Ace Ross Wins ZKB Jazz 2025 in Zurich
In Zurich, a night dedicated to the country’s freshest jazz voices crowned Ace Ross the winner of the ZKB Jazz 2025 prize. The Vaudois drummer and producer, operating under the alias Ace Ross, stood out as the leading light of an evening that showcased the imagination and energy of Switzerland’s younger improvised music scene. On stage, he joined a quartet formed by emerging talents including Arthur Donnot, Natan Niddam and Yann Maenner, delivering a performance that left the jury and audience wanting more.
Who is Ace Ross?
Ace Ross is the alter ego of Arthur Routaboul, a drummer and producer from the canton of Vaud. Active in several ensembles that represent the new wave of jazz and contemporary music from Romandy, Ross embodies the bridge between percussion, production and the evolving sound of Swiss jazz. His work with fellow rising stars in French-speaking Switzerland places him at the heart of a vibrant scene that prizes innovation and collaborative experimentation.
The Winning Performance and Jury Verdict
“Ace Ross surprised us once again. The four young, promising musicians kept the suspense from start to finish and captivated the club,” remarked the jury. The verdict underscored a performance that blended tight rhythmic precision with exploratory harmonic textures and a sense of dramaturgy that allowed improvisation to breathe without losing coherence. The jury’s observation highlights how a well-crafted, contemporary approach to jazz can resonate in intimate club settings while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition of collective risk-taking that defines the best Swiss jazz today.
Jury Composition and Purpose of the Prize
The jury brought together experienced voices from Switzerland’s jazz world, including Carine Zuber—formerly director of the Moods club—alongside musician Marie Krüttli, drummer Gregory Hutchinson, journalist Christine Stephan, and Hansjürg Kurer, a Moods board member and public representative. The ZKB Jazz prize is designed to promote innovative Swiss groups that push boundaries while maintaining a connection to the country’s rich jazz heritage. The event not only recognizes individual talent but also signals a broader commitment to nurturing ensembles that contribute to a dynamic, evolving Swiss musical landscape.
The Prize and The Runner-Up
While Ross took the top honor, the competition also honored a second prize, awarded with a 5,000 Swiss francs purse, to the Bern-based group alpha-ray. The recognition for alpha-ray underscores the depth of Switzerland’s current jazz generation, with multiple groups delivering creative concepts and high-level performances that deserve wider attention on national and European stages.
Significance for Swiss Jazz and Romandy
The ZKB Jazz prize continues to play a crucial role in highlighting the Romandy scene’s contributions to the broader Swiss music ecosystem. Ace Ross’s victory reflects how the region’s musicians are increasingly influencing the national conversation with a blend of rigorous technique, modern aesthetics, and a collaborative mindset. For Romandy, the win reinforces the importance of its cross-cultural links within Switzerland’s jazz community and its ability to produce artists capable of competing on prominent stages beyond the Alps.
What Comes Next for Ace Ross
Following the prize, Ace Ross can anticipate opportunities to book higher-profile performances, collaborations with fellow awardees, and potential media coverage that could help propel his projects to a larger audience. The ZKB Jazz platform often serves as a springboard for young ensembles to develop, record, and tour, and Ross’s win is likely to open doors for further release opportunities and festival appearances in coming months.
About the Event
The ZKB Jazz prize is a Swiss initiative aimed at supporting the country’s most promising new groups. The 2025 edition once again highlighted the vitality of a Swiss jazz ecosystem that thrives on experimentation, dialogue, and mentorship from established peers and critics alike.
