About me
Contemporary jazz as a universal language
I'm Daniel Guggenheim, saxophonist and composer. My music lives in contemporary jazz, shaped among others by John Coltrane. Saxophone, piano and composition are an inner necessity for me — and what brings me into balance.
“Music, to me, is a universal language — listening, giving space and taking space are the foundations of every true encounter.”
Music as a shared space
In a time when division grows and many feel lonely, I want to show how much power lies in empathy and respect. My concerts create exactly that space: the audience experiences how music grows on stage, shares the energy of the moment — and becomes a co-creator.
Through the selection and order of my compositions, each concert becomes a shared, almost spiritual journey — a togetherness on equal terms that builds trust, a kind of lived democracy.
How it all began
Even as a child I was deeply drawn to music. At five I started recorder, soon piano. In my father's record collection I discovered, around age nine or ten, a Mahalia Jackson LP — and took it to my room. From then on it was “mine”. The immediacy of her voice, that unique groove — often with tears of joy in my eyes.
Soon after, I encountered “Ballads” by John Coltrane — and was overwhelmed. In that time the decision ripened: become a musician. Play exactly this music. I began learning saxophone and later chose to study jazz.
Searching, detours and truthfulness
After my studies I searched for my artistic identity — first in Paris, then Rio de Janeiro. Back in Switzerland, also out of financial necessity, I played in the most varied projects and taught a lot. Over time I noticed: sheer professionalism had started to overshadow what truly mattered.
To convey truthfulness, to share real emotions led by the music — that was the core of why I had become a musician. I wanted to reclaim that core.
New York: the lasting moment
I decided to devote myself fully to jazz again — and moved to New York. Everywhere I met outstanding musicians who pursued their path uncompromisingly. A turning point: Billy Hart invited me as a guest to a concert by the George Mraz Trio (Richie Beirach – piano, George Mraz – bass, Billy Hart – drums).
On stage I felt, for the first time, what true freedom in music feels like: deep connection without ego, where the “lasting moment” can emerge. I was — on another level — the child again, playing with complete spontaneity. In that time my “New York Quartet” was born, with whom I played concerts and recorded CDs in the US and Europe.
Today: the Daniel Guggenheim Quartet
Today my focus is on creating a clear atmosphere in my compositions — one that takes shape anew in the encounter with my fellow musicians. That requires trust and a shared musical background. From years of experience grows a spontaneous interplay where inspiration flows freely — embedded in the tradition I come from. Spirituality, a longtime companion, has also found its own place in my music.
With my current companions Sebastian Sternal (piano), Dietmar Fuhr (bass) and Silvio Morger (drums) I want to continue this path — on stages in clubs and at festivals.
My journey
- 1954
Born in Zurich.
- 1976–81
Studies at the Swiss Jazz School in Bern.
- 1983
Stay in Brazil. Meets Hermeto Pascoal.
- 1985
Settles near Frankfurt.
- 1988
Founds the Daniel Guggenheim Group.
- 1992
South America tour and CD recordings in Rio with Hermeto Pascoal.
- 1994–95
Stay in New York.
- 1996
CD and European tour with the N. Y. Quartet.
- 2013
CD “Beyond Moment And Time”.
- 2018
Forms the new Daniel Guggenheim Quartet.
- 2022
CD “red orange and blue” released.
- Today
Concerts with the Daniel Guggenheim Quartet — and always new music.
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