Lars Kutschke, While We’re Here
By Mike O’Cull
German guitar master Lars Kutschke fully delivers on his potential all over his new solo album While We’re Here.
Released July 22nd, 2022 on the Timezone label, While We’re Here finds the slick and talented Kutschke using his blues, soul, jazz, funk, and rock influences to create a deliciously mixed bag of upscale roots music with the help of special guests including vocal powerhouse Tad Robinson, guitarist Kirk Fletcher, and organists Simon Oslender and Alberto Marsico.
Kutschke features instrumentals and vocal tunes on this new set, some original to him, some written by band members, and covers of songs by Little Milton, Neil Young, and Leon Russell. Lars produced most of the sessions himself with assistance from Till Sahm on two tracks. The actual performances were laid down in Germany and the USA. The resulting album skillfully walks a line between modern R&B and smooth jazz and a whole lot of people are going to love it.
Lars Kutschke is one of Europe’s finest guitarists and composers. He initially studied music in Dresden and Rotterdam but began to truly learn the blues when he connected with American singer Sharrie Williams and she invited him back to her home state of Michigan. This became an immersive experience that led to Kutschke hitting the road with Sharrie, playing Sunday Baptist services, and rubbing shoulders with blues legends Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Guy, and the Holmes Brothers.
Ultimately, he performed with Sharrie in more than 40 countries and forged his own unique playing style that focused on grooves and melodies. He’s well-versed in all types of American music but comes to it with a Continental flair that’s hypnotic and intriguing.
Kutschke opens While We’re Here with the gentle, mid-tempo funk of his original tune “Chelsea Morning.” It’s a chilled-out, ultra-melodic piece that begins up in the atmosphere and builds until it brings its pocket right to your front door. Lars’ phrasing and note choice are impeccable and he stretches way out without ever abandoning the groove. Kirk Fletcher also shows up on guitar here and contributes more sweet lines and licks. The band behind them lays down some juicy horn-and-organ accents on top of a tight rhythm guitar part and all is well with the world. Fine work.
Little Milton’s soul jam “I Want My Baby Back” gets a workout in Kutschke’s hands that features lead vocals from Indianapolis-based frontman Tad Robinson. Robinson is as good as it gets at the singer’s art, providing a smooth-but-intense center to this sophisticated classic. The interlocking bass and drum groove is worth a bunch of listening time all on its own and functions as a clinic on the topic of high-end rhythm sections. It’s an uptown cut without question but still has what it takes to knock you out.
Tad Robinson steps out again on Leon Russell’s “Hummingbird” and displays another facet of his vocal presence. The backup vocals lift the arrangement up and Kutschke turns us onto more of his understated guitar work. It’s an excellent reading of a song that’s found its place in history and now speaks to all of us.
Kutschke’s title cut “While We’re Here” feels peaceful and spiritual and contains some of his most beautiful guitar lines on the record. He never rushes things, always says exactly what’s needed, and paints the space between your headphones with color and precision. It’s a gorgeous moment that deserves your listening time. Other highlights on the record are “Hidalgo” and Neil Young’s “Coupe De Ville.”
Through it all, Lars Kutschke plays it cool, in the pocket, and out of sight. Highly recommended.
Listen to “Chelsea Morning (feat. Kirk Fletcher)”
Lars Kutschke website
New to me but when I saw that Kirk Fletcher was playing with Lars, I knew to expect some top notch guitar , and I wasn’t disappointed. The sample of Lars’ Chelsea Morning with Kirk is so clean and grooving at the same time. Thanks for the review. I’ll be looking out for him!