Welcome Back

Album Description

"Welcome Back" is a captivating collaboration between the legendary Dutch drummer Han Bennink and Swiss pianist Irène Schweizer, released under the Intakt Records label in August 2015. This album is a testament to the dynamic duo's improvisational prowess, offering a thrilling exploration of free jazz and avant-garde music.

Recorded over two days in April 2015 at Hardstudios in Winterthur, Switzerland, the album comprises 14 tracks that showcase the spontaneous and inventive interplay between Bennink's percussive mastery and Schweizer's expressive piano work. With a total runtime of approximately 48 minutes, each track is a unique journey into the realms of free improvisation, where structure and spontaneity coalesce.

The album's title track, "Welcome Back," sets the tone for an adventurous listen, followed by tracks like "Kit 4," "Trap 5," and "Free for All," which highlight the duo's ability to create intricate and engaging musical dialogues. Standout pieces such as "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland" and "Apus Melba" demonstrate their knack for blending lyrical melodies with rhythmic complexity. The album concludes with "Eronel," leaving the listener with a sense of the boundless creativity that Bennink and Schweizer bring to their performances.

"Welcome Back" is not just an album; it's a vibrant display of two master musicians pushing the boundaries of jazz and improvisation. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album promises an exhilarating and thought-provoking listening experience.

August 14, 2015

2015 Intakt Records

About Han Bennink

Han Bennink is a pioneering Dutch drummer and multi-instrumentalist, born in 1942 in Zaandam, near Amsterdam. Known for his innovative approach to free jazz and avant-garde music, Bennink's journey began with humble beginnings, using a kitchen chair as his first percussion instrument at the age of five. His career took off in the mid-1960s, where he became one of the key figures in European free music. Bennink's versatility extends beyond the drum kit, as he has been known to play a variety of instruments including soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, trombone, violin, banjo, and piano. His playful and improvisational style has earned him accolades such as the Jazzahead-Skoda-Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to the jazz world. Bennink's music is not just about the notes; it's about the experience, the spontaneity, and the sheer joy of creation.