“Japandorf” is the last album production of Klaus Dinger (1946-2008). In fact “Japandorf” is the perfectly accomplished third album of a series of three albums in total, which were produced since 2000 by the likewise named project Japandorf. The two predecessors of “Japandorf” are called “pre-Japandorf” and “VIVA Rimix 2010” and are yet to be released. According to the manifesto like character of his song CHA CHA 2000 (1978), Klaus was even in the beginning of 2000 still after a special kind of musical collaboration to attain a unique sound, which would suit the upcoming millennium. For his new project, he opened his studio in 2000 to various fine artists and musicians for spontaneous recording-sessions. Through an artist friend Nakao, Klaus got introduced to Japanese musicians and artists living in Düsseldorf, especially the sessions together with them had a dense and exciting atmosphere. “Nakao opened the door to Japandorf” Klaus said. From these sessions the new project, “Japandorf” emerged. On from the beginning of their partnership Klaus, Kazu, Nakao, Miki and Satoshi besides playing music, had spent a lot of time together camping, cycling, being close to nature, discussing, in order to slowly broaden the musical scope. Klaus ́ basic idea for these recordings was to be working together with a collective of collaborators who would have a background in fine arts rather than being technically skilled instrumentalists. This process of developing music took some time, but the results are surprisingly fresh and unique. Klaus once said, he would like to pass on his artistic experience to younger generation. Although Klaus has been pressured by financial needs during the 7 years of “Japandorf” production, he would devote all his passion and time to the project and also cared about the members, let them challenge and gain experiences through the creative process. Lyrically and musically the album “Japandorf” focuses on the city of Düsseldorf and specially on its Japanese community, which Düsseldorf is internationally well known for since the early 70s. All rehearsal and recording sessions from 2000 until 2006 took place at either Klaus ́ Zeeland Studio at the seaside in the Netherland or at his Düsseldorf Studio which were located nearby the airport. Most of the songs on “Japandorf” were finally recorded in 2007 at Zeeland Studio. Another few recording sessions took place in February and in March 2008, with only Klaus, Kazu and Miki. On 21. March, just before the album was to be finished, Klaus suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. Miki, Klaus ́ partner, became his heiress and finished the three albums together with Kazu in 2010. “Japandorf” is a uniquely magical, optimistic, refreshing and beautiful album. Definitely another manifest of Klaus Dinger.
