Epitaph: Helmut Nieberle, ✝2020
A great musician who passed away too soon
On February 9, 2020, Helmut Nieberle passed away after a serious illness.
Helmut influenced me and my work through his love of jazz guitar like no one else. We had been close ever since I visited him at Birdland in Neuburg in 1994 with my very first homemade archtop guitar. The famous “Two Helmuts” (Helmut Kagerer and Helmut Nieberle) were giving one of their duo concerts there, and I had been advised to be sure to show them my new guitar.
They appeared politely interested, and I thought to myself, “Okay, not much interest, but at least I tried.” Soon after, however, Helmut Nieberle began sending his students to me, and one after another, on Helmut’s recommendation, they ordered my guitars. That year marked the beginning of our collaboration, which lasted until his far too early death.
Just as Helmut appreciated my guitars, I came to appreciate his refined and humorous personality, as well as his elegant, tasteful guitar playing. At every performance of his that I was fortunate enough to witness, I was captivated by his unique way of breathing life into jazz standards, choros, or any other kind of music and making them sing.
But the best moments with Helmut were those evenings when he’d pick up his guitar at workshops, in bars, or somewhere private and let his love of music run free. These intimate moments are unforgettable to me and will keep Helmut in my heart forever.
My only consolation is that he can now play in the eternal jam session with all the jazz greats he had always admired. I will miss Helmut very much. His death is a tremendous loss for all of us who love the jazz guitar.
Stefan Sonntag
„I had the privilege of teaching with Helmut (along with Paulo Morello) for the past seven years at the guitar/vocal workshop organized by Stefan Sonntag. He was my mentor, and especially, my dear friend. Last May, by a series of miracles, Helmut and I were able to do a very spontaneous recording. We laughed, cried, and jammed at his dinner table, and recorded the next day, just the two of us, with the great Sven Faller. It was a truly spiritual musical conversation. I felt like everything I’ve ever learned as a singer and musician came together at that moment. Helmut touched many lives with his grace, wisdom, and unfailing humor: surely he touched mine. I am humbly grateful. Godspeed dear Helmut: I hope you are teaching all those guitar angels how to play with a singer!!“