Maximilian Hering Group
Photo by Simon Zimbardo / Antonio Porcar
German drummer and composer Maximilian Hering has built a reputation as a versatile musician, with a rich catalogue as a sideman, collaborations across Europe, and music for film and interdisciplinary projects. His own ensembles, however, allow him to explore a more personal musical vision. The Maximilian Hering Group – a “chordless” ensemble featuring horns and rhythm – thrives on collective expression, spontaneity, and the dynamic interplay that emerges when each voice is given room to breathe.
Founded in 2018 when Hering brought together his favorite musicians from Barcelona’s local jazz scene for a club performance, the group quickly discovered a natural chemistry. The initial quartet – two horns, bass, and drums – allowed for full individual expression while maintaining a shared musical direction. Since then, the ensemble has expanded, regularly performing with flautist Fernando Brox and, for the new album, guest pianist Lucia Fumero, whose Latin-influenced touch adds new color to the group’s sound.
The Gathering (2026, Klangraum Records) balances spontaneity with structure. Half of the compositions are written by the band members, introducing a diversity of perspectives and voices. Instrumentation is varied, with flugelhorn, bass clarinet, flute, saxophone and piano giving each track a distinct texture and sense of space.
The album’s nine tracks carry stories and inspirations that range from intimate to playful. “Moles on her skin,” “519 km is too far for kissing you,” and “Entre tu y yo” explore facets of love and connection. “Ojo de madera” takes its cue from a piece of wood that seemed to stare back, while “Oliver” pays homage to Olivier Messiaen and his modes. “Gleisgeflüster” evokes the nocturnal whispers of cargo trains, and “Route A66” plays on the intersection of the famous American highway and the German autobahn connecting Frankfurt and Mainz.
Throughout, the chordless setup defines the group’s approach: melodies and harmonic frameworks provide grounding, while solos consistently push boundaries, giving the ensemble a sound that is at once free, lyrical, and distinctively their own.
Fernando Brox – Flute
Edu Cabello – Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Victor Carrascosa – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
David Muñoz – Double Bass
Maximilian Hering – Drums
“The newest album ‘The Gathering’ balances the musicians’ spontaneity and eloquence with the structure of improvised music. The group compositions introduce a diversity of perspectives and voices, and the varied instrumentation (flugelhorn, bass clarinet, flute, saxophone, and piano) gives each piece its own distinct texture and sound.”
“Here, drummer Hering plays an important unifying role together with bassist David Muñoz. Both have a complete command of the rhythm. On this foundation, the soloists are able to perform with great freedom, to unfold and to sound highly expressive and creatively shaped, equipped with ample room to maneuver. Great emphasis is placed on allowing melodic lines to emerge spontaneously, with each song possessing its own harmonies, full of vivid colors within this varied and dynamic environment.”
"Außerdem wird die Struktur der Maximilian Hering Group deutlich: Hinten agiert mit dem überragenden Bassisten David Muñoz der zuverlässige und geradlinige Marathonmann der Band, daneben lässt Drummer Max Hering die Besen übers Fell seiner Snare kreisen – den Klang der anfahrenden Lokomotive gestaltet er so im Alleingang. Die Dreierreihe davor bilden die bärtigen „Wilden“, die kreativen Bläser: Saxofon – Querflöte – Trompete. Ihre Soli sind immer außergewöhnlich, immer überraschend, manchmal frech."
"Diese Besetzung eignet sich hervorragend für das Repertoire des Free-Jazz-Pioniers Ornette Coleman [...]. Nach und nach fanden sie auch Platz für mehr eigene Kompositionen - was das neue Album Nostalgia zu einem Triumph macht."
"Jazz lliure fet des del cor!"
