A Remarkable Photo Journey into Jazz History: Visiting the Legendary MPS Studio in the Black Forest (Villingen-Schwenningen)

As a photographer and true lover of historic spaces – especially those filled with real character and acoustic magic – I recently had the great honor, thanks to the kindness of the board of MPS-Studio e.V., to visit and photograph the legendary music studio in my hometown, Villingen-Schwenningen in Germany. And since I am a big jazz lover, this visit was a heartfelt experience for me.

Why this studio is so globally important

The studio, now known as MPS Studio, was built on the legacy of the SABA recording facility under the leadership of Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer (HGBS). The name MPS stands for “Musik Produktion Schwarzwald” – in English, Music Production Black Forest – reflecting both the region and the studio’s ambition. (en.wikipedia.org)

Thanks to its uncompromising analogue technology and focus on jazz, the studio and label achieved worldwide recognition. Among those who recorded there were legends such as Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Monty Alexander and many more. (mps-studio.de)

Founding and evolution

Its beginnings date back to the late 1950s, when Brunner-Schwer installed a small studio in his villa in Villingen – equipped with high-end analogue technology, pioneering stereo systems and a deep passion for sound. (mps-studio.de) In 1968, the label was officially established under the name MPS. (de.wikipedia.org)

During the 1960s and 1970s, countless outstanding recordings were made in this Black Forest studio – its acoustics and equipment became legendary benchmarks worldwide.

Today: the studio in 2025 and my visit

Today, the studio is run by the MPS-Studio e.V. association and regularly opens its doors for guided tours, studio concerts and events. (mps-studio.de) I had the opportunity to photograph the historic rooms, the original analogue machinery and the unmistakable atmosphere of a space where musicians have created sonic masterpieces for decades.

I love such old spaces – spaces full of story, sound and soul. While photographing, I could feel the echo of past sessions, the whisper of magnetic tape, and the soft hum of tube amplifiers – and that made the experience unforgettable.

Many world-renowned artists such as Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Monty Alexander and others have walked these halls and shaped music history here. They especially loved coming to Villingen for the exceptional hospitality they were always shown – a place where they felt both welcome and inspired.

I hope that my photographs build a bridge: between experts who appreciate analog technology, history and ambience, and all those who are simply fascinated by a unique place where musical history continues to live on. Vladimir Zivkovic