æpəˈfiːni.ə The psychological tendency to recognize patterns/connections between seemingly random data; schizophrenia symptom.

Apophenia is a quartet  with the aim of exploring music that eliminates the barrier between composition and improvisation, asking the question “to what extent can you distort and mutate an initial idea without taking away its character?”

It is always about creating antagonistic relationships between instrumentalists and allowing each player to have enough autonomy to decide in real time how a section or piece should be played

Influenced by the likes of Peter Evans and Eric Dolphy, Prötzeler showcases a language derived from jazz, contemporary music and free improvisation, creating a hybrid and energetic aesthetic in constant metamorphosis. Each piece functions as a basis for collective improvisation and as a source of ideas, more than a grid or form.

Prötzeler was one of the four nominees for the Portuguese RTP Play award for best Jazz album 2023.

Here is new proof, if necessary, of the phase of enormous vitality that national jazz crosses, by the hand of four musicians belonging to a new generation with a lot to say and that perseveres in not allowing themselves to be policed

António branco (Jazz.pt)

What is more important is originality and I think within the idiom these guys are the business. The writing is absorbing and there is plenty of puckish spirit.

Stephen Marlbank (Marlbank)