Nik Bartsch is a Swiss pianist and composer. He formed Mobile in 1997 and later, Ronin in 2001. He’s released 14 albums with one of these groups or another, as well as the solo outing, Entendre, in 2021.

Before he was even 10 years old, he was playing music. His formal studies began at the Zurich Musikhochschule where he graduated with a degree in classical music. He continued at the University of Zurich, where he expanded his courses to include linguistics, musicology, and philosophy. He became interested in avant-garde composers like Steve Reich and John Cage as well as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, blues, and gospel. These myriad influences led to the synthesis of his sound, often called zen funk, a nod not only to his eclectic musical pursuits but also of his interest in the Japanese zen culture.

His work with Ronin, which he describes as “ritual groove music” has resulted in the bulk of his catalog. The group’s latest, Spin, was released at the end of November 2024. Coinciding with the record’s release was a documentary film from Emmy and BAFTA award winner, Julian Phillips. Jazzwise praises the album, noting its “immense lyricism or rhythmic intensity that often catch one unawares, and by turns is hugely rewarding.” Ronin’s current line-up is Bärtsch on piano and keyboards), Sha bass clarinet and alto saxophone reeds, bassist Jeremias Keller and drummer Kaspar Rast.