Swiss multi-genre composer Alf Jetzer creates musical mandalas with his powerful, atmospheric sonic signature he refers to as ‘world music with spirit’. Combining elements of meditation music, world music, progressive rock, jazz and classical sounds, Jetzer’s work exudes deep stillness and presence. Each composition takes him close to two months to create. The care and attention to detail are immediately evident, with arrangements as immersive and hypnotic as they are atypical.
“Since I devoted myself entirely to composing and perfecting my music and recording it for decades, I never had time for anything else. For me, music (enhanced through years of meditation) is and always has been the real path. As a result, I have practically no palmares to show. Instead, I can now offer a long-matured “product” that is unique in its form. Only a few musicians have the patience to see something like this through (composing/recording as a standalone art). You must forget about the “big deal” because it can negatively affect the process. But now it’s the time to go out.”
“UNFOLDING” represents a high point in my work. Dedicated work which took over 2 years to realize. I have compiled my 40 years of experience in recording in “Unfolding.” One important thing applies to all products and activities: the more dedication you invest in a product, the more “soul” and vitality it can convey.”
Alf Jetzer carries with him a depth of respect for music history and a keen awareness for artistic and philosophical lineage and its value for modern creators: “Although the pieces were created in the present, they carry a melodic sensibility rooted in the 1970s and 80s. At that time, writing memorable, immediately recognizable melodies was still a central part of instrumental music.
Today, that kind of melodic instinct seems far less common. Many contemporary musicians appear either less interested in pursuing it, or perhaps no longer as connected to that particular craft. For me, preserving that sense of melody became an important part of my own musical development — not as nostalgia, but as something worth carrying forward into the present.”
Having composed music for over 40 years, Jetzer approaches the process as if he is painting with sound, using instruments to create the picture in his mind’s eye. An album standout “Soul Bird” takes a particularly intruiging compositional approach.
“I’ve been trying to find a recent guitar instrumental with the kind of instantly recognizable melodic power Santana achieved with “Samba Pa Ti” in 1970 — and honestly, it’s surprisingly hard to find one.
Today there are plenty of beautiful guitar sounds, hooks, textures and atmospheres, but very few fully developed, memorable lead guitar melodies that are allowed to carry an entire piece.
That’s one of the things “Soul Birds” does differently. The melody is not decoration — it is the central voice. In that sense, I feel the track carries something forward that has almost disappeared from contemporary instrumental music.”
