About

Even while studying classical guitar he played in rock bands and jazz formations. After studying jazz (guitar and composition) he began a varied career. Edi has played in classical orchestras (Vienna Philharmonic, Wiener Symphoniker…), in funk, soul and pop bands (Stella Jones, Global Kryner, Dancing Stars…) and due to his versatility had the opportunity to work with internationally renowned artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Biréli Lagrène, Barbara Dennerlein, José Carreras, Stewart Copeland, Stephane Grappelli, Benjamin Schmid, Thomas Gansch and many more. 

With the trio “Speak” his first album as a leader was released in 1994. Two more CDs were released in 1996 and 1998.

Also, in 1998 his Ultimate Scale Book was published.

Since 2000 recordings under his name have appeared at irregular intervals – solo, in a duo, trio or in larger ensembles.

Since 2019, intensive touring activity (about 120 concerts in Central Europe) with Czech jazz legends František Uhlíř and Jaromír Helešic as “The KUH Trio”.

While he devotes himself to traditional jazz with “The KUH Trio”, his involvement with Indian and African music can be heard on the CD “The Riddance”, released in the fall of 2022.

On the CD “Fish & Fowl”, released in 2023, he devoted himself to the encounter of improvised music (free jazz) and digital post-processing combined with electronics.

In Spring 2024 the new album “Edi Köhldorfer Trio – Hover” feat. Gina Schwarz was released and will be presented in the context of an extended tour. 

PRESS:

..music full of energetic guitar solos. Edi Köhldorfer shows his active presence here and is immediately recognizable. You can listen to the album in one go, it’s a masterpiece!

…Köhldorfer’s playful, calm, self-confident routine can be heard throughout each of the tracks…

…I find it hard to believe that I am only now discovering this composer and guitarist. A great album, full of thematic twists and great improvisations. Absolutely recommendable!

…it’s particularly nice when Köhldorfer plays so reservedly, occasionally almost brittlely, that every note is a pleasure…

…this trio manages to perform each individual title in a playful way with excitement and feeling, breathing an Edi Köhldorfer Trio soul into each song…

…the contributions by all the participating musicians and of course primarily the guitar playing by Köhldorfer, are all splendidly executed and the album offers enough diversity and mood swings to keep the listener interested from start to finish…