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The important thing about FMP is the cumulative effect of 10 season’s presentations of new (progressive, sometimes quite radical) improvised music. This has not only created a very knowing public in Berlin, but has had important influences on the whole scene in Germany, as well as in other countries where there is interest in this kind of music ( France, Italy, Holland, USA, etc). The fact that a venture such as this can succeed and continue to bear fruit is a very positive factor in a world of disconcerting artists, and unscrupulous promoters.
The integrity of FMP comes from the clear spirit, and much hard work from the people who run it. The point has always been to keep the music (and the musicians!) alive, and to maintain a high interest in the choice of programs.
FMP were the only people to invite me to Germany, first with my group, then in solo, again with my present quintet, and this year with “Company” and in solo.
Each time, the conditions were good! Not just one concert, but 3 sets on different days, giving us a chance to present a variety of pieces and performances, and for the public to understand better the music, by seeing and hearing in several contexts, and different vantage points.
Always an attempt was made to achieve good sound, and to photograph, record and otherwise document the music, so that FMP is a sort of living history, as well as a set of archives of what happened in Free Music in the last 10 years.
I’ve always been struck by the eager attentive listeners, and this kind of spirit inspires a musician to play their best possible.
Another very important point is the idea of the meeting. I’ve met, listened to, played with, exchanged ideas with many extremely interesting musicians each time I was in Berlin, and heard quite a bit of very good stuff.
Good luck for the next 10 years, and thank you very much.
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