Heinrich Heine's texts are almost two centuries old, yet they seem so fresh, so modern, so astonishingly close to our contemporary attitude to life (his language is of such poetic directness and folk-song-like lightness) that the idea almost suggested itself: one should invent a specific music for these poems—ranging from deep sorrow to spiteful mockery—because each of these pieces has its own mood, its own unique blend of wit, anger, worldview, and melancholy. And so, a multitude of musical forms have emerged, from art song to chanson and world music to blues and rap.
The actor Uwe Neumann, obsessed with language and at home on many stages, and the internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso Ian Melrose, in their thoroughly playful debut, give Heine's poetry the groove that is actually hidden within it anyway.
Melrose and Neumann have achieved a remarkably high sound quality: the album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by renowned sound engineer Jörg Surrey at the Surrealis Sounds Studio @ Teldex in Berlin. In addition to the main artists, top Berlin session musicians were invited to the studio for some songs to further deepen and refine the sound experience.
Texts by Heinrich Heine (selected by Uwe Neumann). All music composed by Ian Vance Melrose and Uwe Frederic Neumann, except "Angel Eyes" (M. & T: M. Dennis & EK Brent).
All music arranged by Ian Vance Melrose. Produced by Ian Melrose and Uwe Neumann.
Uwe Neumann: singing, recitation
Ian Melrose: acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, mandolin, vocals, udu,
Hand percussion, programming
Martin Lillich: double bass, bass cello
Jan Hermerschmidt: Clarinet
Agustin Strizzi: drums, percussion
Borys Slowikowski: percussion
Special guest: Manfred Leuchter - accordion at “A Sea of Love”
01 Review
02 First beating
03 Society
04 The Knight
05 The Mermaids
06 Donna Clara
07 In the Brain
08 The Wandering Rats
09 Under the white tree
10 Paris
11 A Sea of Love
12 Old Piece
13 Night lay upon my eyes
14 The Dragonfly
15 Angel Eyes
16 Lotus flower
17 Mrs. Sorge
18 Old Rose
19 It expires
