Here it is, the last post on this blog my fourth and final best of list. The criteria is fairly simple relying on twenty (+ three honourable mentions) releases I liked. No splitting into genre styles or ranking them numerically. Just simply the art and where to buy it. It's safe to say 2020 has … Continue reading Best of 2020 and farewell.
Compilation Round up – n5MD / Preserved Sound / Élan Vital / Ambientologist / Gizeh / Home Normal.
Here are a collection of worthy compilations that have come my way. All are thematic in one way or another. Three are charity releases, while others celebrate an anniversary or significant milestone for a label. What makes it all better, is each has it's own style, offering up any possible direction for potential listeners to … Continue reading Compilation Round up – n5MD / Preserved Sound / Élan Vital / Ambientologist / Gizeh / Home Normal.
Michael A. Muller – Blue Canyon.
If ever there was a release to tease, it is this one. The reason being it's brevity (two pieces under six minutes in total duration) which leaves you wanting more. Conceived during an artists in residency that Muller undertook at Laity Lodge in Real County, Texas, "Blue Canyon" is a response to his 2019 release … Continue reading Michael A. Muller – Blue Canyon.
James Murray & Mike Lazarev – Suññatā.
"Following last year's reworking of ‘Living Treasure’ James Murray and Mike Lazarev present a collection of post-classical compositions woven into delicate ambient textures. Suññatā is the experience of encountering the non-self, of a sound and its reflection meeting in empty space, found here in the remarkable combined resonance of emotive piano and uniquely reactive sound … Continue reading James Murray & Mike Lazarev – Suññatā.
Looking Backwards To Go Forwards – Part 2.
In light of my recent Instagram post that gave a snapshot of what the review queue looked like, I will keep these short and sweet in an effort to try and get through as many releases before I hit the brick wall. "We’re returning to our release schedule with a work that has been a … Continue reading Looking Backwards To Go Forwards – Part 2.
Martyn Heyne – Open Lines.
"The composer Martyn Heyne was born in Hamburg and classically trained at the music academy of Amsterdam. His concerts and recordings have gained him a reputation for a unique approach to the guitar. As a performer, Heyne played across the world as a live member of the indie rock band Efterklang and as a solo … Continue reading Martyn Heyne – Open Lines.
Shida Shahabi / Near The Parenthesis / anthéne.
"The score to Jennifer Rainsford’s short film of the same name, ‘Lake On Fire’ sees Stockholm-based pianist/ composer Shida Shahabi follow up last year’s "Shifts" EP and her 2018 debut LP "Homes" with a new release that expands her repertoire via a move away from the piano, with three of its four tracks being played on organ and … Continue reading Shida Shahabi / Near The Parenthesis / anthéne.
Bobby Legaspi / Rapt / John Hayes & Maxy Dutcher.
The best part of doing a blog is being introduced to a new artist and being floored with their first release. Such is the case with Philippines based artist Bobby Legaspi and his debut album "...For Strange Times". In an email to me he stated that the album is "a mix of synth pads with … Continue reading Bobby Legaspi / Rapt / John Hayes & Maxy Dutcher.
The Green Kingdom / Hugar / SVLBRD.
If ever there is a need for beauty in this world, it is now. Some calm, some escape, soundtracks to make things just a little better. I present to you the latest releases from The Green Kingdom, Hugar and SVLBRD. "The Green Kingdom is Michael Cottone, based in Michigan. His compositions blur the line between … Continue reading The Green Kingdom / Hugar / SVLBRD.
Claire Deak and Tony Dupé – The Old Capital.
"The Old Capital" is the debut album from Melbourne composers Claire Deak and Tony Dupé. The album is their first recorded collaboration, though Dupé has released two solo albums under the name Saddleback. The duo describes themselves as a home orchestra well-suited for late night rambling. Much like traveling in the dark of night, the … Continue reading Claire Deak and Tony Dupé – The Old Capital.
Drifting, Almost Falling. 