Irmin Schmidt & Kumo

The Masters of Confusion project was born out of the studio work around Irmin Schmidt's fantasy opera Gormenghast when Kumo, a.k.a producer, programmer and sound-designer Jono Podmore, was drafted in in 1997 on the recomendation of manager and impressario Jazz Summers to assist Schmidt with the work. The duo, who make an intense and unique form of music that feeds off their respective musical histories, first played live on the Can-Solo-Projects tour which marked the 30th anniversary of the group. In 2001 work began on the first Irmin Schmidt and Kumo album alongside extensive touring in Europe. The album Masters of Confusion was released worldwide in September 2001 on Spoon/Mute records. The same year they created a sound installation, Flies, Guys and Choirs, for the Barbican Centre as part of the Elektronik festival, held in October 2001. The installation is now available as a sonic experience for public spaces. The duo performed further concerts including the Montreux Jazz Festival and tours in France and Italy. Irmin Schmidt & Kumo are managed by Hildegard Schmidt, who also runs Spoon records. She has been the manager of Can, their back catalogue and various solo projects since 1969. Irmin Schmidt & Kumo are currently working on their 2nd album, due for release Jan 08