Biography

At the age of 17 Jens first experienced music of Irish and Scottish musicians and has been hooked on Celtic music ever since. Although most of the instruments Jens plays were self taught, he did study classical guitar and church organ in Cologne. During this period he became more and more enthralled by Irish Music but also became  involved in the local jazz scene, and it was this combination of circumstances that lead him to develop the style that he plays today.

Jens has been involved in many projects both on stage and in the recording studio not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. These include groups such as Iontach, Limerick Junction and Lá Lugh and with solo artists such as Reinhard Mey, Gerry O'Connor, Brendan Power, Allan Taylor, Tom McConville, Helmut Debus, Siobhán Kennedy, Brian McNamara, Brendan McGlinchey, Mick O'Brien, Charlie McGettigan, Peter Kerlin or Frank Bode.

In 2012 Jens became the first and only German musician ever to win the "All Ireland Championships", not only once, but twice, both as a solist and an accompanist.

Also his brand new album redwood (© 2015) evoked enthusiastic reactions at home and abroad, including the highly renowned Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics' Award)! In 2022 he released his CD/LP Stringed, produced by audiophile high end label Stockfisch Records, which also won high international praise and earned him a second German Critic's Award.

Jens plays on over 90 CDs, covering Traditional and Contemporary Irish Music, Singer-Songwriter Music and also Music for Children. He is probably the most sought after studio musician of his genre in Germany.

In addition, Jens also teaches guitar, bouzouki and tin-whistle at various workshops throughout the country and abroad.