VOYAGER IV

Voyager IV biography
Founded in Bonn, Germany in 2018

Formed in 2018, VOYAGER IV is a German band that was founded by four talented and experienced musicians; Marcus SCHINKEL (piano, keyboards), Johannes KUCHTA (vocals, drums), Fritz ROPPEL (bass), and Wim de VRIES (drums).

The band considers themselves to be a space rock band, however, they combine elements of classical and jazz music in their style, making them more eclectic. SCHINKEL is known internationally for his success with the MARCUS SCHINKEL TRIO which is where he has performed the "Crossover Beethoven" program. He has been known to be able to improvise all nine of BEETHOVEN's symphonies as jazz works and also adds in elements of sci-fi and film music into his music. KUCHTA is the perfect musical partner for SCHINKEL, but he has also composed works for theater/dance programs and composed soundtrack music. RAPPEL has played bass for several artists including Michael SAGMEISTER (SAGA), Jennifer RUSH, and others giving him the reputation as one of the most versatile bassists in Germany. He has also transposed classical guitar works for his 6-string bass. DE VRIES was the "Drummer of the Year" for several times in a row in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and has organized the Modern Drummer Festival held in New York.

Their first album, released in November of 2019, which is based upon the Mussorgsky cycle "Pictures at an Exhibition", which has been covered several other times by EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, Mekong DELTA, and TOMITA. The album also has covers by KING CRIMSON, ELP and others.

Their main musical influences range from ELP, KING CRIMSON, BEETHOVAN, and other artists that mix classical, folk and rock styles. Any fans of any of these artists should be interested in this eclectic style of music that mixes elements of jazz, symphonic and classical music with progressive styles.

======Bio by TCat======

See also: HERE