| Jazz |
If you have followed us for a long time, you know that, for us, Michael Wollny stands as one of the most forward-thinking European composers and pianists, having pushed the boundaries of how classical music and jazz can coexist. Living Ghosts goes against the grain of our times: instead of a collection of short, standalone tracks, it presents four expansive “sets.” It is the antithesis of a culture built on zapping between content or fragmenting art into easily digestible morsels. This music transcends categorical borders, demanding the listener’s full attention and rewarding them with a profoundly sensory experience. As always, Michael Wollny demonstrates that he is an exception to every rule. Alongside the pianist, the trio features two equally fascinating artists: bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Eric Schaefer.
Since the release of their last studio album, Ghosts (2020, co-conceived and co-produced with Andreas Brandis), the Michael Wollny Trio has performed its repertoire in a remarkable range of venues—from intimate clubs to classical concert halls to sprawling outdoor festivals. At times, the trio plays entirely acoustically; at others, they weave together electronic and acoustic sounds. Reflecting on this journey, Wollny remarks: “The concerts have become wondrous sessions where the ghosts of the trio’s repertoire visit us at will. Some nights, they appear briefly, vanishing after just a few measures. At other times, motifs within a theme stretch and weave new tales.”
This is a timeless album—one that quickly draws you in, clings to your very essence, and requires attentive listening to fully grasp and interpret its works. It is not the kind of record that can simply hum along in the background; once seated, you are enraptured by its musical propositions and the impeccable synergy between these three artists. The repertoire of Living Ghosts extends far beyond the tracks of Ghosts, encompassing the decade-long collaboration of Wollny, Schaefer, and Lefebvre, dating back to the release of Weltentraum in 2014. That album marked a turning point for Wollny, propelling him onto more prestigious stages—and it remains one of those rare jazz records that find their way into the collections and playlists of those who seldom listen to jazz. Thanks to their consistent schedule of live performances, the trio’s repertoire has continued to evolve over the years. Time and again, Wollny, Schaefer, and Lefebvre carve out new spaces within their pieces, collectively searching for fresh, unprecedented music. Thus, their original compositions often serve merely as launching points for these shared musical explorations.
Among these musicians, there exists an innate sense of musicality. While the album is deeply rooted in jazz, it is ultimately the fruit of collective imagination within a much broader framework. The works are captivating in myriad ways. Wollny has collaborated with drummer Eric Schaefer for more than two decades. Schaefer’s drumming is unparalleled: from the softest whispers to the most thunderous outbursts, he transcends the instrument’s conventions with a playful, almost childlike spirit, balanced by profound mastery across genres, from contemporary music to heavy rock. Wollny and Schaefer share a profound familiarity forged through thousands of encounters, continually surprising and challenging one another. The trio is anchored by American bassist Tim Lefebvre, a luminary of his instrument who has worked with artists as diverse as David Bowie, the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Donny McCaslin, and Wayne Krantz.
To categorize this album as merely “essential” feels woefully inadequate in the face of such artistry. So, let us console ourselves by proclaiming it the first must-listen record for February…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 19th 2024
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