Initially planned as a onetime project, Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic have now officially partnered up as a duo, after four years of collaboration, including the impressive and acclaimed album Á Deux and countless concerts at home and abroad. Equipped with cello and accordion, the just recently released second album, Silk Road (ACT) turns out to be a wonderful symbiosis of two very special sonic languages.
Klaus Paier, the internationally recognized master of the accordion and bandeon with unique playing skills, and Asja Valcic, who mainly plays in the renowned string ensemble radio.string.quartet.vienna, create pieces that take you on an extensive journey through various musical landscapes. South American sounds meet music from Southern and Eastern Europe. Traditional tango meets the waltz, the French musette and classical music, jazz meets elements of the blues, and so on. A musical mix that could be more diversified and colorful.
Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic, who met a few years ago through a collaboration, embark a musical path that is primarily characterized by the openness to all sides. The duo does not subdue to any stylistic restrictions, and this ultimately finds its expression in the great tonal diversity of the duo’s songs.
What makes the music of these extraordinary musicians so special is their intangible elegant touch. The melodies, the recurring motifs, the elaborate arrangements, the elegant sound, everything has style. The art of how the Carinthian and Croation duo infuses masterful compositions with irresistible lightness and a lot of emotion is exceptional.
Unlike Á Deux, Klaus Paier is not exclusively responsible for the compositions on the new album. Three of the eleven tracks were composed by Asja Valcic, which underlines the fact the two see eye to eye. Together the two musicians have developed a musical language that sounds very unique and original and moves beyond the already beaten path. A truely recommended album.
Text: Michael Ternai (translated from German)
Photo Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic: Peter Rigaud
Links:
www.klaus-paier.com
www.asjavalcic.com
www.actmusic.com