Double Moon Records has released Dünyalar, the latest album by electric bassist Achim Seifert. With a career spanning over a decade, Seifert has garnered critical acclaim, including a nomination for the prestigious Echo Jazz Award as the “Best Bassist National” in 2016. Dünyalar marks his fourth album, highlighting his deep exploration of musical roots, particularly inspired by his Turkish heritage.
Seifert’s connection with Turkish and Arabic music, stemming from his childhood experiences and his father’s influence, laid the foundation for the creation of Dünyalar. In his own words, Seifert explains, “The new album represents a personal voyage into my Turkish roots, which are an integral part of my identity.” Graciously provided with sheet music by his family in Turkey, he meticulously selected five compositions from a vast array of choices, breathing new life into these cherished pieces through his arrangements.
The songs within Dünyalar resonate with a poetic sound language that revolves around captivating melodies and rhythmic intricacies. Seifert’s selection process prioritized the songs’ melodic qualities, while also recognizing the significance of rhythmic finesse. Turkish music, characterized by its utilization of odd time signatures, presents a playground of possibilities for Seifert, particularly as a bass player. With consummate ease, the Achim Seifert Project masterfully interprets these unconventional rhythms, capturing the listeners’ attention, all the while leaving ample room for spontaneous improvisation.
The musicians involved possess an astute awareness of the thematic underpinnings of the songs, as Seifert notes, “They often embody love songs that provide solace, evoking a sense of longing and reflection upon missed opportunities. The songs exude melancholy, yet they offer hope and are imbued with profound emotionality.” Integrating these songs into a Western jazz framework requires a delicate balance, a symbiosis of diverse musical traditions.
In addition to the reimagined Turkish songs, Seifert’s artistic vision extends to three original compositions on the album, some of which were co-produced with pianist Roman Rofalski. Recounting their longstanding relationship, Seifert remarks, “I have had the pleasure of knowing Roman Rofalski for an extensive period. He embodies a musical border-crosser, having studied classical piano alongside jazz, which enriches his approach. His exceptional piano skills reflect his classical roots when he engages in improvisation.”
Guiding the musical journey is saxophonist and clarinetist Leonard Huhn, from the band Schmid’s Huhn. Reflecting on their first encounter seventeen years ago at a workshop in Berlin, Seifert’s admiration for Huhn’s distinctive sound and musical aesthetic is evident.
Huhn, known for his involvement in Cologne’s avant-garde scene, adds an admirable creative dimension to the album.
The percussive foundation is expertly provided by Konrad Ullrich, a drummer with impeccable rhythmic sensibilities. Ullrich’s inventive style, coupled with his innate groove, plays an integral role in enhancing the essence of Seifert’s music.
Flutist Sarpay Özcagatay and violinist Mona Burger further enrich the album with their skillful and engaging performances
Buy Dünyalar.
Author: Douglas Sanders
