Guillaume Viltard

Guillaume Viltard, doublebass. Recorded in 2008 studio and outdoor. The CD comes in a very special package made by visual artist Zéhavite Cohen. 300 copies. 'There followed a solo double bass performance that was added late to the bill from Guillaume Viltard, a young musician that has been playing a lot at the weekly Eddie Prevost workshop. I had seen him play before, most recently in a duo with his frequent playing partner Ute Kanngiesser, but never solo, and I have to admit to being taken by surprise by this set. Far from just being extra filler for the concert Viltard took the opportunity, and simultaneously his bass by the scruff of the neck and tore into a quite brilliant set, incredibly powerful, emotive playing, passionate, occasionally violent music. He rocked about around his instrument, bowing, plucking and wrenching at the strings but always with precise intention, never just randomly attacking the bass. The music was full but not lacking in structure, able to breathe but always coming at you. He began playing while the audience were still walking around chatting, and watching him when few others were he plunged everything into the performance right from the outset. moulding this music out of nowhere oblivious to the fact that people were sat watching. I found this performance absolutely captivating.' by Richard Pinnell after a concert at Cafe Oto.