“Compulsion” was founded in 2013 in the “culture and music city” of Basel. The musical background of the five musicians is rich in contrasts, yet they are united in a common passion: modern mainstream jazz.
Each artist brings his own perspective and personal experience to the band, their different horizons translating into original music with a common thread. Five musicians bringing different cultures and approaches together to create something new – the core principle that has always been The Essence of Jazz.
The members of “Compulsion” have known each other for some time. Violinist Adam Taubitz, trumpet player Marc Ullrich, pianist Simone Bollini, double bassist Dominik Schürmann and drummer Christoph Mohler had often played together in different formations previously. Then the idea came up to create a quintet dedicated to their favorite music: Modern Jazz Standards from Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, Cedar Walton as well as (and above all!), their own original compositions.
“Compulsion” now presents their second album “Nothing is as it Seems”, a skillfully produced work characterized by a very natural modernity and unmistakable references to the pathfinding jazz giants of the 60s.
One might be inclined to call “Compulsion” a classic BeBop quintet. However, the combination of violin and trumpet (replacing the traditional tenor sax and trumpet) opens up completely new possibilities in the front line, creating a rarely heard and refreshingly original sound texture.
The arrangements are characterized by their simplicity and transparency. Intelligently orchestrated, energetically interpreted and undeniably swinging: this is the unmistakable sound of “Compulsion”.
Even after repeat listenings new tasty details continue to reveal themselves.
Particularly, Jazz violinist Adam Taubitz sets new improvisational standards for his instrument, which otherwise is almost totally absent in modern jazz. In doing so, he fills a stylistic gap, which will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention. Particularly noteworthy is the exceptionally high recording quality of “Nothing is as it Seems”. An absolute joy for the ears! Thomas Dobler

Dominik Schürmann is the son of Swiss jazz pianist Niggi Schürmann. His contact with music and particularly with jazz started at a very young age. He started piano lessons at the age of six before changing to the bass. He quickly became a fixture in the Swiss jazz scene and now works regularly with internationally renowned musicians.

He has worked with musicians like Hendrik Meurkens, Luis Diego Bonilla, Jorge Rossy, Karl Ratzer, George Gruntz, Isla Eckinger, Oscar Klein, Vince Benedetti, Domenic Landolf, David Klein, Adrian Mears, Adam Taubitz, Titi Winterstein, Kurt Weil, Jim Galloway, John Serry, Bonnie Jeanne Taylor, Miguel de la Cerna, Othella Dallas, Andreas Herrmann, Markus Hauser, Mario Schneeberger, Sam Burckhardt and many more.

He has performed in numerous jazz clubs and festivals in Switzerland and abroad. He has been a member of Thomas Moeckel‘s «Centrio» since 1998. Countless music projects have been the product of this longterm musical friendship with the well known Swiss all- round musician Thomas Moeckel.

Several of his own projects followed these collaborations, such as the coproductions with Schweizer Radio SRF2 Kultur «Dahaana», «Nothing is as it Seems» (both albums recorded with the Hardbop band «Compulsion») and «Sambâle», recorded with the Piano Trio Gutfleisch-Schürmann-Frey, which was founded in 2017. His album «Upswing» became one of the most successful Swiss CD releases on international download platforms in 2016.

Dominik Schürmann’s work is marked by musical passion, sensibility, harmony, and perfect timing gained by years of experience. He is very much in demand as a sideman or as a bandleader. Whether in jazz, blues or Latin American music, he always leaves his mark with compassion, enthusiasm and eloquence. He has also participated in theatre and musical productions and has appeared on TV and radio shows. As a bass player, Dominik Schürmann, participated in over 50 CD productions.