Oliver Strauch
Er ist seit 2009 Professor für Jazzschlagzeug an der Hochschule für Musik des Saarlandes. Ebenfalls 2009 hat Oliver Strauch in NYC mit Kenny Werner und Matt Penman produziert. Seine Veröffentlichung „JFK Show Live in Berlin” auf DVD mit Begleitbuch verbindet kongenial politische Rede (Kennedy), visuelle Darbietung und Musik und wurde mit dem SR-Medienkunstpreis 2007 ausgezeichnet. Strauch faszinierte Kennedys Rhetorik, Betonung und Sprachrhythmik, die er als musikalischen, künstlerischen Ausdruck begriff: „Die Art, wie dieser Mann formulierte, sein Timing, die Phrasierung noch winziger Details, das Timbre seiner brüchigen Stimme, die trotzdem an Aussage und Klarheit keinen Zweifel aufkommen ließ – all das hat mich in ‚direct line’ erwischt…”, so Strauch in seinen einleitenden Worten zu DVD und Buch.

"Oliver Strauch is a drummer of great groove, but also great melodic awareness. The perfect drummer for piano trio." Kenny Werner

'Oliver Strauch really surprised me with his strong, propulsive sound and conception. He's right on top of the groove and an extremely creative soloist of the first order. He's definitely an up and comer on the Europe Jazz scene' and one to watch out for on any jazz scene. Swingin'! Randy Brecker

"Oliver Strauch is a great drummer. Oliver impresses me very much by his accuracy and imagination in a big band context. And as well in a combo situation where his work is swinging, playing together with the band and colourfull. I had the honour and the pleasure to be featured in one of his records "Short Stories" . I keep a very nice memory from this session. Great player." Philip Catherine

"My man Oliver,It was fun!compliments to your band.I enjoyed everyone-Keep on Swingin!You sounded very hip!" Lee Konitz

I belive, Oliver is one of the finest Drummer of the European scene. The Dynamic Range and the way he's listen to the soloist , gave me some unforgetable evenings on stage. Very musical and elegant Drummer ( I don't mean his Look !) with lot's of JazzHistory in his playing. Always fun to play with !! Tony Lakatos.