no earplugs

When a pioneer of electroacoustic improvisation meets a master of experimentalism in the tradition of Black Music, it gives birth to one of the most exciting projects of the moment.

JazzFest Berlin and No Earplugs have built a successful partnership over the years, and I had the privilege of connecting two brilliant artists there last year, after Darius Jones expressed a strong desire to meet Otomo Yoshihide. With mutual admiration and inspiration, Darius’ and Otomo’s immediate wish was to collaborate and develop an ensemble with some of today’s greatest musicians.

No Earplugs is proud to introduce such an impressive Japanese and Black American line-up for the first time in Europe in 2026. At the center we have the creative young bassist Nick Dunston, based in Berlin, who will be flanked by two of the world’s greatest drummers Yasuhiro Yoshigaki and Gerald Cleaver. Expect the unexpected with this unique double trio.

Darius and Otomo will both be composing new music for this project, giving longtime followers and new fans alike an unparalleled and charismatic sonic experience.