The Dorf was an avant-garde jazz big band from the Ruhrgebiet region of Germany, founded in 2006 by saxophonist and composer Jan Klare. The ensemble initially served as the house band of the Dortmund Jazzclub Domicil, beginning with around 15 members before ultimately comprising approximately 25 musicians. Their self-titled debut album, The Dorf, was released in 2008 on Leo Records. In 2013, the group received the Jazzpreis Ruhr. Their discography included releases such as Live (2013), featuring FM Einheit, and evyL (2015), which featured collaborations with Caspar Brötzmann and FM Einheit. In 2020, The Dorf was awarded the WDR Jazzpreis Ehrenpreis. The ensemble performed at festivals including Moers Festival, Zappanale, and Pop-Kultur Festival Berlin, and collaborated with artists such as Phill Niblock and Stian Westerhus. Their later projects included themed works such as Protest Possible (2021).
