ENG
The composer /pianist Boelo Klat (Groningen, 1962) started playing the piano at the age of six. After studying both Classical as well as Jazz piano at the Prins Claus Conservatory in the city of Groningen, he started focusing on writing and performing his own compositions.
Klat is an adventurous storyteller. Most of the time his compositions stem from fictional or other kinds of images, which – like a movie – just happen to pass through his mind. Making optimum use of his unlimited technical skills, He creates tantalising musical stories just as easily based on stillness as on a chunky groove. Harmony and a sophisticated timing are both key in his work, of which it always remains to be seen (or in this case: heard) whether it shall take us listeners on an exploration of the (inner) depths of our existence or just simply offer us a glance of life’s lighter side. However, as unclassifiable as his pieces may be due to their illustrious and gripping dynamics, they always prove to be held together by yet another fascinating melody line.
Klat’s compositions vary from thoughtful to exuberant, sometimes sounding so obvious that one thinks one has heard them before elsewhere. And though the latter is hardly possible, it does undoubtedly exemplify the distinctive craftsmanship of his music.
DEU
Komponist / Pianist Boelo Klat (Groningen, 1962) fing mit sechs Jahren an Klavier zu spielen. Nach seinem Klassik- und Jazz-Studium am Groninger Prins Claus Conservatorium wandte er sich dem Komponieren und der Aufführung seiner eigenen Werke zu.
Klat ist ein abenteuerlicher Erzähler: Seine Kompositionen entstehen meist entlang realer oder fiktiver Bilder, die sich wie ein Film vor seinem geistigen Auge abspielen. Unter Einsatz seiner schier unbegrenzten technischen Fähigkeiten modelliert er fantastische Geschichten, die mal aus innerer Ruhe, mal aus einem fetten Groove heraus entstehen. Harmonie und subtiles Timing sind von zentraler Bedeutung, und immer gilt abzuwarten, ob Boelo den Zuhörer mit in die Tiefe zieht oder ihn von der unbeschwerten Seite des Lebens kosten lässt. Opulent und mitreißend führen die Stücke in alle Richtungen, wobei die faszinierenden Melodielinien immer hörbar bleiben.
Klats Kompositionen spannen den Bogen von durchdacht bis ausgelassen und klingen mitunter so vertraut, dass man meint, sie schon einmal gehört zu haben. Das ist zwar unmöglich, zeugt aber von Boelos Meisterhand.
Album review – JAZZNU
PIANIST BOELO KLAT SAYS GOODBYE TO ‘THAT’S HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE’
Contrary to what has now become the usual practice, the cd ‘Eyeopener’ by Klatwerk3 contains a comprehensive booklet. On reading through the booklet you will of course be manoeuvred in a certain direction. But anyone who can summon up the patience to listen to this remarkable cd by pianist Boelo Klat without first reading the information, will come in for some wonderful surprises. And come to the conclusion that the hitherto little known Boelo Klat is a musician who is not to be underestimated.