Bill Koehler



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CD review in Double Bassist-London UK Spring 2005 Vandana-Journey2Gether

Bill Koehler (db)

Manpreet Bedi (tabla), Bob McEntyre (drums), Glen Wilson (bar sax), David Collier (bass mar, vib), John Boboukis (vox)

Double bassist Bill Koehler, Professor of Music at Illinois State University, here joins forces with Indian Percussionist Manpreet Bedi to create a blend of polyrhythmic and mixed-metre sounds which will be new to many listeners. This intrepid duo weaves a brightly-coloured patchwork of original pieces based on a fusion of jazz, western contemporary classical music and Indian classical music. The result is a sound that is at once transcendental, joyous, serious, contemplative, and mystical.

Koehler's playing uses an intriguing mixture of influences from Indian Rag scales to modal harmonic progressions to the blues. One moment he'll be bowing a theme in the upper registers, then next he'll slip into a wistful and wandering solo. At other times, his playing resembles the exotic sounds of the Indian sitar, which he creates by using the low string of his bass as a drone while simultaneously playing on the upper strings. The absence of any chordal instrument means that harmonies are generally subtly implied, and Koehler takes full advantage of this to explore linear configurations that are rich with many musical influences.

Journey2gether is an exotic and inspirational release that successfully brings together the sounds of two very different cultures. A high note for world music.

Joshua Kline - for Double Bassist

CD review reprinted from Bass World The Magazine of the International Society of Bassists Summer 2005 Vandana-Journey2Gether

Bill Koehler (db)

Manpreet Bedi (tabla), Bob McEntyre (drums), Glen Wilson (bar sax), David Collier (bass mar, vib), John Boboukis (vox)

Virtual Time Records VTR2004

Journey2gether is the name of the CD, Vandana is the name of the duo, and “cool!” is what you’ll say when you listen in. Bass players and drummers have a special relationship in non-classical music; together we create the groove over which all those horn players, guitar players, and singers do their business – without us, they would be nothing! (well…) On this CD, bassist Bill Koehler and tablist Manpreet Bedi feature themselves and the groove, resulting in some very interesting and beautiful music.

The Duo sites their musical influences as contemporary classical, jazz, world music and the music of India, and the fusion of eastern and western musical languages. Journey2gether features some written, but mostly improvised music. With the exception of Vernon Duke’s Autumn in New York and a 14th century ballade by Guiullame Machaut, all of the compositions are by Koehler and Bedi, and sound heavily influenced by Indian music.

For example the opening cut, Caravan Bacchanal, begins with Koehler’s cadenza on a Phrygian scale, then he sets up a groove, and after Bedi and guest drummer Bob McEntyre join in and take over the groove, Koehler picks up the bow and continues wailing. The drummer and the tablist both take solos before the piece is through, and when it’s all over the listener will be surprised that eleven minutes have passed – compelling stuff.

Euphoethos has a guest appearance by baritone saxophonist Glenn Wilson, and he and Koehler take turns providing cascading phrases throughout the piece. This tune like many on this recording (and particularly Deep is My love for You), has a wonderful, hypnotic effect. The tunes Incantation, Consolation, and Postlude are grouped together, seemingly as one piece, and are tremendous. Consolation employs Wilson’s bari sax as well as David collier’s marimba and vibes – one of the great things about this album (and Consolation is a very good example), is the way Koehler brings together so many low pitched instruments, and how fantastic these instruments sound together. There is such warmth – it’s the musical equivalent of “comfort food!”

Koehler’s playing is top notch. His sound, particularly when bowing, is beautiful and his intonation enviable. His compositions are published through himself or Schorer Publications, and I suspect that they are equal parts fun and challenging. Tablist Bedi is a delight; he gets a gorgeous tone and his accompaniments or interactions are noteworthy throughout the album. Journey2gether is an excellent addition to and CD collection-check it out, play it for your students, and enjoy listening to a terrific example of what else the bass can do!

Review by Chris Kosky