Schindler & Kimmig feat. Zwang Eriksson

Putting a lie to the expression two into three doesn’t go, Krailling-based multi-instrumentalist Udo Schindler amplifies his first recorded duet with German violinist Harald Kimmig with contributions on three tracks from his frequent percussion partner Eric Zwang Eriksson. Schindler, who has released multiple sessions devoted to pure improv with an orchestra’s worth of players, integrates both duo and trio configuration into 11 sympathetic and substantial tracks. Best known as part of a string trio with Alfred Zimmerlin and Daniel Studer, Kimmig’s alternating of pizzicato picks and arco thrusts means that his four strings are used as much to create a continuum alongside Schindler’s sometime harsh altissimo shrieks or low-pitched snorts as they become lyrical motifs with portamento, multi note production.

Playing soprano saxophone during tunes like “peace and quiet on the run #2” the reedist outputs melodic trills as well. But during these role reversals the fiddler propels corkscrewed upwards slides which move Schindler to overblowing snorts. More commonly a track like “scratching at the edge #1” finds Kimmig eventually turning to col legno string slaps and abrasive pulls on taut strings to counter Schindler’s tubax’s inner blasts and surprising note bending animalistic cries. Elsewhere subterranean spurts from the multiple low-pitched reeds bond squawks and flutters to properly define the reedist’s linear evolution against the violinist’s sometimes formal note expression or sudden stops.

Dynamics are reordered when Eriksson adds his idiophone and drum patterns. Also bringing cornet smears and yelps to the interaction, the synergy expressed by Schindler with muted growls and slinky rips surround the frame-drum-like echoes from Eriksson and jab Kimmig away from pivots to near-prettiness. Instead both non-percussion instruments deflect to cross pulsing frails and bites.

“The song of failed desire” the session’s 17½ minute tour de force defines the group’s most profound spins and steadying textures. Idiophone shakes and drum patterns first join low-pitched reed onomatopoeic yodels and yelps alongside Kimmig’s spiccato slices until Schindler’s switch to squeaky reed smears toughen drum responses at the same time as strained string sul ponticello preserve dissonance. Finally fragmented rim shakes, bell clapping, reed whines and string snaps expand variations enough so that paradoxically they reach tonal connection.

Schindler appears to be a contender as the musician who releases the greatest number of discs. As long as he keep interacting with evolved improvisers such as these that will be no problem.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. blindly along #1 2. middle class blues 3. the song of failed desire* 4. blindly along #2 5. scratching at the edge #1 6. singing behind drawn blinds* 7. peace and quiet on the run #2 8. scratching at the edge #2 9. picture puzzles literally*10. peace and quiet on the run #1 11. short episode of contrast

Personnel: Udo Schindler (B flat and bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, cornet, E flat tubax); Harald Kimmig (violin) and Eric Zwang Eriksson (drums)*