M U S I C
RIVER
PROJECT: Chameleon Circuit
This recording made possible by
RIVER is a jazz quartet of exceptional young musicians based in Vienna, Austria. The creation of the ensemble was spearheaded by saxophonist Robert Unterköfler and bassist Nina Feldgrill and they remain the creative engine behind the group. The roster of River’s musicians was made official in March, 2022. Among Unterköfler and Feldgrill’s large network of musician friends and classmates were the outstanding players, Erik Asatrian (keyboards) and Simon Springer (drums). All of these Viennese jazz musicians had experience playing with one another in various other situations and configurations. However, collectively, they recognized a special dynamic with this particular lineup.
River's debut studio album, Chameleon Circuit, was released May 16, 2024. A single version of the opening track, “Try and See” was released May 1.
ROBERT UNTERKÖFLER
PROJECT: Chameleon Circuit
Robert Unterköfler is a saxophonist, woodwind doubler, and composer based in Vienna, Austria. Co-leader of the fusion jazz quartet, RIVER, and recipient of the Oe1 Jazz Scholarship,
Unterköfler has established himself as a versatile musician and an exceptional voice on the tenor saxophone. His recent collaborations include Christian Muthspiel’s Orjazztra Vienna, Slowklang, founded by the Austrian singer Amina Bouroyen, and the Valentin Duit Quartett. In addition to RIVER, Robert runs his own projects including the Rote Welt Quintett, zwölf nach vier, and his latest solo project, Sidrat. Robert earned an undergraduate degree from Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK) and a master’s at the Jam Music Lab University.
Oe1-Jazz scholarship
NINA
FELDGRILL
PROJECT: Chameleon Circuit
Nina Feldgrill is an electric bass player, composer and co-leader of the jazz fusion band, RIVER. A native of Vienna, Austria, Feldgrill completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz bass at the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK) and is currently on full scholarship, completing a master’s degree at the Jam Music Lab University. With an extensive resumé of musical accomplishments, Feldgrill is establishing a reputation as one of Europe’s most outstanding young jazz musician/composers. Her recent collaborations include ensemble projects Viberqueen, founded by Magdalena Hahnkamper, Alana McPherson’s Planet Yoni and the Iranian singer, Emma, and she had the honour to collaborate with musicians like Thomas Kugi, Herwig Gradischnig, Oliver Gattringer, Mario Gonzi, and John Arman.
ERIK
ASATRIAN
PROJECT: Chameleon Circuit
Erik Asatrian is an Austrian/Armenian piano player and producer, who specializes in the field of electronic sound-design. Erik holds a bachelor degree from the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK) and is currently teaching Pop Keyboard and Production at the Gustav Mahler Privatuniversität (GMPU) in Klagenfurt. Through the mixture of influences from jazz, classical, Armenian folk music, and electronic elements, Erik has created a unique musical language. He is featured prominently in the Joander Cruz Quartet, in collaboration with EXEA, and with the Iranian singer Emma, in which he mainly acts as a producer and sound designer.
SIMON
SPRINGER
PROJECT: Chameleon Circuit
Simon Springer is an Austrian drummer, composer, and educator based in Vienna, and member of the jazz fusion quartet, RIVER. Born in Innsbruck, Springer started playing drums at the age of three. Simon is a prominent musician in Austrian jazz, fusion and contemporary music scene, collaborating with Jakob Zimmermann Trio, Gene Pritsker, and Rens Newland, as well as the Austrian pop scene with Wolfgang Ambros, Gert Steinbäcker, and Franz Morak. Springer was winner of the Hansjürg Hensler Jazz Award in 2018 and won first place with distinction at the 1st Tyrolean Drummer Contest in 2016. Springer holds a master’s degree from the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK).
