Claus Raible International Tentet

Led by pianist, composer, and arranger Claus Raible, the Claus Raible  International Tentet brings together ten distinctive musicians from the  American and European jazz scenes. The ensemble was co-founded in 2009 by  Raible and alto saxophonist Brad Leali, whose long-standing musical  partnership dates back to their first meeting in New York in the early 1990s.  Together, they developed the Tentet as a setting that combines the depth and  precision of a larger jazz orchestra with the spontaneity and openness of a small  group. 

The Tentet has since become an important part of Raible’s musical work. His  compositions draw on bebop, blues, soul, and swing, shaped by sophisticated  harmony, polyphony, rhythmic drive, and carefully crafted horn voicings. The  arrangements provide structure and character while leaving room for the  musicians to respond to one another and develop the music in the moment. 

The orchestra is not the destination—it is the vehicle. This principle lies at  the heart of Raible’s approach. Written material and improvisation remain  closely connected, allowing the music to move naturally between full ensemble  passages, individual voices, and more intimate textures. 

Brad Leali, one of the most important contemporary voices on alto  saxophone, remains a defining presence within the ensemble. His blues rooted sound, rhythmic authority, and expressive range bring a distinctive  character to the Tentet and reflect the musical connection that has shaped the  project from its beginning. 

The Tentet reflects Raible’s longstanding connections across the Atlantic,  bringing together musicians from the United States, Great Britain, Germany,  Austria, and beyond. Following the 2012 TCB Records release A Dedication To The  Ladies, the ensemble returned to the European stage in 2023 with a new  international lineup and new material written specifically for the group.