One of the last interviews I’ve made is with the double bassist and architect Klaus Kürvers, in Berlin. We spent a fine afternoon in his garden house while he told me all about his musical career, the exciting experimental music scenes in ’60’s Germany, and his particular sensitivity to the mental spaces created by musical improvisation with regards to his deep knowledge and experiences as an architect.
At a moment near the end, I’ve introduced some sounds from my neighbourhood in Marseille, I couldn’t resist when Klaus brings up sonic environments. Also, a softly ticking clock can be heard pretty much throughout this recording, an eery reminder of linear perception of time despite our trying to break out of it through conversation.
Klaus Kürvers, born 1950 in Essen (Germany), doublebass studies 1964-68 among others with Peter Trunk. During the late sixties member of the Essen Youth Symphony Orchestra and also at the same time of different amateur Jazz groups (“Free Jazz” since 1967); 1969-71 in Cologne with the Jazz-Rock-Group “Eiliff” (w/Rainer Brüninghaus). Interupted 1971-2006 his public music activities for his studies and professional scientific career as an architect and cultural historian in Berlin. Since 2006 resumption of his musical activities as part of the Berlin improvisers’ scene. Performing bassist again since 2009.
Klaus has released many albums in collaboration with many of the movers and shakers of Berlin’s improvised music scene, which can be found here.
The music featured in this episode is taken a recording session between Klaus and Madrid-based drummer Sam Hall.
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Enjoy.
Ed Williams 