ELIANE AMHERD & BEAT KAESTLI

Growing up in Switzerland, both Beat and Eliane have been strongly influenced by French culture, making it part of their daily lives and musical landscape and following them on their musical journey to NYC and across the world. As a natural progression they individually began their very personal exploration of the magic of French Chanson, Jazz and popular song which came to fruition in their recordings “Collage”, “VoyageVoyage” and “La degustation”.

Beat and Eliane have been capturing international audiences with their diverse musical styles and linguistic prowess for decades. They represented Switzerland in the Francophonie in many countries and at music festivals, embassies and major events all over the world, including the Swiss Embassy DC, the World Expo in Milan, the Athens Jazz Festival, the reception of the Swiss president 2024 Viola Amherd, the 20th anniversary of Switzerland in the United Nations in NYC and many more .

In this joint venture, their repertoire ranges from fresh and unexpected takes on Swiss Folk songs, French Jazz and chansons to a surprising version of a well known children song, enchanted songs about Swiss wines and a special take on the Swiss national anthem. All this is enriched by original compositions in French, arrangements of 80s Euro hits and an exploration of the influences of the French language reflected in the lyrics of songs from other countries, like the USA, Brazil and Mexico.

For a cultural exchange, both musicians are also experienced educators and have conducted many masterclasses on a variety of subjects, adapting to the age and proficiency level of students. Beat and Eliane welcome the collaboration of local musicians and artists contributing to their concerts.

BIO 

ELIANE AMHERD

Eliane is a genre-busting singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Born in Switzerland and based in NYC, she has performed in clubs and festivals from Buenos Aires to Berlin, Bangkok to Beijing, and everywhere in between. Combining Jazz, Latin, African, and Brazilian rhythms with funky grooves and retro pop, she creates a sophisticated sound all her own. You can find her original music on Netflix, in several award-winning series, and on international broadcasts. Her melodies and lyrics are as fresh as the Swiss Alps where she was raised, taking you on a voyage from the stunning vineyards of Switzerland to New York City’s canyons of steel.

A graduate of The New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music New York, Eliane has performed for Embassies and Consulates around the globe and entertained companies like Bvlgari, Bâloise, MySwitzerland Tourism, and major events like the opening of the Swiss Business Hub in Hong Kong, the Soirée Suisse in Washington DC, the European Language Days in Sri Lanka, the 20th anniversary of Switzerland in the United Nations in NYC and many more. Eliane had the honor to compose a song Viola for the reception of the Swiss Bundespresident 2024, Viola Amherd. She was a contestant on the first edition of the Voice of Switzerland and the runner-up for Best Singer Songwriter in Switzerland at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Eliane was the musical director of the OrchExtra Gottardo at the World Expo Milan, the musical director of the Frauenstimmen Festival in Brig, and the first recipient of the Musik Pro award from the canton Valais.

www.elianeperforms.com

BEAT KAESTLI 

Beat Kaestli is an internationally acclaimed, award winning vocalist, songwriter, arranger and producer. In 1993 he moved to New York City and was awarded a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. While honing his craft alongside noteworthy Jazz performers, such as Jane Monheit, Jason Moran and Stefon Harris, he immersed himself in Manhattan’s fiercely competitive music scene, emerging as a seasoned performer. He now appears in clubs such as The Blue Note, Birdland and Jazz at Lincoln Center, performing with Jazz greats, like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Hendricks, Gregoire Maret, and Magos Herrera. He’s been featured on TV and radio worldwide and his CDs have been showcased on Swiss Air International. In 2005, Beat was the chosen vocalist for the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He released 6 CDs, including “Collage”, his tribute to the Fracophonie and his major Jazz label debut "Invitation" (Chesky Records), which was pre-selected for the 2010 Grammys. Since 2006 Beat has showcased his music on 6 continents at festivals and renowned Jazz clubs and continues to thrill audiences in NY and across the world.

Collage on Spotify 

QUOTES

His distinct principle of sparseness sets him apart from the rest.  Jazzthing, Germany

Intimacy and inspiration, Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Switzerland

A likably suave jazz singer. New York Times

Kaestli gives everybody a front row invite to his gentle, melodically enchanting musings. All About Jazz

Beat Kaestli invades Morelia with a sound explosion. The Swiss jazz vocalist captivates the audience with his presentation at the XXIII Music Festival in Morelia with his journey through diverse musical places and acoustic landscapes, comprised from the fusion of jazz and bebop, pop, Latin rhythms and folk music. Informador MX, Morelia

Amherd's music is fun, funky, sassy and cool and deserving of much wider recognition. A mix of soul and funk, aided and abetted by some Latin and Afro beats. At times both Curtis Mayfield and Gil Scott-Heron spring to mind. All About Jazz 

Eliane Amherd is the sort of performer that we’ll be hearing a lot more from if there’s any justice in the world.  Jazz Blues & the truth 

Eliane Amherd sounds what would happen if Norah Jones let her inner Patty Smyth (of Scandal), Pat Benatar, and Natalie Cole out. This is the pop music that pop music itself forgot it could be. This is Book’s music 

Eliane Amherd was the highlight of the event. Obviously this band stood out on different level.  Yangon Calling, Myanmar