THEO BLECKMANN - Elegy
ECM 479 9717
Theo Bleckmann (voice); Ben Monder (guitar); Shai Maestro (piano); Chris Tordini (double bass); John Hollenbeck (drums)
Recorded January 2016
The German born, but New York resident, Theo Bleckmann is a somewhat stand alone figure as far as jazz singers go, whatever that term may mean. He certainly does not swing by any conventional definition but his voice moves with the music both rhythmically and harmonically using his sound often in an ambient manner, sans words, that create a uniquely individual space in which he can work.
Bleckmann was heard to great effect in pianist Julia Hülsmann's beguiling set of predominantly Kurt Weill songs, A Clear Midnight, which presented a startlingly original context for the singer, but this is his debut release for ECM as leader and it his own personal musical vision that he is anxious to present. To this end he has written ten original pieces, although only two have words. To these original pieces he has also incorporated his own music with the words of Chiao Jan (from The Poetry of Zen), 'To Be Shown To Monks At A Certain Temple' along with a cover of 'Comedy Tonight' by Stephen Sondheim that is considerably far removed from the composers intentions, slowing this usually upbeat song down and arranging it in memoriam for his mother who recently passed away.
In a album that has a sombre air prevailing over it, Bleckmann's takes death and transcendence as his theme for the set, there is much to raise the spirit. His use of the rhythm section of is often purely functional as he exploits the atmospheric blending of voice and guitar to often stunning effect, a device that works especially potently on 'The Mission' and 'Elegy' with Monder's unworldly cries. I have found the guitarist to be a bit of an enigma, and have found his playing on other peoples recording far more satisfying than on his own dates, and this is once again borne out here, and his contribution to 'Wither' must rank as one of his best on record.
Remaining true to it's overall theme, another side to Bleckmann's writing is the upbeat music heard on 'Take My Life' with it's buoyant rhythm and dancing piano motif at odds with the lyrics that talk of dying a little at at time and gradually losing one's facilities, "Take my voice, Then take my heart", the voice sings over such a joyful musical backdrop that is oddly uplifting yet similarly disconcerting by turns.
The singer has often expressed his interest in sound, and this he has brought to the fore with this testing and ultimately rewarding release. Bleckmann's vision manifests itself in the overall sound of the music, utilising Shai Maestro's delicate touch at the piano as an orchestrator for the ensemble spelling out the harmonies and guiding the main action and dialogue for singer and guitarist.
Not a record to play to late at night for gentle relaxation, or when a quick lift of spirits is required, but music to sit and listen to when contemplation is the order of the day.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 479 9717
Theo Bleckmann (voice); Ben Monder (guitar); Shai Maestro (piano); Chris Tordini (double bass); John Hollenbeck (drums)
Recorded January 2016
The German born, but New York resident, Theo Bleckmann is a somewhat stand alone figure as far as jazz singers go, whatever that term may mean. He certainly does not swing by any conventional definition but his voice moves with the music both rhythmically and harmonically using his sound often in an ambient manner, sans words, that create a uniquely individual space in which he can work.
Bleckmann was heard to great effect in pianist Julia Hülsmann's beguiling set of predominantly Kurt Weill songs, A Clear Midnight, which presented a startlingly original context for the singer, but this is his debut release for ECM as leader and it his own personal musical vision that he is anxious to present. To this end he has written ten original pieces, although only two have words. To these original pieces he has also incorporated his own music with the words of Chiao Jan (from The Poetry of Zen), 'To Be Shown To Monks At A Certain Temple' along with a cover of 'Comedy Tonight' by Stephen Sondheim that is considerably far removed from the composers intentions, slowing this usually upbeat song down and arranging it in memoriam for his mother who recently passed away.
In a album that has a sombre air prevailing over it, Bleckmann's takes death and transcendence as his theme for the set, there is much to raise the spirit. His use of the rhythm section of is often purely functional as he exploits the atmospheric blending of voice and guitar to often stunning effect, a device that works especially potently on 'The Mission' and 'Elegy' with Monder's unworldly cries. I have found the guitarist to be a bit of an enigma, and have found his playing on other peoples recording far more satisfying than on his own dates, and this is once again borne out here, and his contribution to 'Wither' must rank as one of his best on record.
Remaining true to it's overall theme, another side to Bleckmann's writing is the upbeat music heard on 'Take My Life' with it's buoyant rhythm and dancing piano motif at odds with the lyrics that talk of dying a little at at time and gradually losing one's facilities, "Take my voice, Then take my heart", the voice sings over such a joyful musical backdrop that is oddly uplifting yet similarly disconcerting by turns.
The singer has often expressed his interest in sound, and this he has brought to the fore with this testing and ultimately rewarding release. Bleckmann's vision manifests itself in the overall sound of the music, utilising Shai Maestro's delicate touch at the piano as an orchestrator for the ensemble spelling out the harmonies and guiding the main action and dialogue for singer and guitarist.
Not a record to play to late at night for gentle relaxation, or when a quick lift of spirits is required, but music to sit and listen to when contemplation is the order of the day.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
