In Germany, guitarist Philipp Schiepek (b.1994) is widely considered one of the finest musicians of his generation, with a training in both jazz and classical guitar. His many awards including BMW Young Jazz Artist in 2020. There is a gorgeous, quiet album “Cathedral” by him in a duo with pianist Walter Lang on ACT from 2021, made all the more poignant by Lang’s death at the age of just sixty, only six months after its release.
The guitarist, from Dinkelsbühl in Franconia, is developing an individual sonic language with a focus on both the performance of his compositions and his interpretation of music for guitar. His new recording “Versuch zu Träumen” is a further development of his musical vision. Schiepek has included two of his long time musical collaborators in Henning Sieverts (bass) and Bastian Jütte (drums). He is bound to be back on one of the bigger labels before long – he has also recorded for ENJA – but in something of a departure, the new one is on the Wooden Waggon Records label, produced by his sister Rebecca, who is also the dedicatee of one of the track’s. It is the label’s very first CD.
The theme of dreaming runs through the album. “Versuch zu Träumen” means ‘attempt to dream’ although the German word Versuch also has the sense of an experiment, trial or sketch. The theme references the idea that dreams are a window to our deepest thoughts and that dreamscapes are tied to the seeds of creativity.
“Versuch zu Träumen” 1, 2 and 3 frame the opening and closing of the album. 1 is very much an introduction with just the guitar playing a series of tumbling arpeggios, 2 develops the theme with a two note repetition overlain by strummed chords. 3 brings together a lead line coupled with the arpeggios but this time made more urgent by the use of percussion to bring the music to a climax and conclusion.
The standard “I have Dreamed” is lovely and has bass and drums accompanying Schiepek with a beautiful simple theme. The style of playing and treatment of the song is rather reminiscent of Julian Lage. The other standard “Darn That Dream” is just solo guitar with the main theme picked out along with bass notes. Rebecca is presumably a dedication to his sister and is a gentle ballad accompanied by Bastian Jütte on brushes. However, throughout the album, bass and percussion tend to be used sparingly.
I particularly enjoyed the clear chiming, ringing tone of the guitar, played with a degree of sustain and often interspersed with harmonics. It lends itself to a contemplative, at times pastoral feel. I found myself listening to the music in the early hours of the morning and it seems to suit that quiet time of day. Repeated careful listening allows the quiet beauty of this album to emerge.
Philipp Schiepek – Guitar
Henning Sieverts – Bass
Bastian Jütte – Drums
Tracks:
- Versuch zu Träumen 1
- The One
- Rebecca
- I have Dreamed
- Darn that Dream
- Unsagbar
- Versuch zu Träumen 2
- Versuch zu Träumen 3
All compositions by Philipp Schiepek except for “I have Dreamed” by Rodgers and Hammerstein and “Darn that Dream” by Jimmy van Heusen.
Versuch zu Träumen is released today, 29 March
