Frederik Köster has been one of the defining figures of the German jazz scene for over 15 years. The multi-award-winning trumpeter and composer inspires audiences with his stylistic versatility and innovative sound concepts – in small ensembles as well as in orchestral or electroacoustic projects. With K. on the Shore, his new suite with the NDR Big Band, he devotes himself entirely to the literary cosmos of Haruki Murakami for the first time. Inspired by Murakami's motifs, Köster develops a musical narrative full of contrasts: structured orchestrations contrast with free improvisation, classical patterns are broken, and rhythmic diversity characterizes the soundscape. Recurring leitmotifs give the suite a narrative coherence—such as the figure of a man searching for meaning, typical of Murakami. Pieces such as “Yougottadance,” “Arch Duke,” and “About Birds” translate literary scenes into colorful music. Köster's signature style is also evident in the deliberate dissolution of hierarchical structures: smaller wind ensembles emerge as soloists, while free passages create chamber music-like intimacy. In close collaboration with arranger Geir Lysne and top-class musicians from the NDR Big Band, a work of remarkable depth has been created— musically independent, literarily inspired, and full of finely crafted details. Köster thus combines his roles as trumpeter, composer, and arranger into a personal, artistically powerful statement between jazz and storytelling.

1. Opening - Lonely Young Man - Yougottadance
2. Arch Duke
3. About Birds
4. K. on the Shore
5. About Frogs and Worms
6. Aomame and Tengo
7. HB Wonderland - Closing
8. Naoko