The ‘Klein aber Fein’ concert series in Bad Godesberg ‘Unter der Zeder’ got underway again this week with Marcus Schinkel and Joscho Stephan. Despite the threat of rain, there wasn’t a spare seat to be had outside amongst the Cedar trees – a testament to the high regard that both musicians are held in.
First came the Social Media warning that tonight’s show might need to be re-located indoors at ‘Kleines Theater’ due to regular burst of rain throughout the day. Then a video featuring KuKuG’s Sabine Köhne-Kayser and Marcus Schinkel assuring everyone the show would be outside and that it would not rain (but bring an umbrella and a warm cardigan!). Low-and-behold the concert WAS ouitside and it DIDN’T rain. Does Marcus have a direct communication with God? Nothing would surprise me about Mr Schinkel’s talents.
This was not the first time we’ve had the pleasure of hearing Marcus Schinkel and Stephan Joscho together of course. In fact the duo go back to the very first season of Unter der Zeder’. It was great to hear that Joscho is so popular that a large chunk of his year has been spent travelling around the World, which made the fact that Bad Godesberg was still on the schedule especially heart-warming.
The two men really make a great duo. Not just musically, but also with their between songs banter. Stephan recalling cancelling a show in America after a de-railed train blocked the way between their dining place and the concert hall. Marcus entertaining us with tales of fan worship in the days of Mozart and Lizt. The latter’s fans were prepared to steal used cigars and empty cognac glasses – even possibly cutting the great man’s hair during performances. Who said it all started with John, Paul, George and Ringo? It started with Franz!
Entertaining as the chatting was, we came here tonight to hear two masters of their trade – Schinkel’s hugely diverse keyboard skills and Stephan’s sublime Gypsy style guitar picking; oh, and not to forget, Schinkel is the best melodica player I know (and also the only one, I admit!). As if the man’s keyboard talents weren’t enough, Schinkel also has an equally impressive ability – not only does he play any style, but he somehow unerringly makes what could be old and dusty classical scores seems young and sparkling through lively arrangements – the very evening’s title of Classic meets Gypsy says it all. Who else would have the nerve to segue a part of Beethoven’s Symphony No 4 with ‘I Got Rhythm’?.
Joscho Stephan’s guitar playing was as flawless as ever. Practice makes perfect as they say and all those concerts these days certainly don’t allow his playing to get dusty. Despite this, Stephan confides that he deliberately makes ‘the fast-paced ‘Joseph, Joseph’ as speedy as possible “Just to see if I still can!”
So much to enjoy then musically, and let’s not forget Fritz Roppel on bass and Wim de Vries on drums, two first class jazz musicians in their own rights. It seemed almost criminal that such an excellent evening had to end. It really is also a pleasure to see such joy in the faces of the two ‘stars’ this evening as they played off of each others solos in the way that only the very best can. Hopefully Joscho can fit Bonn into his travels still in future. The good news is that Marcus Schinkel can be enjoyed again very soon – he will be joined by Daria Assmus on the Bundeskunsthalle roof this Sunday (13 July) for a musical journey through Jazz and Pop history. Having seen the duo play at Unter der Zeder not so long ago I can recommend making a trip to the roof.
