Klippe by Thomas Heberer's Clarino

Jazz Wrap, review by Stephan Moore,
September 12, 2011

Stunning. Simply stunning. I really stumbled into
this record. It came about as a result of listening
to the recent Equilibrium album, Walking Voices.

I wanted to investigate some more material that
Joachim Badenhorst had worked on and the new
album from German-born now New York resident,
Thomas Heberer kept coming into view.
Mainly from friends constantly telling me I need to
check this guy out. And I finally decided I'd better
take a listen. And what a surprise...

[Thomas Heberer] studied under the great
Manfred Schoof as well as plays in the collective
Instant Composers Pool, led by Misha Mengelberg
and Han Bennink. But aside from those illustrious
backgrounds, he has a loaded catalogue of music
that varies in themes (somber to cinematic to
Molvaer-esque electronics) but is played with the
highest of quality.

On his latest album, Klippe, Heberer delivers
a chamber session that is moving as well as
experimental in texture. The title refers to
Heberer's childhood growing up near the
Baltic Sea. The music strongly evokes a sense
of space, long depths and far-reaching
exploration.

"Törn" opens the disc with a delicate
examination of space that has both a European
classical element as well as encompassing
aesthetics of free jazz. It slowly builds just
for a moment and quickly recedes back
into your consciousness. Heberer's
performance is steady and emotionally effective.

Heberer's composition, "Mole" reminds me of
early Enrico Rava. It's crisp and vibrant with
sharp passages from both Badenhorst and Heberer.
Niggenkemper adds an eerie backdrop with his soft
touches on the bass strings.

"Stapellauf"shows some of the affect Schoof's
influence has had on Heberer. It swirls with frenetic
and dark tones from both Niggenkemper and Heberer
that pulsate and shift back and forth.

"Blanker Hans" and "Luv und Lee" both feature
a mixture of improvised and structured chords
that sees Bandenhorst and Heberer playing
counterpoint while Niggenkemper rides up and
down the scales with subtle abandon.

"Einlaufbier" returns the listener to shore after
a long journey. It's quiet and short but the final
notes will linger in your memory well after the
session ends.

Klippe is beautifully composed and executed.
Stripped of additional instrumentation and giving
his fellow musicians the room to roam and improvise,
Thomas Heberer is becoming more than just one of the
best kept secrets in the European and New York
music scene. Highly recommended.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Heberer_(musician)

thomasheberer.com