Zwitschermaschine - System for Us (2019)

This debut album of Mark Weschenfelder's Zwitschermachine has an especially independent character, as Krautrock, Psychedelic, Ambient, Groove and Post-M-Base shimmer through. But it remains unmistakably unique within the onrushing flow of musical events. You hear something strange, but as you listen, the music’s mystery becomes more and more accessible – that’s part of the enjoyment!
Even free improvisation has its clichés – something that Weschenfelder steers clear of. With its drive and mysterious aural architecture, his septet music captivates and stays with the listener long after the last note has sounded. Something special propels Weschenfelder's Zwitschermaschine. Most of this intricate, intuitive music is notated. For it to properly develop, the distinctive sound of this jazz, progressive rock and new music admixture requires immense interpretative accuracy. Yet, despite all the necessary discipline, the pieces maintain their spontaneity and freshness. There is enough surface friction in this music to ensure that it is never sterile.
"System for Us" brings together seven individualists in one big, compact, collective sound, miniature solos and all. Although echoes of Steve Lehman, Henry Threadgill and Steve Coleman radiate through the music, Weschenfelders pieces are refreshingly original. The title is a reference to American composer Earle Brown’s composition "Folio and 4 Systems", and illustrates Weschenfelder’s affinity for New Music concepts. The sensuality and emotionality of jazz remain, as the composer transmits language into music by means of his own sort of international Morse code, creating patterns of short and long code-like tones. With unusual instrumentation and music on the innovative edge, this is something amazingly new, intense and forceful. This music fascinates because it’s evolution is so refreshingly ingenuous and concise.