One of the many projects led by Swiss musician and composer Markus Stauss, started as a trio and later (2017) evolved into a quintet, with a slight change of name, now: Markus Stauss Artgenossen / Companions. The music presents both a powerful modern jazz side with elaborated, intellectual improvisations and another one - more direct and physical - that leans towards rock and its progressive aspects (early King Crimson or Van Der Graaf Generator may come to mind). The players - the companions - have all been seen and heard in several of the other projects led by the leader, acquaintances from long time or new recruits but always with a strong sense of belonging to a tight and proved musical family.