Sebastian Noelle

German-born guitarist and composer Sebastian Noelle has established himself as a prominent figure in the New York and international jazz scenes since his move to the city in 2002. Known for a unique style that effortlessly navigates the boundaries between the "abstract" and the "emotional," Noelle's music reflects a broad palette of influences, ranging from German literature and documentaries to deep studies of North Indian rhythms. His album "Shelter" was recognized by The New York Times as a "noteworthy" release, while acclaimed critic Nate Chinen praised his work for its "lyrical delicacy and rock-like energy." Noelle has built an impressive resume over two decades, most notably as a long-standing member of Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, contributing to four Grammy-nominated recordings. He has shared the stage with a stellar array of jazz masters, including Chris Potter, Ingrid Jensen, Donny McCaslin, Vijay Iyer, JoAnne Brackeen, Lewis Nash, Mulgrew Miller, Bob Moses, Maria Schneider, Joel Frahm, Bobby Shew, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Dan Weiss. His original compositions are diverse, spanning works for big band, string quartets, solo guitar, voice, and small jazz ensembles. On his album "System One," Noelle leads a quartet featuring forward-thinking musicians Matt Mitchell (piano), Chris Tordini (bass), and Dan Weiss (drums). He is a frequent performer at iconic New York venues such as the Blue Note, Jazz Standard, and Jazz Gallery, and has appeared at major international festivals including Newport, North Sea, Montreux, and Moers. His tours have spanned the US, Europe, Canada, Brazil, and Japan. To date, he has released four leader albums on the prestigious European label Fresh Sound New Talent. In addition to his performing career, Noelle serves as an adjunct professor at Hunter College (CUNY) and teaches at the New York Jazz Workshop.