Jazz Drummer

Xaver Hellmeier

Xaver Hellmeier

Xaver Hellmeier has established himself as one of the leading jazz drummers in Europe. His playing combines stylistic influences from the masters of the craft, such as Billy Higgins, Louis Hayes, Art Blakey, Art Taylor, Kenny Clarke, Mickey Roker, Philly Joe Jones and Max Roach.


Known for his sense of swing, sophisticated accompaniment and his notably melodic and imaginative soloing, he has been described by the press as “a revelation“ (Markus Reitinger. Merkur) and “extraordinary interesting“ (Barbara Heigl, Südostnews).

on tour

Would you like to make a reservation / buy a ticket for any of my upcoming performances?
Please click below and leave me a message.

Coming up

International Tours with Brad Leali, David Hazeltine, Lucy Wjinands, Fabien Mary, Jesse Davis

coming up

A Highlight of 2026:

Claus Raible – Brad Leali Quintett

CD-Release Tour for Enja Records

Jazzworkshop

I’ll be teaching at the prestigous Jazzsummercamp Burghausen again!

FAbien Mary Quartett

Another Tour through Germany & Austria with the legendary french trumpeter

Dena Derose TRIO

Dena will come back to Vogler’s Jazzbar!

Latest Record

David Sauzay featuring David Hazeltine – Family Spirit

We All Love Eddie Harris
04:01
Short Stack

05:15

Samba Del Camino

06:14

The Spirit Of Alice

07:05

Bossa For All

06:08

Following the Fox

07:13

Pearls

05:39

Ease It

04:41

Articles

Donaukurier || 04.10.2022

Great review of „X-Man in New York“ by Jack Bowers

Fantastic review of „Family Spirit“ by Jean-Michel Schlosser

One of my favorite quotes is by the great drummer Art Blakey: “Jazz washes away the dust of every day life.” I was lucky to experience this myself many times watching iconic musicians such as Harold Mabern, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman & Lou Donaldson while spending time in New York .
Each time I perform, I try to share this feeling of joy, love and excitement for the music, just as the masters have done for me.

– Xaver Hellmeier