“Mer Diga Men” – A musical homage to the past, present and future
With their third album “Mer Diga Men”, Die Drahtzieher are making a powerful statement – musically, emotionally and culturally. The title comes from Romanes, the language of the Sinti and Roma, and means “We see each other”. The song of the same name was composed by rhythm guitarist Bobby Guttenberger, who used it to commemorate his deceased brother.
his deceased brother. But the album goes beyond personal memories: it combines past, present and future into a musical narrative. The unmistakable sound of the Drahtzieher artfully interweaves the influences of three well-traveled young musicians from Ravensburg. The ensemble’s instruments meet at eye level in imaginative arrange-ments. Deep melancholy and fiery temperament meet in the styles of gypsy music, valse musette and Latin-inspired bolero. The trio creates the positive impression of the Next Generation, which carries the sonic tradition of its fo-refathers fresh and cosmopolitan into the future
On selected songs on the album, the trio is joined by French guitarist Samson Schmitt. Such as on “Flora”, an enchanting gypsy ballad. It was composed by jazz legend Dorado Schmitt, whose son Samson has now given his famous father’s work a new interpre-tation. The gentle, flowing melodies of the guitars merge with the harmony of the musicians’ playing. The result is a modern example of what the romantic side of the gypsy jazz tradition can produce today.
A look into the past
“Mer Diga Men” is a tribute to all those who are no longer with us, but who live on in our memories and our music. Bobby Guttenber-ger, himself a Sinto, dedicates the title track of the same name to his brother, who died in a tragic car accident. The band deals with universal themes such as loss, grief and gratitude – emotions that everyone knows. Music has the power to connect beyond the boundaries of time and transience. Another example on the album is the ballad “Pour Que Ma Vie Demeure” (For My Life to Remain) by Django Reinhardt, the forefather of jazz manouche. With this work, the band also pays tribute to the legendary artist and his musical legacy.
A look into the future
But “Mer Diga Men” not only stands for remembrance, but also for reunion and the joy of encounters. The band addresses these words to their listeners, friends and fellow musicians – to all those with whom they share a passion for music. Every concert, every session is an invitation to lose oneself in the music together and to inspire each other. With this album, the band reaffirms their desire to play even more live gigs, meet new people and spread the unifying power of music.
A look into the present
The musicians themselves say about their new album: “We have different interpretative approaches for Mer Diga Men. But the most important one is the here and now.” Jazz thrives on the moment – on spontaneity, on immediate experience. During the creative process, the band is completely with itself, in its center. They recognize themselves in the music and accept what is. “We see ourselves” means to them: We are present. We are aware of ourselves. We open our eyes to what really matters.
With “Mer Diga Men”, Die Drahtzieher offer an album that touches, inspires and connects – a work that seeks to merge the past, present and future in the language of music.
David Klüttig – guitar, Bobby Gutenberger – guitar, Kolja Ledge – double bass and as guest: Samson Schmitt – guitar
