Michael Wollny – Nachtfahrten
The themes of night/moon/blue serve as the backdrop for pianist Michael Wollny‘s new album. The much talked-about musician ranks among the most important and imaginative young musicians in Germany. The melancholy of “Questions In A World Of Blue” from “Twin Peaks” is like a common thread that reappears here more than once. But the trio with Christian Weber on bass and Eric Schaefer on drums opens up a few times like on the lively “Motette No. 1”.
But most of the time this is a pretty introverted, contemplative set of fourteen songs which also includes a piece by the French, medieval composer Guillaume de Machaut (“De Desconfort”). And most of Michael’s own compositions fit right in and underline the somber disposition. Probably just perfect for the upcoming dark November. Some of his solo playing here, like on “Metzengerstein”, comes close to what Keith Jarrett did on one of his many solo records. Still, the tension and relief aspects are abundant throughout. Eric Schaefer‘s “Ellen” almost comes as a welcome surprise.
Michael must have a knack for the romantic side of things. He described his first solo album “Hexentanz” as “Gothic Music”; some of that finds its way to his new album as well. Just check out “Marion” from “Psycho” where the ghastly atmosphere is kept alive, but always with a touch of sweetness and beauty. Or his deconstruction of “Au Clair De La Lune”. It’s this somewhat antithetic motif that defines the appeal of the record.
Michael and his trio start their record release tour this Wednesday:
10/28 Berlin, Kammermusiksaal
10/30 Munich, Prinzregententheater
10/31 Memmingen, Maximilian Kolbe Haus
11/01 Stuttgart, Theaterhaus
11/02 Ludwigshafen, BASF-Feierabendhaus
11/03 Hannover, Theater am Aegi
11/04 Bremen, Die Glocke
11/05 Kreuztal, Stadthalle
11/06 Düsseldorf, Robert-Schumann-Saal
11/07 Dortmund, Konzerthaus
11/08 Straßburg, Jazzdor Festival
11/09 Frankfurt, Alte Oper
11/11 Erlangen, E-Werk
11/12 Karlsruhe, Tollhaus
11/13 Hamburg, Laeiszhalle
