BERLIN BASEL CONNECTION FEAT. NIKITA SIPIAGIN
Berlin Basel Connection is a transnational jazz quartet bringing together two rising voices from Basel’s international scene and two standout musicians from Berlin’s vibrant jazz community. Formed especially for a series of concerts in May, the group marks the first collaboration between four close friends whose shared musical language is rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a modern, personal approach.The band features American alto saxophonist Nikita Sipiagin and drummer Genius Wesley, alongside German pianist Lajos Meinberg and bassist Johann Greve. Despite being based in different cities, their connection grew naturally through friendship, shared influences, and a deep commitment to the music.
Their repertoire consists of original compositions alongside straight-ahead jazz influenced works, creating a sound that balances lyricism, energy, and strong interaction.
Pianist Lajos Meinberg, raised in a family of musicians, developed an early love for jazz and went on to study at the Jazz Institute Berlin with Wolfgang Köhler, Tino Dorado, and Bastian Stein. He is an award-winning pianist, having received prizes at the Carl Bechstein Competition (2018), the Ingolf Burkhardt Award (2022), the Jazzhaus Piano Competition Freiburg (2024), and the Chorus Jazz Competition Lausanne (2025). He has performed with artists such as Rodney Green, Doug Weiss, Matt Wilson, and Phil Donkin, and participated in the Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy.
Drummer Genius Wesley has quickly established himself as a powerful and expressive voice on the instrument. He has performed with renowned musicians including Buster Williams, Gerald Clayton, and Azar Lawrence. Currently based in Basel, he studies under Jeff Ballard at JazzCampus on a full scholarship while also working as a mentor with Oaktown Jazz and YMCO.
Alto saxophonist Nikita Sipiagin, born into a family of jazz legends including Alex Sipiagin, Charlie Mariano, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Lew Tabackin, represents a new generation of jazz artists deeply connected to the tradition. He has studied with Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier, and Dick Oatts, and has performed with ensembles such as the Mingus Big Band.
Bassist Johann Greve, originally from Lower Saxony, has been an active presence in the Berlin jazz scene since moving there in 2019. As both a sideman and composer, he brings versatility and a strong musical identity shaped by his wide-ranging collaborations.
With Berlin Basel Connection, these four musicians come together for the first time to create a project driven by friendship, spontaneity, and a shared vision of modern jazz rooted in tradition.
Lineup:
Nikita Sipiagin - alto saxophone/soprano saxophone (USA)
Lajos Meinberg - piano (Germany)
Johann Greve - bass (Germany)
Genius Wesley - drums (USA)
nikitasipiagin.com
