Jakob Heinemann Quartet

The newest project from the LA-based composer/bass player, Jakob Heinemann Quartet takes it’s harmonic and melodic foundations from Klezmer music, expanding outward into new and unpredictable terrain. Fellow creative improvisors in cellist Grace Dashnaw, drummer Greg Miles Lewis, and altoist Ivan Cunningham round out the group. The unique instrumentation provides versatility, spanning the precisely orchestrated textures of chamber music to freewheeling collective improvisation. A steadfast commitment to the groove anchors the quartet, providing a rhythmic foundation upon which they develop catchy, Old World-tinged melodies and creative interaction with one another. Formed in 2025, this as-of-yet unrecorded group plays regularly around Los Angeles, consistently workshopping new material and developing their sound.

Jakob Heinemann is a composer, bassist, and sound artist whose work bridges improvisation, composition, and acoustic ecology. Based in Los Angeles, his music reflects a deep engagement with place, texture, and listening practices. Heinemann’s compositions often integrate field recordings, extended techniques, and modular electronics, earning support from the Swiss Arts Council, Madison Arts Commission, and others. 2023’s Opacity was lauded as “an immersive sonic environment full of intrigue and wonder” (Foxy Digitalis), and his 2024 follow up, Horizon Scanners, was released on legendary Portuguese label Clean Feed Records, with All About Jazz noting that the record “invites listeners on an enthralling journey through sound, emotion and exploration.” Additional coverage in outlets like Downbeat Magazine, The Quietus, 15 Questions, and Free Jazz Blog recognizes Jakob as a vital and evolving voice in contemporary jazz and improvised music. As a collaborator, he has had the privilege of working with leading creative musicians including NEA Jazz Master Roscoe Mitchell, Tomeka Reid, and Dave Rempis. Heinemann also teaches, curates, and serves as Vice President of the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology.


Demos
1. Understanding Salt - 06:36

2. Beacon - 06:26
3. Slant - 06:48