Lieder zum Festhalten

"A broad musical and emotional range, sharp-witted lyrics, and plenty of something his press bio leaves out: Bessel is, at heart, an incisive cabaret artist. What makes his music refreshing is its harmonic and structural complexity. Ideas are deployed generously - he moves between pop accompaniment, swing, and Latin without hesitation, and his colourful piano playing carries every song. Some passages feel closer to the art songs of well-known Romantic song cycles than to the predictable chord patterns of many singer-songwriters. What's fascinating is how Bessel memorises every sequence without sheet music or notes. Contrasting sections shift quickly, modulations are bold and unexpected, and his voice has to land just as swiftly and accurately in each new key. Add to that a lot of text, expressive facial work, and real audience contact. A casual listener might not notice the multitasking involved, but fellow musicians and attentive fans will recognise what's being pulled off here."

Ramon (with a rolled R) divides his programme into two halves: "Lieder zum Festhalten" and "Love and Everything Else That Can Go Wrong". Perhaps more telling, though, is his own distinction between "amusing" and "less amusing" songs - because that's where it becomes clear: this artist wants to entertain, but shallow is simply not in his repertoire. Everyday philosophy, social observation, and deeper thought carry more weight here than a quick gag. Bessel skewers the absurdity of gourmet dog food (Canibo, for dogs with standards) with great wit, and he's not too timid to hold up a damning mirror to the SUV drivers who may well be sitting in the audience.