Haffner, Wolfgang - Life Rhythm

“I constantly think about how to lead the band with the drums in such a way that the instrument plays a central role, but that it’s more about shaping the music than showing off my virtuosity,” says Wolfgang Haffner. This approach, which has been a common thread throughout his career, is also a key factor on Life Rhythm, his tenth album released on the ACT label. Haffner may shy away from the stereotype of the virtuoso drummer/bandleader—and he does so deliberately—but on Life Rhythm, the drums are still at the heart of the music. In 2022, Wolfgang Haffner was offered the opportunity to play the first solo concert of his career, which kicked off a series of events that led to this album. He recalls: "It was a crazy challenge. I had to make a decision: was I really going to play a drum solo... for a whole hour? Of course not." This reflection encouraged Haffner, who usually composes his music on the piano, to use drums in his songwriting process.