Drums | Composition | Sounds
About
Manuel Pasquinelli is a Swiss drummer and composer best known for his work with the AKKU Quintet, a band that has been making waves in the jazz scene since its formation in 2010. The quintet's music is characterized by pulsating, minimal-jazz infused with post-punk elements. Their atmospheric live performances often incorporate visual elements to enhance the audience's experience.
Pasquinelli is also a member of the minimalist rock band Sonar, renowned for their collaborations with ECM guitarist David Torn on various albums and live performances.
In recent years, Pasquinelli has been working as a co-leader and composer with Simon Althaus on their duo project Schrödinger's Katze. In addition to his work with his primary groups, Pasquinelli collaborates with various other projects—both live and in the studio—including contributions to theater and film.
His work with the AKKU Quintet was recognized with the Cantonal Bern Music Prize in 2020.
The AKKU Quintet, featuring Gabriel Wenger on saxophone, Maja Nydegger on keys, Markus Ischer on guitar, and Andi Schnellmann on bass, has released five albums to date. Their latest album, "Kinema" (2023), continues their tradition of exploring uncharted sonic territories with a mix of complex compositions and improvisation.
The group has been performing live regularly, giving concerts in countries such as Germany, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, the USA, Canada, and Russia.
What I do
Performing live
"The effective use of cymbals and a variety of drumsticks, added an extra dynamic that is critical to the delivery of each track. Manuel Pasquinelli is indeed a top class drummer with exceptional timing." - Excerpt from a concert review by Ian Greatorex
recently with:
Schrödingers Katze | Sonar & David Torn | Akku Quintet | Nudge
Composing
"Pasquinelli’s writing contains an almost cinematic dimension that encompasses bittersweet moods and moments of unfolding drama." - Sid Smith, excerpt from the liner notes for Akku Quintet's album AEON
recent work:
Album composition for Akku Quintet | Filmmusic for Barbara Burger | Music/Foley for Theater Szene, Bern
Studio Recording
"I had the pleasure of seeing him work live in the studio with Sonar, together with David Torn and it was impressive to see how he instinctively, engagingly reacts to the musicians around him." Anil Prasad, after the studio session for 'Vortex'
recent colaborations:
Stephan Thelen - Fractal Guitar Albumrecording | Oymoz - Breed, Albumrecording | Werner Hasler - Sound recording for T-Rex | Sonar & David Torn - Tranceportation Albumrecording
Current Bands
Collaborations and freelance works
RECENTLY WITH...
List Subtitle
David Torn, Werner Hasler, J.P. Schwalm, Stephan Thelen, Eivind Aarset, Mazzive Sound Studios, Chris Diggelmann
FILM MUSIC
KINDER MACHEN
Filmmusic: Composition, Arranging & Recording.
Der Dokumentarfilm von Barbara Burger wurde mit dem Berner Filmpreis 2018 ausgezeicnet.
THEATER
THEATERPRODUKTION (2019)
Composition, Recording. Musical/Foley Coach.
Erarbeitung der Musik-/Geräuschbegleitung beim Stück "Räuber Hotzenplotz".
VARIOUS PROJECTS AND PRODUCTIONS
Involved as drummer, foley artist or sounddesigner
AKKU QUINTET & DON LI: playing Part 39 by Don Li @ Orbital Garden
WERNER HASLER: Sound recording for T-REX @ Naturhistorisches Museum Bern
LICHTFESTIVAL MURTEN: live-Vertonung der Surround Video-Installation @ Kirche Murten (Music by Benoit Gisler)
ANTONIO ALBANELLO: Album Recording OYMOZ (Breed)
DAS PECHBÜRO: live-Vertonung (Musik, Foley) des Animationsfilms von BENOIT GISLER
AGORÀ ENSEMBLE: Reactivated in 2024, after some years of silence.
MARKUS REUTER & SONAR: Album recording "falling for Ascension"
OCCAM'S RAZOR: Live concerts and two studio albums
BERNHARD WAGNER: Thelevi Duo performance
SONAR & DON LI: Part 4 by Don Li @ Orbital Garden
PROJEKT RÜCKENLAGE: verschiedene Aufführungen mit Isabelle Lerchmüller, Patrick Lerchmüller, Martin Bichsel
TANZCOMPANY PUNKT NULL: Halma @ Progr Bern
ORCHESTER VARIATON: "Haute Couture" @ Volkshaus Zürich
KOPFÜBERZAHL: Musik-/Theater-Duo mit Gian Joray
MORPHEUS RECORDS
Record Label