Minimalist melodic fragments on the violin

In his early days, Zurich violinist Tobias Preisig was still moving in quite conventional, romantic jazz realms. However, with the spectacular and internationally acclaimed violin/drums duo Egopusher and in duets with Stefan Rusconi on the church organ, he has thrown off all stylistic shackles. And with Diver, his first solo album, he once again shows a new side to himself. "The violin has a long tradition and is perceived as a prestigious instrument associated with technical virtuosity," explains the 38-year-old artist, who now lives in Berlin, in the accompanying text. "That's why there is a tendency for the music to be difficult in order to showcase the player's technical ability. I was always less interested in that."

Diver was developed and recorded over three intensive weeks in Preisig's studio with a view of the football stadium. Jan Wagner, whose artistic connections extend to the Faust Studio in Scheer, but also to the scene around the Berghain Club in Berlin, helped with the production. Turning away from demonstrative virtuosity has led Preisig into the realm of minimalist melodic fragments, which are used in the concluding piece Collective even be reduced to long single notes. The rhythms give themselves air and take their time. Now and again they are hinted at by means of breathy bass and crackling sounds, often they are simply carried by the integral movement of the violin motifs. The whole thing is accompanied by ascetic sustained notes from the synthesizer and lots of echo.

The discipline and boldness to concentrate on essences suits Preisig well. Diver consists of eight pieces that are very different in terms of structure and melody, but all of which radiate a meditative calm. Similar to Brian Eno's ambient music, they create an almost physical space in which the listener can both lose and find themselves. A wonderful album full of space, peace and light.