Kolibri Records

Kolibri Records based in Zurich, Switzerland, specialises in producing high-quality audiophile music on reel-to-reel tapes, LPs (pressed by Pallas Germany), and CDs. The music released generally falls into blues, soul, swing, funk, rock, and jazz genres. The label is owned by musician Tommy Schneider.

Releases predominantly feature music by Tommy Schneider & Friends (including Adrian Stern, Philippe Chrétien, and Hans Peter Bartsch) and the group SOS.

Tommy Schneider & Friends - Swiss Groove, Soul & Analogue Warmth

Tommy Schneider & Friends brings together some of Switzerland’s accomplished musicians for recordings driven by groove, warmth, dynamics and musical spontaneity. Moving naturally between blues, soul, swing, funk, jazz and touches of rock, the music combines powerful rhythm sections with expressive instrumental performances and the unmistakable character of the Hammond organ.

Released through Kolibri Records, these recordings reflect the label’s commitment to high-quality physical music formats, including LP, CD and selected reel-to-reel tape editions.

The Musicians

Adrian Stern
Born in Zurich in 1975, Adrian Stern is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. Alongside his own recording career, he has performed with numerous established Swiss musicians. His versatility and musical sensitivity make him a natural contributor to the Tommy Schneider projects.

Philippe Chrétien
Born in Basel in 1958, Philippe Chrétien began with piano and trumpet before turning to tenor saxophone in 1979. Over the years he developed a highly individual sound distinguished by a powerful tone and expressive musical sensitivity. His saxophone gives these recordings an unmistakable character.

Hans Peter Bartsch
Born in 1966 and originating from the Frankfurt am Main region of Germany, Hans Peter Bartsch is an experienced session drummer and pianist. His adaptability across different styles makes him particularly suited to the wide-ranging musical language of Tommy Schneider’s projects.

Massimo Buonanno
Born in Egnach, Switzerland, in 1985, Massimo Buonanno is an experienced live drummer who has performed extensively with artists including Seven, Gregor Meyle and Claude Diallo Situation. His energetic, precise playing brings drive and immediacy to the recordings.

Tommy Schneider
Born in Zurich in 1962, Tommy Schneider is a composer, flautist, Hammond organist and producer. His recordings are characterised by a distinctive combination of jazz, blues, soul and funk, with the Hammond organ frequently at the centre of the sound. His playing explores the instrument’s full range of colours—from subtle warmth to powerful, dynamic passages.

Enjoy Music Played & Composed by Tommy Schneider

These recordings are made for listeners who appreciate musicians playing together with energy, personality and a genuine sense of groove.

For analogue enthusiasts, selected Kolibri Records reel-to-reel releases offer another way to experience this music on magnetic tape. Professional master-tape editions are commonly produced using high-speed, two-track configurations such as ¼-inch tape at 15 ips, although the exact specification should always be checked for each individual release.

Discover Music on Reel Tape
Explore master-quality and audiophile reel-to-reel releases distributed through OpenReelToReel Group and available from specialist retailers including The Sound of Tape.

Explore Kolibri Records
Discover the label’s catalogue of distinctive Swiss jazz, groove, funk and audiophile recordings across reel tape, vinyl and compact disc.

Music For Life | Audiophile Quality - Hear What You’ve Been Missing.