Free Music Production: A New Chapter for a Jazz Legend
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The iconic German free jazz label FMP finds new life with a relaunch and celebratory festival.
FMP’s Enduring Legacy
Free Music Production (FMP), a cornerstone of German free jazz, is embarking on a revitalized journey. Founded in 1969 by visionary musicians Peter Brötzmann, Peter Kowald, Alexander von Schlippenbach, and producer Jost Gebers, FMP became synonymous with groundbreaking recordings from both German and international artists. The label’s catalogue boasts a wealth of classic albums that continue to influence contemporary music.
FMP’s initial vision was to provide a platform for uncompromising artistic expression, free from commercial constraints. This ethos resonated deeply within the burgeoning free jazz scene,attracting a diverse array of talent.
Resurrection and Relocation
After navigating a complex history and ceasing operations in 2011, FMP experienced a resurgence last year. New releases have emerged,signaling a renewed commitment to its original mission. adding to this momentum, FMP has established a shared headquarters with Wolke Verlag at FMP 1 (Franz Mehring Platz 1), within the publishing house Neues Deutschland. This strategic alliance promises to foster collaboration and expand FMP’s reach.
A Three-Day Festivity of Sound
To commemorate this new beginning, FMP is hosting a three-day festival, commencing this Friday. The event features an impressive lineup of concerts, scheduled hourly until late into the night. The festival emphasizes emerging talents in jazz and improvisation, while also honoring FMP’s heritage. Alexander von Schlippenbach, the sole surviving founder, will participate musically in the festivities, bridging the past and present. Complementing the musical performances are sound installations by Svetlana Maraš and Jan Werner, adding another layer of artistic exploration. True to its spirit, admission to the festival is free (April 25th from 6 PM, April 26th from 3 PM, April 27th from 11:30 AM).
The Art of Noise: Steve Roden’s Influence
The festival’s focus on improvisation and sonic exploration aligns with a broader recognition for noise as a musical element. The late artist Steve Roden, known as in be tween noise, exemplified this approach. Roden’s multidisciplinary work, encompassing painting, sculpture, sound, and video art, highlighted the subtle nuances and rich textures within seemingly chaotic soundscapes.
As Roden himself stated,
Noise is not simply the absence of signal; it is a complex and often stunning phenomenon in its own right.Steve Roden
Berlin’s Sonic Landscape: A Week of Memorials, Jazz, and Feedback
Exploring the diverse soundscapes of Berlin, from tributes to avant-garde pioneers to the raw energy of experimental orchestras.
A Memorial to Sound Artist Robert Roden
This Sunday, Berlin’s Hörgalerie Singuhr, in collaboration with Silent Green, will host an eight-hour tribute concert titled In be Tween Noise,
honoring the late sound artist Robert Roden. The event, commemorating what would have been Roden’s 61st birthday, will feature works designed for speakers. Attendees are welcome to enter at any point during the event, which runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a 5 euro admission fee.
Roden, who passed away in Los Angeles in 2023, was known for his innovative approach to sound installations. His work frequently enough involved translating abstract concepts into tangible auditory experiences, a process that, while seemingly academic, resulted in compelling and immersive art.Roden’s unique methodology involved developing his own notation systems, which were then adapted to various artistic mediums.
Jan Garbarek Group: A Jazz Legend Returns
For those seeking a different auditory experience, Tuesday offers a chance to witness a defining figure in European jazz: Jan Garbarek. While perhaps not as widely recognized for avant-garde experimentation, Garbarek’s distinctive soprano saxophone tone has cemented his status as a key figure on the ECM label and a leading voice in a particular style of spatial and evocative jazz.
garbarek will grace the Philharmonie stage with the Jan Garbarek Group. Joining him are long-time collaborators rainer Brüninghaus on piano and Yuri Daniel on bass. This performance also features the percussion virtuosity of Trilok Gurtu. While nostalgia might play a role, the evening promises a showcase of extraordinary musicianship.Tickets are available in advance starting from 37.50 euros for the 8 p.m. show on April 29th.
Jan Garbarek’s shining tone of his soprano saxophone made him one of the figureheads of the ECM label and one of the main representatives of a style and spatiality.
Feedback Orchestra: A Sonic Assault on the Senses
In stark contrast to the spatial jazz of Garbarek, Wednesday offers an experience of dense frequencies and high decibel levels courtesy of FBO, the Feedback Orchestra.Founded in Berlin in 1999, this ensemble creates a unique sonic landscape through layered guitar feedback, performed by musicians arranged in a circle.
the upcoming performance at the Galiläakirche will feature a mix of core members and guest musicians, including Herman Herrmann, Günter Schickert, Kerl Fieser, Zeppy Haus, Giles Schumm, Hendrik Kröz, Dirk dresselhaus, and Ansgar Wilken. Attendees should be prepared for a loud and intense experience.The performance is scheduled for April 30th at 7:30 p.m.
