released April 24, 2000

REVIEWS

"Berlin guitarist Olaf Rupp wrestles a grungy electric and a meaty acoustic through a variety of stylistic approaches. Loose, stunted classical arpeggios, dead finger dragging strums and hurricane runs along the neck all combine in what sounds like a damaged take on folk blues. The atmosphere is dramatic but never overblown, with tight, raging note stabs giving way to pools of silent reflection without ever sounding self-conscious. It feels like a liberated performance: a slow egoless drift downstream perfectly realized and preserved in real time." -- The Wire

"Recorded at several 1999 sessions, the 12 improvisations (one of which was captured live) display this stream of consciousness approach to good advantage. Utilizing acoustic and electric guitars, he makes little use of extended technique or effects, instead creating timbral and rhythmic variety through finger independence, tremolos, percussive arpeggios and atonal flourishes." -- CODA

"Whether on electric or acoustic, his playing is utterly absorbing as he pushes towards a new language for improvised Guitar. More please Mr. Rupp." -- Cadence

Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD: 3 ½ Stars.
All Music Guide: 4 Stars

Olaf Rupp: acoustic & electric guitar

Recorded by Olaf Rupp between June and November 1999 in Berlin.
Track # 10 recorded live by Andreas Görig in May 1999 at Uncool Festival in Poschiavo.
Mastered by Jonas Bergler.
Produced by Olaf Rupp and Jost Gebers.

Booklet artwork: Olaf Rupp.
Layout: Jost Gebers.
Photos: Dagmar Gebers and Jano Felice Pajarola.