Roedelius Plays Piano - Hans Joachim Roedelius Album Review

Hans-Joachim Roedelius - Image: www.fluid-radio.co.uk
Hans-Joachim Roedelius
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Album Review

The German neo-classical and ambient composer, arranger, producer and, dare I suggest enigma, is fast-approaching 80 years old, yet Hans-Joachim Roedelius' recent output suggests that he's showing no sign of letting up from recording or releasing. This album, however, is a retrospective document taken from a live solo performance at the Bloomsbury Theatre during the mid-'80s, part of a string of shows arranged to herald Roedelius' change in creative direction.

Formerly an electronic artist familiar to fans of the '70s prog-electro outfit Cluster, Hans-Joachim's ability to fuse expressionism with minimalism became renowned. Later output however, took the affable keyboardist from the clutches of prog to a land of Brian Eno and Editions EG and it's from this era that this spotless 21-track live recording originates. Supported by Eno and U2's The Edge, the show must have quite a success - this is some of the most elegiac, the most exquisite and simplistic treasure to have come from the man's fingers.

There are no titles, no tricks, just tracks 1 to 21 and pretty melodies that neither excite nor offend - they simply soothe and enlighten, all lightly hammered out on a Bosendorfer and respectfully mastered by Tim Story, another ambient luminary from the days of Windham Hill and Unison Records. Timeless, indeed. Curiously, Roedelius has recently hooked up with earnest Scottish songwriter, Lloyd Cole, which certainly promises to be an absorbing duet. Meanwhile, enjoy this man's understated 27 year old solo piano pieces, archived for far too long. Roedelius certainly DOES play piano - beautifully.

Paul Pledger

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