for traces.”
– NDR Jazzalbum der Woche, 04.01.2024 (Michael Laages) about Stepping Forward (translated from German, follow link for original)
“A superbly swinging album, brilliantly orchestrated, played and recorded. The leader plays the trumpet as if by magic. Thimo Niesterok has not created a new style of jazz, but he has given us and will continue to give us a variety of experiences at the highest artistic level. Pure jazz experiences!”
– Jazz-Fun.de Magazin für Jazz Musik, 21.12.2023 about Stepping Forward (translated from German, follow link for original)
“Swing is alive!”
– Musenblätter, 19.12.2023 (Sabine Kaufmann) about Stepping Forward (translated from German, follow link for original)
“The young man from Cologne, Germany, is a player with stunning technique, but that technique is always in the service of melody.”
– Jazz Lives, 21.12.2023 (Michael Steinman)
“Thimo Niesterok is without doubt already now Germany’s leading swing trumpeter of his generation and combines his special talent with amazing maturity, class and personality.”
-Chris Hopkins
“Ever since I heard Thimo play for the first time, I have been a fan! The elegance, ease and naturalness with which he plays is fantastic.”
– Paul Heller (WDR Radio Big Band Cologne)
“Thimo Niesterok’s new album “Stepping Forward” swings like hell – playing at the highest level, of course!”
– Joscho Stephan
