Space and leisure
On the occasion of their third encounter on record, drummer Gilbert Paeffgen and accordionist Susanna Dill dedicate themselves to musical reduction and prove that less really is often more.
When asked about his influences, the German jazz musician Gilbert Paeffgen (born 1958) once explained in an interview: "What appeals to me are people, musicians and drummers with charisma, independence and profile, who have something to say." And Paeffgen, who has lived in Switzerland since the late seventies, has found just such a person in his duo partner Susanna Dill.
After Legendes d'Hiver (2010) and 13 Épisodes lumineux et enjoués (2015), the two have published under the title Between the trains have now released their third collaboration. It has become an invitation to roam freely through one's own memories, thoughts and realities. The basis for this is the ascetic and almost emaciated sound that the two create. This is based solely on Dill's accordion and Paeffgen's dulcimer. The eleven pieces take their time to unfold and to create specific sounds. In return, they offer space and leisure.
The album is characterized by austerity rather than playfulness, yet the mostly solemn compositions are sensitive and sensual throughout. While the title track seems to promise both coming and going, tracks such as the ethereal-sounding Dense scurrying or the pensive Fairy tales from station to station and from style to style. The motifs inspired by musette, tango, Celtic folk and modern classical music bear witness not only to the two musicians' love of improvisation, but also to their lyrical creativity.
With Between the trains Dill and Paeffgen have succeeded in creating a kind of soundtrack, which - similar to Ry Cooder's Paris, Texas - Stories full of longing that are enraptured, tangible and delicate at the same time. The result is an impressive work by two impressive artists who have found a common expression.
Susanna Dill and Gilbert Paeffgen: Between the Trains. Everest Records er_096
