Hans-Joachim Roedelius is one of the founding fathers of the musical movement known as “Krautrock”, or more politely, “Kosmische”. In late `60s Berlin, along with Conrad Schnitzler, he founded the hugely important cultural hub, The Zodiac Free Arts Lab, and after meeting Dieter Mobieus, they began making music as Kluster – later swapping the K for a C. If you’re a regular visitor to Ban Ban Ton Ton you’ll know that their 1976 album Sowiesoso is something that I reference, repeatedly, all the time. It’s a definite landmark. Together with Michael Rother they all also produced more amazing stuff as Harmonia.

Incredibly prolific, Roedelius, now 89, continues to create, and collaborate. His latest release was the album, Zensibilty, his second with Arnold Kasar. The set consists of 8 pieces, composed over 3 days, in 30 short studio sessions, in what the press one-sheet describes as a process of “call and response”. With the old master coming up with ideas on a grand piano, and the younger one countering these with complimentary electronics.

On Lichterfluten, naked notes are wrapped in reverb. Gently echoed by subtle synths, that seem to summon melody from the thin air between those slow thoughtful ivories. The mood is sometimes sad, solemn, and cinematic. For example, on Wordless, the frequencies are fanfares, while the keys provide resilient pinpoints of light. Glitched bits, such as A Piacere, call back to Hans-Joachim’s machined past. Morphing morse Code-like emissions disappearing in and out of a cosmic void. Lifeline’s chimes then caress the listener. Replaying the album’s opening patterns in metallic marimba tones. Their familiarity forging an incredible comfort, as a second theme, like fireworks, shooting stars, explodes. The combination more like chillout room techno than modern classical. Conducting, composing mini-symphonies throughout, Roedelius and Kasar are effectively an orchestra of two. On the final Vigoroso the keys are more focused and forceful than they were at first. Closing a chapter in a story, a journey, that’s clearly far from finished.

Roedelius & Kasar’s Zensibility was released way back at the start of last December. While the magical nature of the music means that I don’t really need a reason to belatedly sing its praises, I do have a good excuse for doing so now. The duo are due to play London’s Jazz Cafe on Monday, April  8th. This will be a super rare opportunity to witness a true pioneer live. There’ll also be strong, sympathetic DJ support on the night, from some big names in the ambient / electronica area. You can pick up the album from Bandcamp, and purchase tickets from The Jazz Cafe.