Overview of a notable victory for Romandy jazz
In Zurich, the ZKB Jazz Prize 2025 crowned Ace Ross, the alter ego of drummer and producer Arthur Routaboul, as the winner of Switzerland’s prize dedicated to highlighting innovative young jazz acts. The acknowledgment adds momentum to a scene rooted in collaboration across the French-speaking Swiss jazz community and beyond, underscoring how Romandy artists continue to shape contemporary jazz in the country.
The Winning Performance
Under the Ace Ross moniker, Routaboul shared the stage with fellow rising talents Arthur Donnot, Natan Niddam and Yann Maenner. The four young musicians delivered a performance that the jury described as suspenseful from start to finish, captivating the entire club and leaving a lasting impression on attendees and listeners alike.
“Ace Ross surprised us once again. The four young promising musicians kept the suspense from the beginning to the end, captivating the whole club.”
The Jury and the Prize’s Mission
The jury for the ZKB Jazz Prize 2025 brought together key figures from Swiss jazz and culture, including former Moods director Carine Zuber, a Biennoise and Romande promoter; musician Marie Krüttli; renowned drummer Gregory Hutchinson; Christine Stephan, editor-in-chief of Jazzthetik; and Hansjürg Kurer, a Moods board member and audience representative. The prize exists to promote innovative Swiss youth groups, offering a platform for fresh voices to emerge in a vibrant national scene.
The Runner-Up and the Prize Impact
As part of the competition’s recognition, the second prize, amounting to 5,000 Swiss francs, went to the Bern-based quartet alpha-ray. This distinction highlights the depth and breadth of Switzerland’s young jazz talent, illustrating a healthy ecosystem that nurtures multiple ensembles and creative directions.
What This Means for Romandy Jazz
The ZKB Jazz Prize has long served as a launching pad for Romandy acts to gain national exposure and connect with broader audiences. Ace Ross’s victory reinforces the region’s identity in the Swiss jazz landscape and demonstrates how Romandy artists are blending modern sensibilities with tight, expressive ensemble playing. It signals that the current generation in French-speaking Switzerland is producing contenders who can influence both local scenes and international conversations around jazz.
About Ace Ross and Arthur Routaboul
Ace Ross represents the dynamic persona of a drummer-producer who remains deeply embedded in multiple contemporary jazz projects. By celebrating this victory, the ZKB Jazz Prize recognizes Routaboul’s role in the evolving network of Swiss jazz musicians and the ongoing collaboration among ensembles across the Romandy region. The award also spotlights his broader contribution to the current wave of Swiss jazz and contemporary music.
Looking Ahead
With the ZKB Jazz Prize 2025 laurels in hand, Ace Ross is poised to pursue new projects, festival appearances and collaborations with peers from Romandy and the wider Swiss jazz community. The jury’s endorsement, coupled with the audience’s response in Zurich, marks a pivotal milestone in the rise of Switzerland’s next generation of jazz voices and signals a promising path for Ace Ross and his collaborators.
