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Album Details

• Artist: Michel Ackermann
• EP:
Kite [ep}
• Label: Indie
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2009-07-18

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It's truly a rush when I hear someone who is capable of advanced and classical music sort of simmer (dumb) it down to make just terrific basic rhythm and blues rock.  This self-made Classical artist who plays mostly live in Germany, has enjoyed quite a bit of collaborating as well.  

Ackermann took his first piano lessons from popular American pianist Virginia Zimberlin ("who gave me a feeling for sound and clarity") and a casual meeting at school with a mysterious German jazz pianist. He performed in various bands and was later part of a big band conducted by well known American trombonist Jiggs Wigham. This is just half the human interest.  His Bio later goes on..."The pianist became part of a small clique of eccentrics that ultimately left him disenchanted".  Ackermann said of that experience... "I feel like I was losing my soul there, being part of a musical universe which turned out to be full of cold illusions. I missed the direct feelings I once found in pop and jazz. I had developed into an ‘eccentric but I felt like I was not being authentic with my own music. So ultimately, after a period of emptiness and depression, I returned to a more conventional life with natural emotions, ‘regular' music and new friends. I had a family and a daughter by then, and it made sense to start performing and survive by teaching music theory, piano and composition."

 After going back to playing live gigs and giving student lessons, Ackermann developed The Kite [EP], and I gotta tell ya my friends, I've listened four times and it grows more inviting each time.  I'm not sure if its the held melodies and vocals that stretch the title track into something very unique. A creative use of diverse instrumentation ranging from Ackermann's piano skills, to the tasty additions of the synth and soul make this a complete album. Both, "Back On The Road" and "Our Love"  have a grooving mix of Blues, piano and high-tempo violins. 

  Very much Adult/Contemporary, I normally don't jump off the ledge for an artist of this genre.  Truth is, there are rare moments on this recording where u may feel Ackermann goes a little too far with his vocal pitch and his voice makes you feel a tad uncomfortable, but only to make the rest of it that much more welcoming. Discount the restless love content of the lyricism. All songwriting from tab to tone is top notch for such simple patterns and unknown status.  Not for long...IOTY candidate...

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