Michael Wollny, one of the world’s most unique, creatively limitless pianists, returns with a new trio, a new album and a string of UK tour dates in 2014.
Michael Wollny’s trademark unpredictability and an unquenchable thirst for invention and reinvention have set him apart from his peers. One of the world’s most unique pianists, he reinvigorated the European jazz scene with his trio [em], receiving widespread critical acclaim for their 5 ACT albums and delighted crowds the world over with their explosive live performances. His latest album, Weltentraum, is a stunning example of contemporary piano jazz in the hands of a unique, fluidly virtuoso artist.
In spite of being a romantically lyrical virtuoso, Wollny’s subtly investigative approach to improvisation always steers him away from the overly sentimental. What essentially draws Wollny to the fascinating selection of material on Weltentraum is, he says, an endless love of melodies. “Simplicity as space that allows the trio to grow stuff on top of it,” Wollny calls it. “These are simple resonances that lay the ground for complex improv.”
With performances variously described as energetic and ecstatic, mysterious and contemplative, melancholic and boundless, this is a group “clearly going places” (Jazzwise)
Michael Wollny – Piano
Christian Weber – Bass
Eric Schaefer – Drums
“this is clear-headed improv for the 21st century” (BBC Music Magazine)
“Arguably the finest jazz album of the last quarter of a century” (Stuart Nicholson, Jazzwise)
“one of the most exciting recent developments in European jazz” (The Guardian)