Konstantin Wecker
Brecht
Global Musicon / BMG Ariola GmbH (import)

Berthold Brecht was the German satirist and poet born in 1898, known for his anarchist and anti-Nazi sentiments. In commemoration of 1998 being the Brecht Centenary, in Germany there are several projects and concerts planned in Germany throughout the year. Heading them off is the new release Brecht by Konstantin Wecker, a legendary performer and songwriter in the liedermacher tradition, one which follows Berthold Brecht himself in terms of witty, political, and socially constructive lyrics. In his usual fashion, Wecker has married words with categorically indefinable music drawing from elements of cabaret, jazz, pop, and world influences. This time, though, the songwriting credits for the lyrics go to Brecht. Wecker takes Brecht's poems, such as "Choral vom Baal" and "Das Schiff" and makes them his own. Fans of Wecker will immediately recognize the unique piano style which marked many of Wecker's earlier releases, while also bringing a world beat sound into a few songs like "Liebeslied," which is reminiscent of 1996's Gamsig album where he performed with an African choir. There is no choir here, but again on Brecht Wecker leans towards a big sound, with an eight piece band that captures much of the essence of German cabaret, especially the authentic accordion. Wecker's albums are not widely distributed outside of German-language countries but can be imported at any good music store, or purchased online.
- Paula E. Kirman
(you can visit Paula's "Other" Konstantin Wecker Page at:
http://www.freenet.edmonton.ab.ca/~calypso/wecker.html)

This review appeared in the electronic roots and world music publication Rootsworld in March of 1998.