Rainer Brüninghaus

Rainer Brüninghaus (born 21 November 1949)[1] is a German jazz pianist, composer and university teacher.

In the 1980s, Brüninghaus worked mainly as a bandleader, putting effort into his own projects, for example Freigeweht with Kenny Wheeler and Jon Christensen (ECM).

He has also worked with Carla Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Gary Burton, Bobby McFerrin, Jim Hall, Manu Katché, Albert Mangelsdorff, Paul McCandless, Alphonse Mouzon, Archie Shepp, and Steve Swallow.

[1] Brüninghaus has written music for symphony orchestra, big bands, small ensembles, and solo piano, as well as for film and television.

Brüninghaus has become known in fusion jazz for his subtle chord layering and widely varying melodic changes, but without neglecting the rhythmical flow.