Introduction
Anke Helfrich (born 11 November 1966) is a German jazz pianist and composer.
Life and work
Helfrich grew up in Windhoek, Namibia and Weinheim, Germany where she received piano lessons. After a national success at Jugend jazzt in 1987 she studied in Freiburg and in 1989 attended the Amsterdamse Hoogeschool for the Arts. During this time she undertook a scholarship in New York with Kenny Barron and Larry Goldings.
In 1996 Helfrich formed a trio with John Weidenmüller and Jochen Rückert, releasing their first album You'll See in 2000 with guest Mark Turner. From 2002, she toured as a trio with Martin Gjakonovski and Dejan Terzic (jazz drummer).
From 1999 to 2004 Helfrich played in a quartet with Jürgen Seefelder.
Since 1999 she has lectured at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Mannheim, and since 2011 at Dr Hochs Conservatory in Frankfurt.
Discography
- Christian Eckert Quartet - Musing (1995)
- Jens Bunge - With All My Heart (1996)
- Anke Helfrich Trio ft. Mark Turner - You'll See (2000)
- Witchcraft ft. Stacy Rowles and Carolyn Breuer - Witchcraft Live (2004)
- Barbara Bridesmaid - Berlin Spirits (2004)
- Anke Helfrich Trio ft. Roy Hargrove - Better Times Ahead (2006)
- Anke Helfrich Trio ft. Nils Wogram - Stormproof (2009)
- Anke Helfrich Trio ft. Tim Hagens - Dedication (2015)