Born in Germany and raised (among other places) in Windhoek (Namibia), piano player Anke Helfrich was bound for an international career. After jazz studies in Hilversum (Netherlands) and New York, she has performed in many countries such as Turkey, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, the United States, Lithuania, Malaysia and Switzerland. Inspired by jazz greats like Thelonious Monk, Les McCann or Herbie Hancock (and sometimes even called "the blond Monk"), Anke Helfrich makes good use of the groovy and powerful tradition of Afro-American jazz piano while developing her personal ideas and style. "When Anke Helfrich lays her hands on the keys", German Jazz Podium wrote, "the jazz fan knows what to expect: a tremendously swinging music with contemporary ingredients. Jazz that is pure fun."
As one may expect, this fine pianist has won many competitions and awards, among them the "European Jazz Competition 1996", the "Hennessy Jazz Search 1998" and the "Jazz Award of the City of Worms 2003". Her 2006 album "Better Times Ahead" (featuring Roy Hargrove) was voted "CD of the month" by German magazine Stereoplay. "This lady swings like the devil", Swiss newspaper Weltwoche reads. "Anke Helfrich is god-damned beautiful and talented -- furthermore you can hear that she is also intelligent. Her ideas and especially her tunes are fresh, relaxed and inventive."
On "Stormproof", her third album as a leader, Anke Helfrich pays tribute to some of her heroes (Thelonious Monk, Les McCann, Kurt Weill) but never forgets to present her original talents. Ranging from complex, energetic, suite-like pieces ("Stormproof", "In Good Times") to soft and romantic moments ("Sehnsucht", "Circles", "Little Giant"), her own tunes prove this pianist to be also a top-notch composer. Henning Sieverts and Dejan Terzic, experienced players in their own right, manage to translate Anke's free-wheeling, rhythmic style into a unique trio effort. Special guest Nils Wogram (on 5 tracks), one of the best trombone players around, adds nothing but beauty to the music thus demonstrating the depth of the compositions. Jazz tradition heading for the future.
