Vermeulen, Nils
Variations
On Nils Vermeulens first solo album, the sound of the double bass is the main variable. Recorded at the empty Ghent Opera, where every note, attack and vibration comes through, including the creaking of the wooden floor. There is no hiding in reverb, nor in easy playing. The strings Vermeulen uses on this recording (Tempera strings by Gerold Genssler), are inspired by traditional gut strings, and have lower tension to let the instrument resonate freely. The pieces on the album, both composed and improvised, explore variations of techniques, proportions, and notes. Often, they depart from or tend to almost mathematical material, countered by Vermeulens highly intuitive playing. Every tone has its acoustic universe, comprised of a multitude of other tones. All possible combinations already exist. The composer merely chooses one variation and organizes the sounds in a particular way.