Oliver Schwerdt: Fucking Ballads

Pianist Oliver Schwerdt's Fucking Ballads is not just an album title; it is a declaration of sonic defiance, a rallying cry for those who dare to challenge the status quo. The juxtaposition of the genteel term "ballads" with the bold expletive "fucking" sets the stage for a musical escapade that is as cheeky as it is profound.

From the opening notes of the album, Schwerdt and his ensemble are on a mission to disrupt the conventions of jazz. The two tracks unfold like a series of musical provocations. Schwerdt's piano leads the charge into parts unknown as the dissonance and melodies twist and turn with reckless abandon, defying expectations at every turn.

But amidst the semi-controlled chaos, there is a method to the madness. Schwerdt and his esteemed cohorts traverse the harmonic landscape with the precision of seasoned navigators, weaving disparate elements together into a cohesive tapestry of sound. The result is a collection of "ballads" that are as unpredictable as they are exhilarating—a testament to the boundless possibilities of musical expression.

The true beauty lies in embracing the chaos. And yet, for all its rebellious spirit, there is a sense of reverence that underpins the album's sonic explorations. Schwerdt and his ensemble pay homage to jazz traditions even as they subvert them. With Barry Guy's bass rumbling like thunder and Gunter Baby Sommer's drums propelling the music forward with relentless energy amid shifty treatments on his cymbals, and other percussion instruments, each track on the album becomes a sonic escapade.

Together, the trio creates a symphony of rebellion—a harmonious cacophony with Guy's sawing arco lines and themes that start, abruptly stop, rise, fall and project stark free-form interplay that challenges listeners to rethink their preconceived notions of what jazz can be. With these two pieces, the concept of time and matter takes a sabbatical, leaving us scratching our heads in delightful confusion.

It is a rollercoaster ride that will have the listener pondering the meaning of existence one moment and laughing at the absurdity of it all the next. Welcome to the quantum playground of Fucking Ballads, where time is just a suggestion and matter is happily jamming along. Thus, the album is a revolution waiting to be heard. Are you ready to join the rebellion?

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