Priority jazz funding 2016 to 2018
For the period 2016 to 2018, schnellertollermeier and The Great Harry Hillman have been awarded priority jazz funding from Pro Helvetia.
Pro Helvetia grants three-year performance agreements to selected Swiss jazz bands. The "Priority Jazz Funding" (PJF) aims to make it easier for Swiss bands to plan international tours and reduce the administrative burden on both sides. According to a statement from the Arts Council, only young ensembles with an excellent track record are eligible for the PJF, i.e. bands that have already made a name for themselves on the Swiss scene and whose aim is to sustainably develop and strengthen their international presence.
The Great Harry Hillman consists of Nils Fischer (reeds), David Koch (guitar), Samuel Huwyler (bass) and Dominik Mahnig (drums), The original compositions of the four band members are "arranged with attention to detail to be broken up by free passages". The group has released two albums: Livingston (2013) and Veer off course (2015).
Schnellertollermeier consist of Andi Schnellmann (bass), Manuel Troller (guitar) and David Meier (drums). Their music can be characterized as a mix of jazz, punk, rock, sound and free improvisation.
