Olec Mün's latest album, 'Imagiro', is a testament to the beauty of spontaneity and the magic of improvised music. Born from an impromptu studio session with pianist Bruno Sanfilippo in the outskirts of Barcelona, 'Imagiro' is a captivating collection of seven piano pieces, each imbued with a sense of presence and sensitivity that could only arise from pure improvisation.
2024 has been a year of exploration for Marcelo Schnock, the creative force behind the Olec Mün moniker. It has been a period dedicated to "study and improvisation, performing concerts where he opens himself to the present moment and lets the music flow spontaneously." This approach is beautifully encapsulated in 'Imagiro'. The album title itself is an acronym, with each track title contributing a letter to form the word. Interestingly, "if we rotate the word Imagiro, it gives us Origami, that delicate and subtle Japanese art." This connection is subtly reflected in the music, which at times evokes the introspective and minimalist beauty of Ryuichi Sakamoto's work.
There's a distinct ephemeral quality to 'Imagiro'. As Olec himself notes, "The unrepeatable and unique nature of spontaneous composition is something difficult to explain and communicate." Had he visited Sanfilippo's studio on a different day, the music would have been entirely different. This impermanence adds a layer of intrigue and makes each listen a unique experience.
Olec's musical journey has been one of diverse influences and explorations. Born in Argentina in 1985, he has studied jazz, harmony, and composition with renowned teachers, and further enriched his musical vocabulary through travels and studies of world music in India and West Africa. These experiences have clearly shaped his approach to music, which he sees as "a path of exploration and a quest for identity."
'Imagiro' is a testament to this ongoing quest. The music is at times delicate and introspective, at others, powerful and emotive. The album artwork, featuring photographs by Vivian Bellido, perfectly complements the music, capturing the interplay of light and shadow that mirrors the emotional depths of the compositions.
With 'Imagiro', Olec Mün invites us to embrace the beauty of the present moment and to lose ourselves in the captivating world of improvised music. It's an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new nuances and depths with each encounter.
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