THE FIFTY FOUR
Ernst Reijseger-cello, Eugene Chadbourne-guitar, cheap electronics, Johannes Bauer-trombone, Peter Hollingen-drums
Since they were born in ’54, all four are, or will be 50 this year. Besides their status as leading improvisers of their generation, the musicians that turned this fact into an occasional top conference have certain playfulness in common. It is known that Ernst Reijseger’s cello is an extension of his pleasantly bizarre fantasies but the other players are also unique personalities. Chadbourne plays everything, from noise to twisted bluegrass, with the same maniacal intensity. Thanks to his work with (among others) Peter Brötzmann and Barry Guy, Bauer is one of the most prominent trombone players of the European free jazz. Hollingen, from Berlin (hasn’t been heard enough over here), is a true master of ‘undogmatic’ drumming.