Unlocking the Rhythm of the Soul: A Drummer's Journey Through Improvisation

In the captivating world of improvised music, one drummer's story stands out as a testament to the power of self-expression and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Through a series of insightful interviews, we delve into the mind and experiences of this remarkable musician, uncovering the joys, challenges, and inspirations that shape their musical journey.

Discovering the Rhythm of Life

The Joy of Improvisation

Improvisation is not just a technique for this drummer; it is a way of life. "It's only when I improvise on my drums that I completely feel like myself," they reveal. "Playing and improvising is a necessity for me to stay sane. It is my most natural form of expression." The act of improvising together, they explain, allows for a profound connection with fellow musicians, revealing the core of one's being without the need for words. "The musicians have their own unique voice, and these voices are distinctive and not interchangeable. I am interested in virtuosity, but even more in integrity. And I enjoy playing with musicians who enjoy playing (with me)."

The Essence of Music-Making

For this drummer, the joy of music-making lies not in the pursuit of perfection, but in the pure act of playing. "I don't play primarily for the result, but for the joy of playing. There may be other ways to produce good music, like writing scores or putting sounds together on a computer, but that's not what interests me most. Of course, I'm happy if the result of the playing is good music, but playing as such is best when it has no other purpose than playing."

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present

When asked about historical musicians and composers they admire, the drummer's response is a testament to their reverence for the greats. "That would probably be Duke Ellington. Or maybe Sun Ra? Lester Young? Bach? Ravel? But really anyone who has spent their life making beautiful music. It's not the easiest thing to do." However, the drummer is firmly grounded in the present, acknowledging that "We played who we were at the time. You can't re-create that. You can't copy that. It could only happen once." They are content with the musicians they currently perform with, believing that "there are enough living musicians out there that I can have a lot of fun playing with."

Embracing the Unexpected

The drummer's approach to their musical journey is one of openness and adaptability. When asked about their aspirations, they express gratitude for the path they've taken, stating, "With my family background, it was highly unlikely that I would ever become a musician, let alone make a living at it. So I'm happy that I got this far. And my biggest wish is that I can continue to play until the end and enjoy it as much as I do now." They even entertain the idea of a solo album, acknowledging that "maybe one day I will dare to record a solo album to find out what kind of music is left when no one is playing with me."

Navigating the Rhythms of Life

The drummer's relationship with popular music is one of curiosity and discernment. "If by popular music you mean what the majority listens to, I'm not particularly familiar with the current state of it. Occasionally, I'll hear something that piques my curiosity, but that's regardless of genre." However, they do have a deep appreciation for the rhythmic qualities that resonate with them, stating, "You can call it swing or whatever you want. For me, this rhythmic feeling is not limited to jazz, but is something deeply human. If the rhythm is too rigid, I usually lose interest very quickly."

Embracing Imperfection

The drummer's self-reflection reveals a sense of contentment and self-acceptance. "I'm at ease where I am right now. It hasn't been easy to get there, but I feel I'm in a good place now." They acknowledge their "social awkwardness" as a trait they sometimes wish to overcome, but also recognize the benefits it brings, such as going to bed earlier. This balanced perspective allows the drummer to embrace their unique qualities and find joy in the present moment.

Cherishing the Creative Journey

The drummer's discography reflects their dedication to their craft and the evolution of their artistic expression. They take pride in their early work, such as the 1993 sextet recording "Proust" and the 1992 trio album "Pastete Souzeraine," which they feel were pivotal in shaping the "Berlin jazz sound" of the 1990s. More recently, the drummer's work with the group Oùat, featuring Simon Sieger and Joel Grip, has become a source of deep personal fulfillment, as they've "built a level of trust that has allowed us to grow beyond what we thought was possible."

Reflecting on the Musical Landscape

The drummer's relationship with their own recordings is one of thoughtful consideration. "I try not to put out music that I wouldn't want to listen to myself. But since I've usually listened to my music a lot by the time it's released, it can take a while before I want to listen to it again." They find joy in revisiting their past work, acknowledging that "sometimes it's nice to put on one of the old recordings to see if you're still in tune with your younger self."

Embracing a Lifetime of Musical Exploration

The drummer's musical journey has been shaped by a diverse array of influences, from the powerful drumming of Gene Krupa to the groundbreaking works of Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Ornette Coleman. These formative experiences have instilled in them a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical expression, from the jazz classics to the avant-garde. As they continue to explore and evolve, the drummer remains open to the endless possibilities that the musical world has to offer, finding inspiration in the works of visual artists like Kurt Schwitters and Marcel Duchamp, as well as the unwavering determination of those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of beauty through sound.