Pianist Achim Kaufmann (born 1962 in Aachen, Germany) grew up in a musical family, and had begun composing as a youth. In 1984 he enrolled at the music conservatory in Cologne, Germany, and then transferred to the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, studying with such major figures as Dave Holland and Steve Coleman. Kaufmann has worked with such jazz greats as Steve Swallow, Thomasz Stanko and Al Foster. From the late 90’s on he has co-led various groups with American saxophonist Michael Moore. Since 2004 he has been part of the Kaufmann/Gratkowski/de Joode Trio. His first Pirouet CD as leader was the 2008 Kyrill, followed by Verivyr in 2011. Later is Kaufmann’s first solo album on Pirouet. »He is one of a handful of exceptional jazz pianists who has injected a new pulse into West European improvised music.« (SWR Radio)