In the last 2 years, the "Heavy Mellow Quartet" from Berlin established itself as a sought after backing band for international acts, especially in the jazz, funk and soul scene. The individual well recognized members of the group have performed with artists like The Temptations, Wyclef Jean, Candy Dulfer, Nina Hagen, Christopher Cross, Herbie Hancock, Lee Konitz and Ernie Watts. Next to Stefan Machalitzky on guitar, the distinctive and organic sound of the group is provided by Björn Werra on bass, Kai Schönburg on drums and Volker Meitz on keyboards.
After his music studies in Boston and a 2-year stay in New York, Stefan relocated to Berlin in the late nineties. As a guitarist he has performed with Herbie Hancock, The Temptations, Estelle, Tamar Davis (Prince), Dave Koz, Chuck Loeb, David Benoit, Della Miles (Whitney Houston), german popstar Sarah Connor and also his own projects in concerts across the U.S., China, South America and Russia. | Stefan's website
Volker Meitz operates from Berlin as a keyboardist and producer in various genres. In addition to his own NuJazz project, he is the head of the Sonar Kollektiv Orchestra and has performed with Alexander O'Neal, The Temptations, Pat Appleton (DePhazz), Clara Hill, Della Miles (Stevie Wonder) and across Europe, Russia and the Caribbean. | Volker's website
Bjorn, due to his versatility, is one of the most sought-after sidemen in Germany. He has played the legendary Hilfiger session with Wyclef Jean, Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), Joy Denalane and Candy Dulfer. Furthermore, he has worked with artists such as Adoro, Heather Greene, Tommy Emmanuel, David Binney, Jaguar Wright, Jocelyn B. Smith, Westbam, Ich & Ich and Peter White. | Björn's website
Kai Schönburg studied drums in cologne, has played with Lee Konitz, Ernie Watts and the New York Voices and has performed in concert with Candy Dulfer, Christopher Cross, Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), Wyclef Jean (Fugees). He has also rocked the house with german popstar Barbara Schöneberger. | Kai's website