Event

Kickoff of the “KlangForum solo!” series

Among biologists, the term "xylobiont" roughly translates to "living with, on, or from wood" and refers to a form of organic music that can neither be written down nor is purely improvised. On the one hand, it is based on a special playing technique – partly developed in-house – inspired by daily engagement with new music (Feldman, Ligeti, Xenakis, etc.) as well as years of improvisational practice. On the other hand, John Eckhardt’s approach constantly generates new interactions between the body and the senses and his 120-year-old sound generator. In various experimental setups, the physical properties of the instrument are explored through listening. Sound, form, and progression are the result of a constant process of observation and gentle manipulation – an expedition through unknown sonic forests and groves.
Since the release of the eponymous CD produced in 2008 by British improvisation legend Evan Parker for PSI Records, John Eckhardt has continuously developed his project and has now performed it in 50 concerts around the globe.

Dusted Magazine (USA):
"John Eckhardt employs technique and imagination to create works that are neither compositions nor improvisations; they are organic systems that develop their own consciousness. He explores a space in which sound and its organization manifest as a natural phenomenon, touching upon a whole world of moods beyond that of human emotion."

John Eckhardt lives as a hunter-gatherer of the bass in the 21st century. Whether as a double bassist in contemporary music, in his diverse solo projects, or working with sound systems on the electric bass or at the turntables, he is constantly engaged with the music of today. He has developed a whole series of his own solo projects and collaborated with a wide range of artists: from composers such as Helmut Lachenmann and Pierre Boulez, to outstanding ensembles like Ensemble Modern, Klangforum Wien, and musikfabrik, to improvisers such as Evan Parker, Elliott Sharp, and Peter Evans, and to the youngest generation of emerging artists across a broad spectrum of contemporary music.
He has contributed to over 30 recordings, including Iannis Xenakis’ masterpiece "Theraps" and three solo releases issued in special editions. These share a particular interest in low-frequency and spectral immersion, spatial depth, and evolutionary processes. Driven by curiosity and a passion for diverse genres of music, cultures, and artistic approaches, John Eckhardt continually forges new connections, thereby unfolding a bass cosmos of extraordinary dimensions. The latest addition to this is his DJ project Basswald, in which he presents a diverse spectrum of bass music with a special focus on sound system culture – accompanied by regular, downloadable podcasts. John Eckhardt lives within earshot of the Port of Hamburg.

John Eckhardt | Double Bass Solo
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Am Bahnbetriebswerk 5, 69115 Heidelberg

Further information can be found here.