*1997 Darmstadt, Germany

Being a conduit for emotion and awareness through the bass has always been a goal for Jan Portisch. Through his open-minded approach and putting "music first" he is quick to adapt in any musical environment. Having explored a multitude of genres like classical music, rock, R&B, contemporary jazz, free improvisation and many non-western styles makes him an experienced and well-rounded addition to any ensemble.

After studying in Weimar and Köln, he further expands his musical understanding at Berklee College of Music. While having the primary goal of becoming a free lancing musician, Jan is additionally pursuing a Minor in Music and Health while also being part of  the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, the Global Jazz Institute and Berklee's Interdisciplinary Arts Institute to take his music beyond pure entertainment.

He studied, worked and performed with musicians like Dieter Manderscheid, Robert Landfermann, Manfred Bründl, Samara Joy, Peter Ehwald, Norma Winstone,  Joe Sanders, Greg Hutchinson, Greg Loughman, Anette von Eichel, Marlies Debacker, Edmar Colon, John Lockwood, Jonas Burgwinkel, Albino Mbie, Xero Abbas, Curtis Stigers, Max Mutzke,  Bruno Raberg, John Patitucci, Linda Oh, Susan Hagen, Francesco Mela, Theresia Philipp.

During his time as Berklee he became an essential part of Boston's College Musical Theater scene and was part of many productions with Boston University, Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.

Jan's main goal is to connect, interact and plainly just have a good time with any musician he crosses paths with. Music is nature, emotion, live, has always been here and will forever stay once we are gone, and is one of the most powerful things in transcending social and mostly man(*men)-made barriers.

When not performing, teaching, or touring he enjoys writing short Biographies about himself in third person while gently sipping on a hot cup of coffee.