Silke Eberhard - Sunday Interview

(Photo - Dovile Sermokas)

1. What is your greatest joy in creating improvised music?

My greatest joy in improvised music lies in its spontaneity and the fact that each performance is a unique, unrepeatable moment. Good improvisations give good energy and inspiration to the musicians and the audience, to me this is pure joy.

2. What qualities do you most admire in the musicians you collaborate with?

I greatly value a smooth communication and interaction when collaborating with musicians. It's crucial to have a shared sense of form, and sometimes, a touch of humor can really enhance the experience.

3. Which historical musician or composer do you admire the most? If you could resurrect one musician to perform with, who would it be?

If I had to choose just one - which is very difficult - this would undoubtedly be Eric Dolphy.

4. What musical aspirations do you still hope to fulfill in your lifetime?

In my musical journey, I aim to reach the highest level of proficiency on my instrument, enabling me to convey the stories I want to tell through my music and compositions.

5. Are you interested in popular music, and if so, which artists or genres do you particularly enjoy?

While my primary focus is on improvised music, I do appreciate popular music, particularly artists like Erykah Badu, who I find intriguing and enjoyable.

6. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about myself, I would work on cultivating more patience and decisiveness, as my Gemini nature sometimes leads me to be impatient and indecisive.

7. Which of your albums do you hold in the highest regard or are particularly proud of?

Selecting a single album is challenging because each one has been a significant and meaningful part of my musical journey.

8. Do you continue to listen to your own albums once they are released? If so, how often?

After an album is freshly released, I'll listen to it for the initial excitement. However, I might not revisit it for a while afterward, as I'm constantly exploring new musical horizons.

9. Can you share which album, by any musician, has had the most profound impact on your life and why?

I haven’t counted, but among the most influential albums for me would be surely Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch" and Ornette Coleman's "The Shape of Jazz to Come“ and Cecil Taylor´s „Conquistador“. Their innovative approaches to music have left a lasting impression on my artistic perspective.

10. What are you currently listening to?

Currently, I'm enjoying the sounds of Henry Threadgill's ensemble Zooid.

11. Beyond the realm of music, which artists or figures from other fields inspire you?

Kurt Schwitters, with his dadaistic innovations, has been a significant source of inspiration for me.

 

Photo by Cristina Marx/Photomusix

 

Recently reviewed albums with Silke Eberhard

Céline Voccia & Silke Eberhard - Wild Knots (Relative Pitch, 2023) *****

Silke Eberhard Trio – Being the Up and Down (Intakt Records, 2021) ****½

Silke Eberhard – Portrait (Jazzwerkstatt, 2017) ****½

Potsa Lotsa Plus – Plays Love Suite by Eric Dolphy (Jazzwerkstatt, 2015) ****½

Silke Eberhard & Alex Huber - Singen Sollst Du ... (Not Two, 2012) ****½

Potsa Lotsa - The Complete Works Of Eric Dolphy (Jazzwerkstatt, 2011)

Silke Ebherhard Trio - Being (Jazzwerkstatt, 2008)

Aki Takase & Silke Eberhard - Ornette Coleman Anthology (Intakt, 2007)