Hans Söllner - Solo

"This man belongs in the Great Bavarian Songbook, in the hall of fame of Bavarian songwriters" - says Bayerischer Rundfunk. And for once, they're right on every count.

For over 40 years he's been on the road - this man from Bad Reichenhall, somewhere between Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and a Bavarian poacher. Söllner writes in the singer-songwriter tradition with American directness and a sharp musical instinct, as if freedom-seeking pioneers had returned to the Alps. His view of life is unsparing, his vision of the world he wants to live in is one of justice, and his rage at those who want to destroy that world and its creatures hits with elemental force.

"We have forgotten that we are the only species that can choose to change something. We can end misery before misery ends us. I try to believe in good, even when I don't always manage it, and I keep showing our hypocrisy in my songs" - says Söllner. Yet - or perhaps because of this - hope is always the greatest force in his songs, and tenderness and love are always stronger than anger or despair. But woe to those who abuse the concept of freedom or try to curtail his own - his bluntness and roughness can be merciless, and his accuracy in detecting false notes is the stuff of legend.

So hold on tight, you sensitive souls and conflict-avoiders - this is the real thing. In his language, which doesn't just want to play at being Bavarian, Söllner lives in what he says and how he says it - with full force and relentless emphasis. Hans Söllner howls and whispers - shouts and curses - speaks and tells stories - laughs and grins - makes you sad or glad - drives you forward and holds you in place. Urgent - precise - unrelenting and always in the rhythm of life.