Eggshell – End of Time is the debut album of the KINORA Sextet, released on Berlin’s label XJAZZ!Music. The international ensemble—led by Swiss trumpeter Sonja Ott and drummer/composer Philipp Leibundgut—creates a vibrant sound world between orchestral density, free improvisation, and color-inspired jazz poetry.

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Born from Sonja’s synesthetic perception of sound-as-color, the compositions translate pigments such as Ultramarin Lapislazuli, Malachit Green, Purpur and Eggshell – End of Time into expansive jazz suites. Written in a “cadavre exquis” process between Ott and Leibundgut, the pieces combine rich horn arrangements, shifting rhythmic landscapes, atmospheric textures, and adventurous solos.

The sextet unites rising European voices—Amalie Dahl (sax), Harben Kay (sax), François Lana (piano), Jules Martinet (bass)—and has already performed at leading Swiss festivals. Their music moves fluidly between modern jazz composition, avant-garde improvisation, and lyrical soundscapes, making it a natural fit for playlists spotlighting contemporary jazz innovators, European jazz, and modern large ensemble works.

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With its bold colors, political undercurrents, and emotional depth, Eggshell – End of Time is a distinctive statement from a new generation of European jazz artists.

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Since childhood, Sonja has perceived the world differently from most people. She experiences synesthesia—a phenomenon where sensory perceptions intertwine, allowing her to see colors when others hear only sound. In her case, visual elements and sonic impulses merge, creating a deep connection between music and color. This unique perception led her to compose music inspired by colors and pigments. Her fascination with color introduced her to researcher and color expert Stefan Marthaler, who provided her with samples of rare pigments. His book, Das Farbenbuch , is a seminal work 1 on the history of colors and pigments. Inspired by these influences, Sonja developed a series of musical ideas based on the interplay between sound and color. She then collaborated with Swiss drummer, composer, and arranger Philipp Leibundgut, who expanded upon her compositions with his distinctive musical style and arrangement expertise. Together, they created compositions such as Petrol, Ultramarin Lapislazuli, Malachit Green, Eggshell - end Of Time, Mint green- Thursday, Purpur, and Indian Yellow, leading to the formation of the KINORA. Sextet.

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Line Up

Sonja Ott - trumpet, composition, leader (Switzerland)

Philipp Leibundgut - drums, composition, leader (Switzerland)

Amalie Dahl - alto sax (Norway)

Harben Kay - tenor sax (Scotland)

François Lana - piano (France, Swiss)

Jules Martinet - double bass (Switzerland) 1/6

Christoph Utzinger: sound

Produced by: Sonja Ott, Philipp Leibundgut

Co.- Produced by: SRF

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The project was made possible thanks to BeJazz Transnational, an initiative dedicated to supporting female artists in Bern and across Switzerland. With its financial and artistic support, the project was realized swiftly in 2024. By 2025, the ensemble had completed its first tour across Switzerland, their debut album is out in 2025!