Wunderkammer (R.I.P.)

On their Evig Pint tour in April 2004 Kaizers Orchestra took along a good friend of theirs called Pål Jackman. Jackman's band Wunderkammer is known by many Norwegians, not only because Kaizers-bassist Øyvind "Thunder" played in this band for a long time. Unfortunately Wunderkammer doesn't exist anymore, but the music is nevertheless a fantastic experience. Jackman himself is not only a highly talented musician, he also makes beautiful movies and short films and is one of the most interesting artists Norway has to offer. Since Jackman's short but intense shows struck a chord with the Kaizers-audience, we figured that it would be nice to ask him a couple of questions. The interview was done by Joyce de Groot from the Netherlands in Antwerpe/Belgium.

Interview with Pål Jackman from 18th April 2004

Joyce: How does it feel to be on tour with Kaizers?

Jackman: Great! They are my friends and we have a good time on the bus and on the tour. It's good to warm up for them, to get the crowd going.

Joyce: Do you have the feeling that it works?

Jackman: Yeah, it works well. It's a challenge. So many people and fans come to see them.

Joyce and Jackman in Hannover

Joyce: It's a very short set and I guess it is pretty difficult to convey all the energy of Wunderkammer in these few songs.

Jackman: Yes, it is. We have some introvert songs as well. I have chosen five songs, and I try to comprise the whole energy of Wunderkammer into those. It works well. I am always soaked in sweat after the show.

Joyce: How comes you use poems in some songs, for example the "Erlkönig"?

Jackman: It is a beautiful poem that I read once, when I travelled through Eastern Europe, in 1989, when I was small. I bought a book in East Germany that said "Gedichte von Goethe". I understand German when I read it. So I read this "Erlkönig" poem and it really struck me. I was so inspired that I made that song out of that poem. I didn't know it was that famous, even though I of course had heard of Goethe. I didn't know Schubert already had a version. He wrote the accompaniment for a singer. I learned that afterwards, when the cellist Tanja in my band told me: you have to hear the Schubert version.

Joyce: What's the difference between you playing solo and with Wunderkammer which is a large band? How is it without all these musicians backing you up?

Jackman: It's a challenge. I have to keep the beat going while I am playing the guitar. It's very hard, but it's also fun. You have to do "ahahaha" instead of the beautiful violin. That's why I also bought these shoes, you know (points at his clogs). But I also miss the band, because it's a good band. But it's nice for the Kaizer audience to have some humour and sort of a relaxing thing before Kaizers. Not the "bang bang" thing but only this small set. I think this works fine. It doesn't have to be loud to be energetic. That's the best thing: to get the energy standing there all alone.

Joyce: I really like the whistling. Like in Hannover when Øyvind came on stage and backed you up.

Jackman: We'd like to do that more often, but Øyvind has a new boss now (laughs).

Joyce: What else are you involved in? What other projects do you do?

Jackman: I am writing a film right now. I am very occupied with that. And I am making a new record now with Wunderkammer and I am going to explore some new territories in music. I don't officially reveal it, but I am going to explore some Arabic music. I like that a lot. I have a Tar at home (Persian instrument). I'm also going to explore some African music and Norwegian folklore. In the old days, Europe was sort of part of Asia. And you can still tell it from the music of European folklore. So, then I am also making some theater music and I may direct a theater play. I will see, if I have the time, since there are so many things. And you have to do things thouroughly.

(After the interview Mister Jackman sang us parts of the heart-breaking song "Welcome To My World" and a Norwegian folk song. Wow! We felt really honoured!!!)