SALóN DES AMATEURS

Ingenious and exquisite

- THE NEW YORK TIMES

Hauschka's presence in Spain is always a luxury worthy of the closest of attention. The German pianist Volker Bertelmann has surprised again with Salon de Amateurs, displaying the anti-conventionalism which is his trademark. An album of 10 monosyllabic songs which evoke with simple titles (Girls, TaxiTaxi or Sunrise) the attention to detail in Bertelmann's compositions and which will be presented for the first time in Spain in the Festival de Otoño en primavera.

Hauschka's latest work is an evolution which is logical and, at the same time, courageous. A single project full of selected nuances which combines two seemingly opposite genres: modern classical and dance music. Bertlemann's featured artists include drummer Samuli Kosminen plus John Convertino and Joey Burns (the principle members of American band Calexico) as well as double Grammy-winning classical violinist Hilary Hahn.

Far from being a musical curiosity or a collection of cover versions, this album consists entirely of original works, each of which is peppered with a notable dose of Bertlemann's trademark sense of fun, combined with an elegant musical depth. For example, subtle electronic touches glide over the track, Cube, with the same grace that the syncopated brass stabs display on Radar.

Salon des amateurs was recorded at Bertelmann's Studio Zwei in Düsseldorf and it will be available accompanied by the release of several special remixes. Hauschka will perform his new work live on a world tour during 2011.

www.hauschka-net.de