Jonathan Bockelmann is a classical guitarist and composer based in Munich who first made waves in 2023 with his debut album ‘Childish Mind’. His entry into composing were arrangements he had made of pieces by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Some of these have been released digitally in three editions and are now available on vinyl for the first time. The record comes in high quality packaging with an embossed art print and features both some of Sakamoto’s lesser-known works like the ‘Suite for Krug’ as well as iconic pieces like ‘Bibo No Aozora’.
Munich-based quintet Fazer return to Squama with their fourth studio album, ‘Yamaha’, a record that melds indie jazz and psychedelic rock with humour and depth. The band recorded the album in their own studio for the first time, taking time time to experiment with sound and overdubs, while retaining the vigour of a live performance. Suspenseful two-voiced themes and tickling solo interplay by Matthias Lindermayr on trumpet and Paul Brändle on guitar is still at the core of Fazer’s music, as well as the meticulous work of their two drummers Simon Popp and Sebastian Wolfgruber, whose grooves are more rooted in the rock vernacular compared to previous records. The restrained playing of bassist and producer Martin Brugger remains a grounding force that rounds out the sound of the group.
Squama regulars Enji and Popp join forces on ‘Nant’, the debut LP by their newly minted duo ‘Poeji’, transcending the confines of Post-Dub and Downtempo. 2022’s 3-track EP ‘031921 5.24 5.53’, released as a limited run of dubplates, was the first testament to their open approach to writing, which takes only very basic ideas and relies on non-verbal communication to define form and pace. Enji’s vocals are less centre-stage than on her solo endeavors, piercing through reverb plates and guitar pedals while Simon inked his signature set of wooden and metal percussions with chains of tape echoes and analog delay. Listening to ‘Nant’ as a snapshot of Poeji’s artistry at a certain time and place can instill a sense of gratitude within the listener that something so fleeting can be captured.
Squama is a record label from Munich founded in 2019, releasing multi-layered musical and visual objects. Run by producer Martin Brugger and creative director Maximilian Schachtner the label merges a high quality approach in both musical production and visual communication.
Monthly show on Munich-based community radio station Radio 80000.
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