Lounge
March 10, 2015
M a #001 A Reunion with Jürgen Knoblauch (JAZZANOVA)
#001 Reunion with Jürgen Knoblauch (JAZZANOVA)
M a (Ma), a communication tool presented by Eiichi Izumi, director of the fashion brand "MINOTAUR."
"M a" signifies the Japanese concept of "Ma"—the space between things, the interval in time, the connection between people. It is a communication tool designed to create shared moments and spaces through fashion, art, and music, by collaborating with diverse creators worldwide to enrich our daily lives with people, objects, and experiences.
The inaugural issue of "M a" features Jürgen Knoblauch, a member of the pioneering nu-jazz production team "JAZZANOVA" and the driving force behind the music label "SONAR KOLLEKTIV."
He has been a close friend of Mr. Izumi's for over a decade. Meeting again after a long time, the two engaged in a conversation covering future projects, the six-year silence since their first album's release, and their individual paths forward.
Text and photos by M a
IzumiIt's been a while, how have you been?
JürgenLong time no see! About a year, I think.
IzumiWe've known each other for nearly 10 years now, haven't we?
JürgenThat's right. It was when "JAZZANOVA" first came to Japan for our first tour in 1998. We had a party together then, didn't we?
IzumiWe did. We went to a street food stall before the party... Do you still remember that party?
JürgenOf course! It was a great party. I even remember the tracklist from that night!
IzumiThat means you really enjoyed it.
JürgenBack then, CD-Rs weren't common, so I remember bringing and playing acetates – pre-vinyl pressings, like a mother plate for vinyl. It was quite memorable.
IzumiIt feels like we have a party together every time you visit Japan. And this time too. I always have a wonderful time with you.
JürgenThe pleasure is all mine. We even discussed our next project during the travel time this time.
IzumiRight! When JAZZANOVA's first album was released, we collaborated on a T-shirt made from Egyptian cotton. We're discussing doing something together again for JAZZANOVA's upcoming second album.
It's been 10 years since we first met, and 6 years since the first album was released, yet I'm truly happy and grateful that we can continue to create something together. May I ask about those past six years?
JürgenSix years have passed since the first album, but JAZZANOVA has been involved in various projects during that time. So, this six-year period wasn't intentional; it happened naturally.
Well, we're not exactly the fastest producers, are we? (laughs)
However, our recent release, "belle et fou," hints at what the next album might sound like.
IzumiI'm eagerly anticipating the next album as well. Incidentally, I found an interesting commonality.
The name of my project, "M a," and the title of JAZZANOVA's first album, "In Between," share a similar meaning. Why did you choose that title?
JürgenIs that so! I didn't know (laughs).
The title "In Between" has several meanings. Musically, it signifies that our music doesn't belong to a single genre; it exists between genres. It's about the space between different musical styles.
In a more philosophical sense, it means this is not the final destination. We are still in the midst of beginnings and endings, always moving forward.
The concept of being 'between' things also relates to the role of a DJ. People often ask if we perform live when they come to our club sets, but we are DJs, you see (laughs).
However, the role of a DJ is somewhat elusive, not clearly defined, and doesn't quite fit into any specific category. That feeling of being 'in between'...an intermediate existenceis what it's about.
Our music label, "SONAR KOLLEKTIV," also occupies an intermediate position, not adhering to specific genres.
IzumiI see.
What I particularly resonate with regarding your work is the label management—producing and nurturing artists around you while also pursuing your own artistic endeavors. I truly respect that. It's about cultivating the right environment.
JürgenI believe actively contributing to the environment is crucial. For me, managing the label is akin to my lifestyle—always striving to be open-minded and observant. I believe that's how new things emerge.
There are six of us, so our combined perspectives merge and take shape. Of course, immersing oneself in personal artistic pursuits is also important. We are mindful of balancing these two aspects.
IzumiIndeed. Thank you for sharing so much.
Could you share your vision for the future?
JürgenCertainly. We've undertaken numerous projects so far, so from now on, we aim to reduce their number and focus more intently on each one. This applies to both the "SONAR KOLLEKTIV" label and "JAZZANOVA" as artists.
Ultimately, though, it's about continuing to make music. It's simple, but that's the most important thing.
IzumiThank you so much for today! It was a wonderful time.
JürgenThank you too!
Let's meet again!
Jürgen Knoblauch (JAZZANOVA / SONAR KOLLEKTIV)
A member of "Jazzanova," the acclaimed nu-jazz production team whose first album, "In Between," released in '02, received high praise worldwide.
His DJ sets, skillfully blending everything from vintage jazz and Latin to the latest electronica and techno, have garnered fervent, genre-defying support within the club scene. Furthermore, their music label "Sonar Kollektiv," which they curate, has consistently released quality albums from artists like Clara Hill, Bennie Sings, DrumLesson, and Outlines, establishing itself as a label that produces rare works balancing edginess with listenability, earning significant trust from its audience.
earning significant trust from its audience.
Recently, their latest compilation, "NEU JAZZ," was released.
This noteworthy release focuses on contemporary jazz, featuring an exclusive jazz version of "That Night" by Jazzanova, featuring Bembe Segue, alongside tracks from Japanese artists quasimode, Sleep Walker, and Hajime Yoshihzawa.
A highly anticipated new album is also scheduled for release in 2008.
Products from "MUG,"MUGthe urban life line from the fashion brand "MINOTAUR,"are available atthe web shopping magazine "Rumors."
