In the creative heart of Berlin, four musicians from four corners of the world have come together to explore the guitar’s limitless landscape. The Berlin String Project  is not just a band — it’s a dialogue between cultures, tones, and traditions.

Their sound travels from the deserts of Morocco to the streets of Istanbul, through the harmonic clouds of northern Europe and the pulse of modern jazz. Each performance unfolds like a journey: melodic, rhythmic, and deeply human.

At its core, The Berlin String Project celebrates connection — the shared language of strings and rhythm that transcends geography. Every note carries the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and respect for musical diversity.

Ümit Ürgen

Multi-instrumentalist

is a multi-instrumentalist composer and artist known for blending traditional Anatolian sounds with modern western musical elements. He performs on a wide variety of stringed instruments, including the Saz, Diwan Saz, Cura, and Cümbüş. He focuses on the "brotherly" harmony between Eastern and Western instruments and often performs multiple roles, playing acoustic guitar, piano, bass, and various percussion instruments.

Johan Leijonhufvud

Guitar

is a prominent Swedish jazz guitarist and composer known for his melodic and "pearly" playing style. Based in Berlin since 2000, he has become a key figure in the European jazz scene, often compared to legends like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass.

Johan  has toured and performed with his bands and as a sideman all over Europe and many other parts of the world. He has played and recorded with some notable artists such as Till Brönner, Mark Murphy,  Esbjörn Svensson, Nils Landgren, Wolfgang Haffner.

James Scholfield

Guitar

 is a Berlin-based jazz guitarist and composer. Known for his versatile style that blends jazz standards with Southern African influences, he has performed at world-class venues like Ronnie Scott’s and the Blue Note NYC. He has toured regularly with American jazz singer Curtis Stigers and recorded for Challenge Records most notably his album "All Stations" with legendary drummer Billy Hart and produced by bassist Hein van de Geyn.

Naoufal Montassere

Acoustic Guitar

is a Berlin-based Moroccan guitarist and composer known for his distinctive musical style that blends Flamenco and Latin jazz with traditional oriental influences.

Born into a vibrant musical environment in Morocco, Montassere grew up performing alongside a variety of local and international artists. Now based in Germany, he bridges diverse cultures through his guitar work—fusing North African, Andalusian, and South American sounds while maintaining the structural essence of each style. He is proficient in multiple languages, allowing him to collaborate fluidly with a wide array of global musicians

Contact

For inquiries, bookings etc Tel: +49 177 451 8051

info@theberlinstrings.com