Axel
Zwingenberger

A Life at the Keys

Born in Hamburg on 7 May 1955, Axel Zwingenberger spent eleven years studying classical piano before a single listening session changed his life forever. In 1973, hearing vintage recordings by boogie-woogie pioneers Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons and Meade "Lux" Lewis on original shellacs, he was utterly transformed. "I didn't know you could play the piano like that," he would later say, "and from that very hour I didn't want anything else but learning to do so."

The following year, alongside pianists Hans-Georg Moeller, Vince Weber and Martin Pyrker, Zwingenberger performed at the First International Blues and Boogie Woogie Festival in Cologne. By 1975, he had his recording contract — and the career of one of Boogie Woogie's greatest exponents was underway.

In the early 1980s, the great Lionel Hampton invited Axel for a full European concert tour and US recording sessions — a pivotal chapter that put him on the global stage. He went on to record with American legends including Big Joe Turner, Jay McShann, Champion Jack Dupree, Sippie Wallace and many more, building one of the most distinguished collaborative discographies in the genre.

In 2009, Axel joined forces with Ben Waters, Charlie Watts and bassist Dave Green to form The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie. The group released Live in Paris in 2012 and performed at Lincoln Center and the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. UK music critics have since dubbed him "The Boogiemeister of the World" — a title he wears with considerable pride.

AXEL ZWINGENBERGER — PIANO SOLOIST & AMBASSADOR OF BOOGIE WOOGIE

Bring Axel to Your Event

To enquire about booking Axel Zwingenberger for your event, festival or private occasion, get in touch with the RARE team directly.

info@rockandrollevents.co.uk