New album from Joachim Zoepf

Joachim Zoepf’s latest album, Geschmacksarbeit, marks his sixth solo album, which is an impressive feat for an improvisational artist. Zoepf is part of a movement of artists who have played unpretentious forms of improvised music for the last 30 years. Despite this, he has not been dependent on copying earlier models and has created music without deference to convention or compromise.

Geschmacksarbeit showcases Zoepf’s use of electronics, which he seamlessly layers, distorts, and diverts, resulting in an expanded sound cosmos. Zoepf’s album is a study in sound exploration that truly pushes the boundaries of in-the-moment musical performance captured in the studio.

The tracks are succinct and without decoration, and the saxophone and bass clarinet sounds are digitally mirrored. One can hear many things in the album, including grinding bits of swing that float through his sound cosmos, hard spiky moments that are only realisable on soprano sax, and long, low-lying bass clarinet tones.

It is easy to understand why Zoepf is considered a pillar of NurNichtNur; one of the most important labels on the German, and wider European, improvisation scene. The development of his music is free from any stylistic preoccupation, and he pursues many ideas simultaneously while retaining one big theme.

On Geschmacksarbeit, the artist’s explorations are a genuine social exercise, permanently questioning the possibilities of musical reality and listening in a different way, resulting in a creative work that’s dripping in originality. Overall, Joachim Zoepf’s new album is a thought-provoking and groundbreaking sonic exploration that showcases his talent for improvisational music.

Full of eerie tones and atmospheric textures, it’s a study in sound exploration that seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements. Zoepf’s music transcends categories, and his joy of playing is evident throughout the album. Geschmacksarbeit is a must-listen for fans of improvisational music and those who want to expand their musical horizons.

Listen to Geschmacksarbeit below