De-Phazz

De-Phazz brings modern turntablism into a lounge-oriented blend of jazz, Latin, soul, trip hop and drum and bass. Founded in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1997, the ensemble works across downtempo and jazz with an electronic edge, drawing on funk, acid jazz and chillout as part of its sound.

The group is led by German producer Pit Baumgartner, who has changed the lineup for each new album rather than maintaining a fixed band. Barbara Lahr, Karl Frierson and Pat Appleton have been recurring members, while Oli Rubow is also among the ensemble’s members. That flexible setup has allowed De-Phazz to combine different vocal and instrumental presences around Baumgartner’s production.

Haluk Soyoğlu discovered the group and gave De-Phazz its name. He released its early albums through Mole, then later founded Phazz-a-delic New Format Recordings with Baumgartner. De-Phazz has also issued records through Mole Listening Pearls and Universal Jazz Germany, with singles released by Edel Records and United Recordings. Alongside its own recordings, the ensemble has remixed existing material.