Irene Schweizer – Pierre Favre

Irène Schweizer Klavier

Pierre Favre Schlagzeug

Die Pianistin Irène Schweizer und der Schlagzeuger/ Perkussionist Pierre Favre zählen zu den Aushängeschildern der Schweizer Jazz- und Improvisationsszene. Unabhängig voneinander und als Duo fördern sie seit über 40 Jahren die Emanzipation des europäischen Jazz. Ihre Duokonzerte lassen sich am besten als entspannte musikalische Dialoge beschreiben, bei denen die Gespräche nie an Themen vorübergehen, und es macht ihnen offensichtlich Spaß, ihren regen Gedankenaustausch mit dem Publikum zu teilen. Zwischen spontaner Improvisation, unaufhaltsamer Kreativität und natürlicher Verspieltheit gehen diesen großen musikalischen Persönlichkeiten nie die Geschichten aus.

Two free-improv titans at work – and both Swiss. Percussionist Pierre Favre has been a huge presence in Europe since the 1960s, and his relationship with pianist Irène Schweizer goes back to 1966. Irène and Pierre first played as a duo in the early seventies and have continued to do duos sporadically ever since.There is an extraordinary balance of two strong, well matched musicians, a mature and well seasoned integration of focused free spirits. Their way of playing was born in the trio with George Mraz. Back then, they were already playing themes they still play today. The influence of African-American jazz also also showed them the way. Their duo music has remained a melodic music even today, played with lots of smiles. The rhythmic roots are decisive for their music, based on swing, phrasing, and drive, as well as polyrhythmic elements. As improvisers, they are

still dancing on a high wire, but the longer they play together, the lighter and more intimate the dance gets. (The Guardian)