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# From the Vault: The XJAZZ Sessions (2017) – A Tribute to Risk-Taking
- URL: https://www.urbantroutrecords.com/from-the-vault-the-xjazz-sessions-2017-a-tribute-to-risk-taking/
- Published: 2026-03-17T13:27:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-17T13:27:58.000Z
- Description: Why I sat on this footage for 9 years, the technical "impossible task" of the Team Aquatic trio, and why we must fight for the future of Berlin’s jazz scene.
- Author: Aron Ottignon
- Tags: Aron Ottignon, Xjazz, Blue Note, Team Aquatic, Live Music, 2000s

**I’ve been sitting on this footage for nearly a decade.** For a long time, I didn't think it was "good enough" to release. I was caught in a loop of imposter syndrome. Focusing on the rough edges, the technical slips, and the "silly" way I talk into the mic between songs. I wanted perfection, so I kept it locked away.

But looking back today, I realise that the "imperfections" are exactly what make it real.

I’ve decided to release this concert **completely unedited**.. It is a 1:1 capture of three musicians trying to survive a complex set in the moment. It is raw, it is loud, and it is honest.

### **Why Now? The Fight for XJAZZ Berlin**

I am releasing this archive today in solidarity with the **XJAZZ Berlin** team. As many of you know, the 2026 festival has been forced to cancel due to a crushing bureaucratic failure in Germany. Read more here 

[Berlin‘s favourite jazz festival is cancelled![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0b/f7/0bf7026a-6679-47d1-81f8-2e4ef169b204/content/images/icon/apple-icon-180x180-11.png)![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0b/f7/0bf7026a-6679-47d1-81f8-2e4ef169b204/content/images/thumbnail/0d0d896f-565b-430c-bd30-cfbb38c7de50_1773053049)](https://www.xjazz.net/p/Berlins-favourite-jazz-festival-is-cancelled-4s7CHhcjRirtEnUZKkqKDz?ref=urbantroutrecords.com)

XJAZZ gave me a platform to take risks when the industry was telling me to "play it safe." They book based on art, not just "numbers." Seeing a German Jazz Prize-winning festival driven out of existence by administrative silence is heartbreaking. We cannot let these spaces disappear.

### **Music Technique.** 

Performing the *Team Aquatic* album as a trio was a technical puzzle. Ideally, this music requires 5 people. My label at the time suggested I play solo. Essentially "DJing" my own tracks. I couldn't do it. I fought for a band.

We had to make 3 people sound like 5:

- [**Jose Joyette**](https://www.instagram.com/josejoyettehadawayuk?ref=urbantroutrecords.com) **(Drums + SPD Bass):** Jose had the hardest job. Since we had no bassist, I mapped all the bass lines onto two SPD-S pads. Jose had to play full drums while simultaneously triggering every bass note. It was a mental marathon.
- [**Samuel Dubois**](https://www.instagram.com/steelpansam?ref=urbantroutrecords.com) **(Steel Drums +** [**Pan-KAT**](https://www.matrixsynth.com/search/label/PanKAT?ref=urbantroutrecords.com)**):** Sam managed a massive rig of Guinea long drums, bongos, and the Pan-KAT (a MIDI steel pan) for those synth textures.
- **The Piano Rig:** I had a drum machine and effects unit on the Grand Piano. live-mixing drum machine beats in real-time.

### **How You Can Support the Vision**

Urban Trout is more than just a label; it’s a community. We are currently building our **Artist Residency in Le Dorat, France**, and every release we put out fuels that dream.

**1\. Stand with XJAZZ** If you have five minutes, please email the Berlin Senator for Culture. Let them know that XJAZZ matters to the global music community.

- **Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson:** post@kultur.berlin.de
- **Cultural Administration:** post@kultur.berlin.de

**2\. Spread the Word** Forward this email to a friend who loves raw, live music. We are building something different here at Urban Trout, and we’re glad you’re with us.

**The Trio:** Aron Ottignon (Piano/Electronics) Samuel Dubois (Steel Drums/Pan-KAT) Jose Joyette (Drums/SPD Bass)

*All songs composed by Aron Ottignon. Original studio album available on Blue Note.* 

[https://www.discogs.com/release/11122914-Aron-Ottignon-Team-Aquatic](https://www.discogs.com/release/11122914-Aron-Ottignon-Team-Aquatic?ref=urbantroutrecords.com)

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0b/f7/0bf7026a-6679-47d1-81f8-2e4ef169b204/content/images/2026/03/R-11122914-1510265389-1985.jpg)](https://www.discogs.com/release/11122914-Aron-Ottignon-Team-Aquatic?ref=urbantroutrecords.com)

Have a great week.   
And thanks for the read  
Aron