Rüdiger Carl

**Rüdiger Carl** was a German experimental music maverick who blended free jazz, improvisation, and avant-garde mischief across five decades. Known for his clarinet squalls and accordion experiments, Carl was a key figure in Europe’s 1970s free improvisation scene, often collaborating with icons like Hans Reichel and Johanna Beyer. His work veered from chaos to quirky humor, whether in anarchic improv units like Irène's Hot Four (a nod to his wife/collaborator Irène Schweizer) or through conceptual electroacoustic oddities. Later works like *Villa Hügel* (2019) showcased his knack for combining raw textures with sly wit.

The posthumous *OBEN - Matthias Beltz Remixed* (2023), released after his 2022 passing at 80, proved his enduring influence. Carl remained a gleeful disruptor until the end, treating music as a playground where rules dissolved into joyous cacophony.