2006

Main-Post, Ausgabe Main-Spessart, 6. März 2006

Americana at the Amviehtheater
Markus Rill and Andreas Obieglo wow the crowd in Arnstein-Halsheim

Singer-songwriter Markus Rill and pianist Andreas Obieglo introduced the crowd at the Amviehtheater in Arnstein-Halsaheim to " Americana" - a musical style that draws from country, rock, blues, and folk. The old theater was about three quarters filled - the icy streets may have cost the duo a few listeners. But those who came were amply rewarded. The gravel-voiced singer offered up a vast repertoire of all things Americana.

Sensitive love songs with delicate guitar parts, driving rock and roll rhythms, and somber ballads - Rill and Obieglo delivered everything in utterly convincing fashion. They even surprised with stirring tributes to the King Of Rock'n'Roll, Elvis Presley, and the Godfather of country music, Johnny Cash.

Markus Rill is known as Europe's premier Americana artist. The self-taught musician has released five CDs and made a name for himself all over Europe, and even in Nashville, TN. And that is also where he recorded his latest album "The Price Of Sin" from which he drew many of the songs performed in Halsheim. He says has always felt drawn to songs with storytelling lyrics - that is why as a young man he became interested in the music of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash or the King. While he went to college in Texas, this fondness turned into a true passion.

However, it's not his goal as a songwriter to imitate and emulate his idols and American music, he wants to leave a mark with his own contributions. One example is his "Cyberspace Love Song" which humorously adds computers to the somewhat limited repertoire of country song topics consisting of women, whiskey, trucks, and horses. In this song, Rill sings: "I'm in love with a woman I've never seen".

Rill's excellent songs benefit from the high level of his musicianship and his mature vocal delivery. His voice is distinctive and versatile - a powerful instrument that'll get under your skin. And his musical partner Andreas Obieglo is his perfect counterpart. This first-rate pianist offers more than mere accompaniment and background support. His beautiful meandering parts add another dimension to Rill's songs without distracting from ther content.

Personable between-song banter helped win the audience over. Giving a little more background info on the songs could've helped some not-so fluent English speakers better understand the lyrics. Still, the audience whistled, clapped, and screamed after a two-hour long concert until Rill and Obieglo returned for several encores.