# albums

name: Christmas Through the Gateway
sku: okandcm-christmasgateway
upc: 876809009977
description:
For the first time in the history of the developed world, Osamu Kitajima and Chris Mancinelli have created Christmas music with a distinctly Oriental flavor. Remaining faithful to the traditional musical heritage, they have successfully built a sonic bridge traversing these two vastly contrasting worlds. Take a musical sleigh ride with the infectious beats, ambient stylings and Japanese influences of these holiday classics. It is an innovative and playful set of music that sounds both familiar and undeniably unique.


name: Two Bridges Crossing
sku: okandcm-twobridges
upc: 847646001714
description:
Two Bridges Crossing presents a superb mix of ancient Geisha singing and supple urban beats. The project exemplifies a masterful blending of traditional Japanese instruments with exotic electronica, and "Sumo wrestling jinku" vocals layered with jazz inflected stylings. Soaring textures surround the sound, nourished from the past, the present and the future. Savor the pan-pacific blend of musical worlds as it emerges from the exceptional production style of Dr. Osamu Kitajima and Chris Mancinelli.

The duo continues to create and expand new hybrids of modern music for adventurous listeners. Spanning west to east and east to west, "Two Bridges Crossing" links two seemingly contrasting lands effortlessly. Make the crossing only if you dare to expand your listening horizons.


name: Unauthorized Modifications
sku: ostracon-unauthorizedmod
upc: 847646006009
description:
On this debut electronica/jazz album from the duo Ostracon, John Keston uses custom sequencing software to convert video signals into a stream of generative melodic structures. During their performances and recording sessions Keston captures, layers, loops, arranges and processes these phrases building spontaneous compositions.

Graham O'Brien accompanies these angular, electronic structures, with dynamic drumming that flirts with the underworld. O'Brien's percussive statements firmly place the compositions into a non-linear landscape, grounded in a familiar yet impossible to categorize igneous crust.


name: Music Elevator
sku: otis-musicelev
upc: 847646002674
description:
It was a creative explosion from start to finish, culminating in the band's most polished recording yet. In 6 months time, the band managed to formulate their concept for the album, record all the music, design all the artwork, and shoot an incredible music video for their single "Automatic People". Their hard work and the help of many great people who believe in them brought their vision to life. With "Music Elevator," OTiS has dipped into the pool of old school flavor and resurrected the soul of the times. It's about time somebody did.

In the spring of 2011, OTiS came together at SIR Studios in New York City and broke ground on their second studio album. Four months later the band had their finished product, entitled Music Elevator.


name: OTiS
sku: otis-otis
upc: 847646000212
description:
This diverse album touches on bluesy rock on "All Over Again" and "American Dream," but also delivering rhythm driven reggae on "Trying to Believe," "Tin Can" and "Reconstruction." Funk and Jam fans will immediately fall into "Andelusia," "Situation Song" and "The Way It Goes."

The band breaks out of boxes even more on the Americana tinged "Die Easy" featuring Joe Trombino of Urban Sun. The "Round Table Online" wrote "It's a rarity for energy of a band to translate so strongly on a recording, yet OTiS manages to pull it off with ease."

This is OTiS' debut album, and was recorded during the better part of 2009, and was officially released in March 2010. It is produced by OTiS' bass player, Dave Lowenthal, and mastered by Butch Jones at Beathaven.


name: Scrambled
sku: ou-scambled
upc: 847646008614
description:
Sung in Italian, Sardinian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, English and Pygmy, with a guest brass band and guest chorus, Scrambled blurs the boundaries between jazz, world music, irony, ferocity and tenderness.

1. Non C'e Niente da Lavare (There is nothing to wash) ~ a joyous romping bassline provides the foundation for this battle between logic and habit, romanticism and hilarity. Featuring solos by Andrea Pesce on piano and Amy Denio on clarinet.

2. S'Ou Abbattadu (Scrambled Eggs) ~ the egg gets down and gets funky! Performed with expanded horn section and 'preacher' Keni Cohen describing the world through the eyes of a hard-boiled egg. In English and Sardinian.

3. Nochdenada (Night of nothing) ~ a dialogue between gentle and ferocious, from anthemic jazz to the wild abandon of energetic rumba. In Spanish.

4. Destiny Sneezed ~ composed by Amy Denio and based on Mexican rhythm 'son jarocho', this whimsical song evokes the beauty of dissonance. In English.

5. Deificacao ~ featuring Ersilia on ukulele, this rhythmic piece mixes the tenderness of a lullabye with the passion of tango, and echoes of Weimar Germany. In Portuguese.

6. Gallone Bocca Larga (Big Mouth Gallon Jug) ~ commencing with the abandon of samba, then moving forward with the tick-tock of minimalism, this composition is a tribute to the deep love and respect between OU and producer Amy Denio, inspired by their wild adventures on the road. In Italian.

7. I Like You ~ featuring Denio on Jew's Harp, this piece is destined to be an underground disco classic!

8. Andiamo a Conoscerci Meglio a Parigi ~ a tender, evocative illustration about the beauty and illusion of love. Featuring Denio on clarinet. Sung in English.

9. Jengi ~ a wistful song about ups and downs transforms into mesmerizing and gorgeous trance music. Sung in Spanish and Pygmy.


name: Now You've Done it
sku: ozziecruse-nowyouvedoneit
upc: 847646009789
description:
On his sophomore album 'Now You've Done It', Ozzie Cruse continues to straddle the line between composition and sample based music while paying homage to multiple influences and styles.

'Now You've Done It' contains conceptual compositions Ozzie has likened to... "a robotic assembly line" - Servo Related, "an outer space journey" - Gleaning Various Sources, and " a musical foreplay to sexy time!" - Last Time Tonight.

His mix of pop sensibilities, jazzy feel, big-beat-head-nod-ability and indie spirit come together to create another collection of interesting forays into the vibrant wilderness of a truly musical mind.


name: Sellouts of Oz
sku: ozziecruse-selloutsofoz
upc: 847646009543
description:
On his debut album Sellouts of Oz, Ozzie Cruse displays a diverse foundation of musical roots. This album contains tastes of jazz, sprinkled with soul, sauteed with pop, and pounded out with big beats akin to a cookin' old jazz combo stomping out classic rock in a hot dance club.

Skirting the line between composition and sample, Ozzie manages to forge an album that's energetic and driving, funky and fun, while also remaining warmly organic and uniquely modern at its core. The tunes from Sellouts of Oz are immediately catchy and each have a life and story of their own.


name: Songs and Dance Music of Europe East and West
sku: panacea-songs
upc: 876809001261
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257916812&s=143444
description:
Panacea - Songs and Dance Music of Europe East and West. The beautiful new CD by Balkan/Rom/East European/Israeli ensemble "Panacea" Exotic, beautiful, and wildly playful. Featuring hammered dulcimer, violin, percussion, accordion, haunting polyphonic vocals.


name: A Different Story
sku: panicensemble-differentstory
upc: 847646007631
description:
A Different Story, Ensemble Panic's second album, contains the elements of magic and heavenly witchery that were present in their debut album, and simultaneously carries a new spirit - a strong connection to the earth, which is expressed in the fresh and colorful electric sound.

The music is driven by a rhythm section of drums, bass and electric guitar, orchestrated together with viola, accordion, piano and trumpet, creating a mixture of folk rock pop and cabaret music. The song lyrics were written by poet Karen Alkalay Gut, and deal with life conflicts, relationships, and humanity.

To deepen Panic Ensemble's new sound dimension Roy Yarkoni added Avi Belleli (Tractor's Revenge) and they produced the album. The mix smoothly completing Panic Ensemble's weave of celestial vs. corporal, was made by Richard Woodcraft, who won a Grammy for his work with Radiohead and who has worked over the years with Arctic Monkeys, Neil Young, Robbie Williams and others)in the Flexi Sound Studios in London.


name: Panic Ensemble
sku: panicensemble-panicensemble
upc: 847646007624
description:
This excursion blends lyrics about the complexity of life such as love, relationships, panic attacks, obsessions and more, while the music blends many styles together, such as folk, ambient, pop, jazz and cabaret, into a unique and appealing mixture of music and lyrics. Some have defined this album as an "circus of emotions".

Orchestration is based on Viola, Accordion, Trumpet, Piano, Guitar, double bass and percussion. Arrangements, melody, harmony and structure are complex at times yet the music is pleasant and catchy, very melodic and enjoyable.

The album was a big surprise when it came out in Israel, and earned many fans. Songs from the album were used also in TV, film and commercials.

Welcome to the magical journey of Panic Ensemble's first album!


name: Black Hand
sku: ppavan-blackhand
upc: 847646010709
description:
Black Hand is a Creative Commons production by Paolo and Roberto Pavan: jazz compositions created over the last three years, entirely self-produced. "Black Hand" is the black hand, the soul that has always fed my musical research. It represents the hand of Afro-American musicians, expression of that free music, devoid of constrictions, mental schemes, styles and clichés, almost an escape from the prison of form.

I want to thank my Trio friends: Carmine Iuvone, Francesco Merenda, Federico Orfanò and the guests Davide Marinacci and Giacomo Tantillo, very talented musicians.

Paolo Pavan Piano Francesco Merenda & Federico Orfanò drums Carmine Iuvone Double Bass Guest: Davide Marinacci Tenor Sax Giacomo Tantillo Trumpet Recorded, mixed, mastered by Roberto Pavan Cover by Federico Bartoli all song are composed by Paolo Pavan under CC license


name: Lines
sku: ppavan-lines
upc: 847646009109
description:
Lines is the second album just realized by "UP" (Ubaldini-Pavan). Like the former one, this is a self-produced work and will be published under CC license. The album guides its listeners across countries and cultures, but it made with a lot of artistic freedom. The focus of this work, the recording of which took about one year, was to call to mind all the sounds, sensations, vibrations that we chance upon when walking through life, without any sort of barrier or boundaries.

Pasqualino Ubaldini - Guitar, Bouzouki, Oud, Fretless Bass
Paolo Pavan - Piano, Keyboards
Francesco Merenda - Drums
Andrea Colella - Double Bass
Davide Roberto - Percussion
Michele Villari - Clarinet
Davide Marinacci - Tenor Sax
Natalino Frija - Soprano Sax Ciaramella Abruzzese

Lines is composed by Pasqualino Ubaldini and Paolo Pavan Produced by Paolo Pavan, Roberto Pavan, Pasqualino Ubaldini


name: Looking for a Way Out
sku: ppavan-lookingout
upc: 847646003916
description:
Looking For A Way Out is a self-produced Jazz CD by Paolo and Roberto Pavan. Songs are played by excellent musicians from the Italian jazz scene.

The compositions are a set of ideas inspired by the repertoire of old and new American Jazz school, expanding the boundaries to reach a very personal and intimate musical discourse.

The theme of the album is improvisation. The musicians have interpreted and developed the original ideas while maintaining a good interplay, giving the work a feel of a live performance.

The album contains songs from the more classic taste, like the ballad Silent, Urban Slanging or Blue Night Dance. There are also songs more intimate and experimental, like What's Up that presents a musical structure typical of the so-called modal jazz of Miles Davis. Opposites presents, instead, a ring-form, leaving improvisation greater creative freedom. Finally there are more modern pieces such as Looking For A Way Out and Third that go more toward a landscape of musical fusion of jazz, funky grooves and Urban Jazz.


name: The Swing of Things
sku: ppavan-swingthings
upc: 847646008133
description:
The Swing Of Things is a collection of songs composed between 2012 and 2014 by Paolo Pavan and Davide Marinacci. Typically the sounds of jazz songs like Do It, One, Escape blend with more experimental sounds that give life to songs Funk (Open The Source), experimental Pop (Seven) and Ethnic sounds (Moja, Uolz). The quartet also experiments with these eclectic sounds with the help of some good musicians: Pasqualino Ubaldini and Davide Roberto (Italian folk music) and Giovani Amato and Fabio Sartori (exponents of the Italian jazz music).

The quartet was founded in 2000 by Paolo Pavan in collaboration with saxophonist and friend Davide Marinacci. After the first period of preparation and study led to the first quartet that reworks the classic quartets historians such as John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. Then comes the idea for the Cd of original music. Hence the first cd "Inside" followed by "Looking For A Way Out" and the last "The Swing Of Things" released this year which is enjoying already the clamor of the international public (defined by Jamendo one of the best groups of the south of Europe). On its way the quartet meets the major clubs and Festivals of Italy.


name: Up
sku: ppavan-up
upc: 847646006047
description:
Up is a Jazz/World self-produced album by Pasqualino Ubaldini, Paolo and Roberto Pavan.

The album tells a journey through the sounds and colors of the World. Among the compositions, there are typical music styles from various ethnic traditions. "Savarnah", a samba feeling; "Ballata del Felipe" is a rumba; "Adkezin" is a flamenco with an Arabic influenced style; "A Man At The Clock" and "Promenade" with a Manouche/ragtime styles, are inspired by Harold Lloyd's film (Safety Last); "Black Trees" and "Five Special Blues" are typical blues ballads; "Saltimbanco" is a Tango feeling; "Pioggia" and "Fado" are fragments of inspired music.

Among the ethnic instruments used in the creation of the album are: Oud, Kazoo, traditional percussion, Hammond Organ and accordion.

Pasqualino Ubaldini was born in Rome in 1965. Has studied guitar with Maurizio Lazzaro, Fabio Mariani and Stefano Micarelli. He plays acoustic/electric guitars and typical instruments like the Oud, Saz, Bouzuki, Mandolino and Fado guitars. He collaborates with various Italian folk bands and has recorded many albums as a composer and musician.

The songs on this album were composed by Paolo Pavan and Pasqualino Ubaldini in 2013.


name: Velvet Face
sku: ppavan-velvetface
upc: 847646001967
description:
Velvet Face is a sing-song that I listened to in my neighbourhood when I was a child. this album is a collection of ideas thrown out this year and wants to be an attempt to create electronic music mixed with acoustics. Since mine is a predominantly improvisational nature, I used electronics as a basis for unravelling my improvisations. A special thanks goes to Pasqualino Ubaldino who with his guitar on tracks 6 and 7 has made an essential contribution to this realization.

Velvet Face
produced by Paolo and Roberto Pavan
composed by Paolo Pavan
piano, synths, drum programming, arrangments Paolo and Roberto Pavan
guitars Pasqualino Ubaldini
sax Davide Marinacci
additional drum programming Marco Niccoli


name: Goodnight, Daylight
sku: parksttrio-goodnightdaylight
upc: 847646002759
description:
In their debut album, Park St. Trio captures the sounds of traditional melodic jazz, while maintaining a modern flare. The album takes you through a series of memorable melodies and rhythms. The addition of Stan Muncy on vibraphone, makes the trio becomes a quartet and soulfully produces a sound which is sure to entice your ears. Pay close attention to the title track, which is a lullaby written for drummer, Steve Slaters, son. As well as the heavy blues in, Dopey's Walk and super melodies on Doctor's Doctrine and Quilt on the Grass.

Enjoy!


name: 3 Plus 5
sku: parksttrio-threeplusfive
upc: 847646005279
description:
3 Plus 5 is an adventure album, a blend of modern-leaning jazz. The songwriting reflects the band's evolution and range of musical interest, moving the listener along a spectrum of sounds from fun and whimsical to reflective and moody.

Like Goodnight Daylight, the first Park St. Trio album, 3 Plus 5 was recorded to 1-inch tape with no overdubs and no "fixing" of notes - on this album, what you hear is what they played. In the studio the band did three takes per song and selected their favorite one. The trio has five extra players join them in bringing to life this musical conception.

The Trio:
Jason Countryman - Guitar
Matt Roads - Bass
Steve Slater - Drums

The Guests:
Dave Eshelman - Trombone
Jesse Micek - Piano
Stan Muncy - Vibes, Xylophone
Geordie Frazer - Sax, Clarinet
Andy Wilke - Trumpet


name: Law of Attraction
sku: avgerinos-attraction
upc: 876809008895
description:
Grammy nominated and award winning, Paul Avgerinos returns with a musical tour through the "Law of Attraction", the New Age philosophy taught by Esther and Jerry Hicks in their best selling books and popularized in 'The Secret'. With nine world-class guest artists, Avgerinos offers a rich tapestry: at once delicate and powerful, helping the listener align with their higher self.

Blending New Age, Ambient, and World musical styles with Middle Eastern and Indian music, "Law of Attraction" is modeled on Paul's album "Garden of Delight", which won a "Best World Album award" and was an "Echoes CD of the Month".

"Seeing in Technicolor, feeling goosebumps and a slowly spreading pleasant warmth... what's this feeling? It's the music of Paul Avgerinos."
Kate Russell - New Age Journal

"Paul's compositions are soul-stirring and can evoke deep meditative states. I recommend his music to anyone who loves spiritual music."
Pramod K. Uday - India


name: Balancing Spheres
sku: avgerinos-balancing
upc: 876809001254
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257916932&s=143444
description:
Come take a soaring, intimate journey of fantasy and reflection, traveling from the outer reaches of the universe back home to the inner comforts of the heart, exploring other realms, awakening the Body, Mind and Soul.

Night Illusions, Day Dreams...At night we dream, traveling to other realms. In day we practice living, awakening the Body and the Mind. Two parts to the whole reality. Two moments of surrender. Ascend from stillness up to the seat of love where we see the universe through the eyes of contentment. Vast star systems undulate in perfect order and reveal the real beauty of the cosmos. Why not the human soul?


name: Bliss
sku: avgerinos-bliss
upc: 847646001776
description:
Bliss - designed especially for relaxation, massage, meditation, and all the holistic arts, Bliss flows for 75 minutes of graceful soothing serenity.

Like Liquid Mind and Deuter, Bliss is a deeply expansive space of unconditional peaceful love. Without obvious melodies, bass and drums, Bliss helps you to release resistance and open more fully to your own inner natural state of Bliss.

In the rich soil of Peace
grows the Sacred flower of Grace
Breathe Deeply
its aroma
is Your Bliss

"Grammy Nominated, Avgerinos is one of the Giants of New Age Ambience..."
- All Music Guide

Paul Avgerinos ~ Bass Violin, 12 String Guitar, Keyboards, Sound Design

Carrie Grossman ~ Angelic Diva of AH and OM

Special Gratitude to Carrie Grossman for helping me to envision and encouraging me to make this album. Thank you Carrie! Please visit her at www.thelightinside.org

Bliss has won Best Relaxation / Meditation Album for 2011 from Zone Music Awards!


name: Gnosis
sku: avgerinos-gnosis
upc: 876809005016
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=164146061&s=143444
description:
A glowing, watercolor wash of angelic choirs and ancient Greek chants, longtime Magnatune favorite Paul Avgerinos' new album is based on the Gnostic tradition and wisdom of ancient Greek mystery societies, and also features perfectly integrated sounds of tabla, oud, sarangi, and cello. Allmusic.com named Avgerinos "one of the giants of ambient music," and the stellar sound design on this new release makes apparent how he earned the title. Gnosis is luminous and relaxing. Standout tracks include the mellow "Journey To Now" and the subtly futuristic title track, "Gnosis." Full album art included with download purchase.


name: Love
sku: avgerinos-love
upc: 876809000318
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love/id327678570
description:
Blissful Lullabies celebrating our highest vibration - LOVE

Grammy nominated award winning composer Paul Avgerinos delivers his most intimate work to date. A temple of sound in honor of Love. A sacred space of deep blissful contentment. The fertile soil of peaceful grace where we are able to feel and free to be our true nature . . . LOVE

Paul's last effort, Garden of Delight, was Top Ten on New Age Radio for Three Months, CD of the Month on Echoes, Featured on Hearts of Space and won the New Age Reporter award for Best World Album. GNOSIS and MAYA also won NAR Awards and all Three of Paul's last albums were Top Ten on the radio charts.

LOVE is Album # 10 from Paul Avgerinos, whose music is heard around the world on radio, TV and film.

"Grammy nominated, Avgerinos is one of the giants of Ambient music " - all music guide


name: Lovers
sku: avgerinos-lovers
upc: 847646004159
description:
Sensual and rich, like fine dark chocolate, Lovers weaves a magical tapestry of tender textures and exquisite rhythmic pulsations, caressing your body, heart and soul. Building on the success of his award winning albums Bliss and Love, Paul Avgerinos offers Lovers with a universal archetypal theme: Love until you and the beloved become one.


name: Maya - The Great Katun
sku: avgerinos-maya
upc: 876809001247
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=86601978&s=143444
description:
A powerful portrayal of an ancient Mayan ritual, this deliciously cryptic music consists of sacred words chanted over ceremonial percussion and atmospheric electronic sounds that draw forth shadows from other realms.
Linda Kohanov

Sacred Earth Tones - Welcome the spirit of this most ancient and elegant Mayan ritual. The soft chant of the sacred words will soon draw forth light and shadows from other realms in a ceremony that reverberates rich with devotion and the renewal of life.


name: Muse of the Round Sky
sku: avgerinos-muse
upc: 876809001230
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=40811626&s=143444
description:
Vibrant with the elemental beauty of the Greek islands, flowing with the bardic song, dancing with the ancient rhythms, Muse of the Round Sky journeys to the heartland of Western civilization to find a resonance for today.

These richly impressionistic soundscapes were inspired by Avgerinos's ancestral homeland of Greece. Guest artists include guitarist Brian Keane and Omar Faruk Tekbilek, who plays Middle Eastern flutes. The composer's dense synthesizer textures and dreamy electronic effects make the album feel like one long, luscious mirage.

One of the deepest, most moving works since Peter Gabriel's Last Temptation of Christ. Bewitching compositions. Reach [es] back through the aeons. The mix of ancient acoustic, and cutting edge digital instruments create [s] a timeless quality. A journey of discovery to mystical places, encountering magical characters. A discovery of self and of history.
Synthesis

Sure to fuel the imagination with its richly impressionistic soundscapes. Hot desert winds seem to blow through selections featuring Omar Faruk. Brian Keane contributes elegant acoustic guitar, and soprano saxophonist Marion Meadows wails like an ecstaic dervish. Dense synthesizer textures and dreamy electronic effects...make Muse of the Round Sky feel lke one long luscious mirage.
Linda Kohanov, New Age Journal


name: Phos Hilaron
sku: avgerinos-phos
upc: 876809003777
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=69808959&s=143444
description:
Phos Hilaron is a deeply devotional Ambient Soundscape with hymns nearly 2000 years old - we chant blissful peace in this perfect moment.

Phos Hilaron ( foss hill-a-ron ) "Gracious Blessed Gladdening Light", is one of the oldest known Christian hymns, and was sung in the catacombs in the Second Century. Saint Justin the Martyr cites the text of the hymn around 150 in his dialogue with Trypho. The "Lamp-lighting hymn" was described by Saint Basil around the year 365 as a hymn used centuries before him. Saint Athenogenes and ten disciples sang the Phos Hilaron in joy amidst the flames of martyrdom at Sebaste under the Emperor Diocletian in the year 305.

Although it pre-dated the Byzantium, it is referred to as "Byzantine" since the hymn was used in the Byzantine vespers liturgy. It is clearly Greek in its musical form and composition while it has a text that is Jewish in origin and conforms to the Jewish calendar in which the day ends and begins at sunset.

Phos Hilaron is still sung in Greek Orthodox churches. It did not become part of the Western tradition until around 1700 and is now included in the Anglican Hymnal. The earliest English translation was made in 1675. Translations following the line scheme of the original Greek were made by John Keble in 1834 and by Robert Bridges, poet laureate of England, in 1890.

The version on this album is from the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church.


name: Sky Of Grace
sku: avgerinos-skygrace
upc: 876809001223
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=40811529&s=143444
description:
Sky of Grace is sophisticated and sensuous sound design, an architectural landscape sculpted with world beat percussion, guitars, violins, cellos - pulsing with the power of 200 voice choirs. Healing and uplifting, expansive with the infinity of mind - The Sky of Grace.

I find myself... looking up ~ The sky is always different, full of wonder, beauty and magic. Healing Light and Love flow in all directions. Both metaphor and reality, the sky is the essence of life ~ Light.

We are fed by compassion and joy, the balm of ecstasy. Endlessly we are filled, openings to the S K Y o f G R A C E...

Reviews
This new music drifts higher into a universe of ethereal sound-clouds, rather than the sunlit Mediterranean of the earlier album. Even when Sky of Grace has rhythm and percussion, it remains all contemplative, filled with a mood of mystical reverie. Avgerinos shows his competence as a composer and arranger on this album. He is a master of sound textures, especially with strings. He has some of the best people in the field playing for him : David Darling on cello and Brian Keane on guitars. Avgerinos himself plays both the bowed string bass and the electric fretless bass; his playing of these unforgiving instruments is so expressive that it sounds almost like a singing voice. Avgerinos' jazz harmonies, slowed down to an ambient pace, are very much his own - his style is easily recognizable. He also uses a sighing, crooning "choir" of electronically multiplied voices, who sing in better tune than any real human choir - a chorus of cyber-angels perhaps. These guide us through many tracks filled with sensuous languor and mystical yearning, such as the opening "Angel Breath" or "Graceful", later in the album. On other tracks such as "The Calling" or "Dance of Life", slow percussion and distant-reverbed guitar notes add a slightly harder quality. Track 8, "My Father's Prayer", is an imaginative interpretation of the sound and mood of Byzantine chant (Avgerinos is of Greek descent, thus his father would probably have prayed Eastern Orthodox prayers) in which the cyber-chorus keeps on low, repeated chant notes without singing identifiable Greek words or Byzantine melodies. It's a moving, serious piece, coming in the midst of an album which can honestly be called "New Age".

This album is a joy to listen to - hearing it brings a sense of release from cares and comfort for the weary soul. It does not try to push some "message" of facile "world consciousness" or "personal growth" on the listener. It gently weaves along with it's mood of cosmic warmth and a very welcome sense of wonder, twined together with crystal sound-sparkles and strands of singing strings.
Hannah Shapero - Wind and Wire


name: Words Touch
sku: avgerinos-words
upc: 876809001216
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=30689596&s=143444
description:
Words Touch, is a subtle and delicate tapestry of gentle melodies and exquisite sound design. Featuring the soaring EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument) of Kevin Braheny, The masterful guitar of Brian Keane, the unique guitar work of Jeff Pearce, and the fabulous Cello of David Darling, Words Touch is perfect for Massage, Meditation, Relaxation and Contemplation.This album has a steady, even and deep flow, designed to nurture profound states of consciousness.


name: Barbara Strozzi - Diporti di Euterpe
sku: beier-bstrozzi
upc: 876809009571
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/barbara-strozzi-diporti-di/id422946217
description:
Barbara Strozzi occupies an important position in the history of European music as one of the finest women composers of the Italian Baroque.

Born in the Venice of Claudio Monteverdi in 1619, her natural father was probably the artist and poet Giulio Strozzi, her mother one of his faithful servants. Barbara's musical talents were developed early; as a teenager she was already at the center of attention performing at the weekly gathering of Venetian artists and literati, the Accademia dei Unisoni, who met at Strozzi's palazzo.

She published her first book of songs in 1644, explaining that it is "the first work that I, as a woman, all too daringly bring to the light of day." In the preface, she gives credit to Francesco Cavalli, student and collaborator of Monteverdi, as her teacher. The works recorded here by soprano Emanuella Galli and Galatea come from her seventh publication of 1659 entitled Diporti di Euterpe, or "The Pleasures of Euterpe." In this work, Strozzi, at the height of her artistic powers, collaborates with some of the most important poets of the period to create works which are musically innovative and dramatically expressive as well as being exceedingly beautiful.


name: Adam Falckenhagen and Sylvius Leopold Weiss, Opere Per Liuto
sku: beier-falckenhagen
upc: 847646005798
description:
It is a pleasure to see the rerelease of Paul Beier's first effort on the Baroque Lute, recorded in a small church in Switzerland nearly twenty years ago. He had originally planned a program that included the works presented here, plus the suite in E minor by Bach, but after editing we found that the total time of the recording was over 90 minutes, and so sacrificed the Bach suite to be able to release the CD (which can hold no more than 80 minutes worth of music).

Somewhere, in some now forgotten tape archive, lurks that E minor suite, completely edited but never released! (later re-recorded for an all Bach album.) One of the pieces for this program is the remarkable "Prelude nel quale sono contenuti tutti i Tuoni Musicali," which means "Prelude, which contains all of the Musical Keys." The title sounds a bit funny (it's in antique Italian), because the word "Tuoni" also means "thunder", so it sounds as if there will be lot of musical thunder here, and, in fact, this turns out to be quite true! The style of the music is very much in keeping with the latest musical currents of the 1740's, and you can hear that Falckenhagen's music has much in common with that of the most radical and innovative composer of the period, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, both in its propensity for cyclical and improvisatory forms and in the development of the Empfindsamer Stil.

Beier has paired this with a long, late work by Silvius Leopold Weiss found in the Glinka manuscript in Moscow. While this work is probably nearly contemporary with that of Falckenhagen, it is another world, musically. It comes at the end of the long, distinguished and prolific career of one of the finest lutenists who ever lived. And even though Weiss's musical style is rather old-fashioned compared with that of his pupil Falckenhagen, in this D major suite one can nevertheless detect that the old hand was not entirely immune to new ways of musical thinking, especially in the Courant and the final Minuet.

This album, when it was first released by Stradivarius, had many great reviews in CD magazines of the time, and it was even chosen as "Le Disque Du Mois" (January 1998) in the French magazine Repertoire, featuring on its cover. I hope it finds favor at its new home with Magnatune!


name: Michelagnolo Galilei
sku: beier-galilei
upc: 876809001193
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257808453&s=143444
description:
Michelangelo Galilei, brother of Galileo and son of Vincenzo, was a lutenist and composer, and he was as revolutionary in his chosen field as his more famous brother. The six sonatas and one passamezzo-saltarello pair included on this album contain passages of bizarre dissonance whose impact in their own time, noted lutenist and annotator Paul Beier, is difficult for modern listeners to appreciate.

These sonatas have the relaxed, reflective, fantasy-like structure common in instrumental music of the early seventeenth century, but after a variety of expressive figures have been explored, along comes a really pungent harmonic clash. Beier describes Galilei's struggles with publishers who concluded that he must have made notation mistakes, and he manages to set up the dissonances in such a way that they retain something of their impact: his playing is deliberate and discursive, treating the exploration of the various lute figures as almost scientific in its exploration of all the possibilities. He does not linger over the dissonances, for they are not like those of Gesualdo madrigals; they are merely aspects of musical language to be illustrated and incorporated into rhetorical statements.
James Manheim


name: I Cavalieri del Liuto - The Knights of the Lute
sku: beier-knights
upc: 876809008284
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-cavalieri-del-liuto-the/id378239637
description:
Originally it was thought that there was one "Knight of the Lute", Lorenzino Romanus, Il Cavaliere del Liuto, Eques Romanus. After new discoveries and an up-to-date biography of "The Knights of the Lute" by Mariagrazia Carlone, published in the Journal of the American Lute Society, we now know that there were two. Lorenzino Tracetti, servant of Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este until 1572, and the pious Vincenzo Pinti, resident at the palace of the Vatican Vice-chancellor under Cardinals Alessandro Farnese and Montalto (Alessandro Peretti), until his death in 1608.

As for attributing the music, it would be very hard, if not impossible, to tell which of the works recorded here were by Tracetti and which may have been by Pinti. Neither of these composers, it seems, was ever involved directly in the publication or dissemination of their works.

While the ambiguity between the two Roman knights is still maintained, the only revision that seems necessary is to the title: no longer singular, it now celebrates "The Knights of the Lute."


name: Simone Molinaro
sku: beier-molinaro
upc: 876809001186
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257808661&s=143444
description:
Simone Molinaro (ca. 1570 - 1634), was one of the greatest lute composers of the late Renaissance in Italy. The focus of this album is on his lute book "Intavolatura di liuto", published 1599 in Venice. It contains examples of his fantasias, dance music and intabulations of vocal works performed by Paul Beier.


name: JS Bach on the Lute
sku: berget-jsbach
upc: 876809005467
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=267132685&s=143444
description:
Relaxed yet refined, Paul Berget's latest release is an informed selection of Johann Sebastian Bach pieces, two of which were originally composed for the cello but which sound excellent on the lute. We love the warm timbre, subtle phrasing, and great clarity of line on this album. Particularly lovely is Paul's interpretation of BWV 996, the only piece here that Bach originally composed for lute, which Paul plays on a ten course renaissance lute in g minor. His interpretations also bring fresh tenderness to such recognizable pieces as the Prelude of BWV 1007.


name: The Siena Manuscript on renaissance lute
sku: berget-sienalute
upc: 876809001179
itunes_buy_url: NONE
description:
These sixteen pieces are from an important anonymous lute manuscript from the 16th century and are from anonymous composer(s). Each piece is a Recercar which in Italian means "to seek out".

The style is typical of lute compositions of the 16th century.


name: The Siena Manuscript on steel string guitar
sku: berget-sienasteel
upc: 876809001162
itunes_buy_url: NONE
description:
This recording is a rendition of lute music played on a modern acoustic guitar. In modern times the guitar enjoys popularity not unlike the popularity of the lute in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In fact, guitarists now use tablature for music notation similar to their 16th century counterparts.


name: SL Weiss on 11 Strings
sku: berget-weiss11
upc: 876809003388
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257946201&s=143444
description:
"Silvius Leopold Weiss (1685-1750) was one of the greatest musicians of his day. His music in modern times remains relatively unknown because his instrument, the baroque lute, became largely extinct by 1760. I have recorded this on an 11 string classical guitar tuned exactly as an 11 course baroque lute. All the nuances of the composer's intentions have been preserved."

The 11 string guitar was designed in 2002 by Terry Schumacher and built by Kenny Hill.


name: Bach and His Teachers
sku: pboehnke-bachteachers
upc: 847646008577
description:
Bach and His Teachers is an engaging collection of solo harpsichord works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Adam Reincken, and Georg Bohm.

From Bach's well-loved Italian Concerto and Toccata in D to lesser known works by the generation of musicians who came before, this album shows the influences on one of history's greatest composers. Performed with Baroque performance practices and unequal temperament on a copy of an instrument of one of JS Bach's favorite builders (Mietke), this music lives and breathes as if it were composed today. Get a glimpse of Bach and of his musical experiences growing up.


name: New arrangements for wind quintet
sku: pavlova-presents
upc: 876809002442
description:
Notes on the pices

(track)

George Butterworth (1885-1916) arr. Lisa Portus: The Banks of Green Willow

George Butterworth is probably the best-known English composer who was killed during the First World War. Fearing that he would not survive it and endlessly self-critical, he destroyed any of his works that he thought inferior before he went away to fight. His fame rests mainly on three works: his settings of Houseman's poem A Shropshire Lad, an orchestral rhapsody with the same title, and his orchestral 'idyll' The Banks of Green Willow, written in 1913. Butterworth started composing very early, taking his first music lessons from his mother. While at Eton he wrote a number of pieces that were performed in school concerts there. He then went on to study at Trinity College, Oxford, where he met the pioneer English folk song collector Cecil Sharp and the composer Ralph Vaughan-Williams, with whom he later went around the English countryside noting down (occasionally using an Edison phonograph) folk songs that they thought were in danger of being forgotten. At Oxford he also met there the future conductor Adrian Boult, whose first professional engagement in 1914 involved conducting the premiere of The Banks of Green Willow. Butterworth was a keen folk dancer, eventually becoming a professional Morris dancer. He went on to teach music at Radley College, a well-known school a few miles south of Oxford, where there is a superb memorial to him in engraved glass. He joined up with the British army at the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914 and won the Military Cross during the early part of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. On 5th August, the next month, he was killed by sniper fire at the age of 31. His body was immediately buried by his platoon in a make-shift grave, but has not been recovered since. His commanding officer was surprised to find out that he had been a very promising composer, saying of him: 'He was a brilliant musician in times of peace, and an equally brilliant soldier in times of stress'.

The two songs used in The Banks of Green Willow were collected in Sussex in 1907. The second is called 'Green Bushes' (or 'Lost Lady Found') and was used by Vaughan-Williams and Percy Grainger in later works, while the main song, which gives the piece its title, has grim words somewhat at odds with the overall English idyllic sound-world of the work. The story goes that a farmer's daughter falls in love with a sea captain. She becomes pregnant by him and decides to run away to sea after stealing money from her parents. She gives birth on board the ship, but there are difficulties with no help at hand. Knowing that she is going to die she asks her lover to bind a napkin around her head and throw her and her child overboard. Rather shockingly, he agrees. He then sings a lament for his 'true love, whom I once loved so dearly, and who shall be buried on the banks of green willow'. The work is now considered an anthem to all 'Unknown Soldiers' of the War.
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Edward Elgar (1857-1934) arr. John Newhill: Three miniatures
I Chanson de Matin
II La Capricieuse
III Salut d'Amour

As a composer, Elgar was a comparative late developer. If he had died at the age that Butterworth (and Schubert) did he would barely warrant a mention in dictionaries of music. It was not until he was in his forties that he achieved fame with larger scale works like the Enigma Variations (1899) and the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius (1900). Up to this time he was a composer of charming miniatures such as these, all originally for violin and piano. Chanson de Matin was probably written in 1889 or 1890 but was not published till 1899, serving as a companion piece to Chanson de Nuit published two years before. The orchestration of these two pieces in 1901 helped their popularity enormously. Chanson de Matin has a particularly fresh and enchanting melody, which, while not as profound as the Chanson de Nuit, endeared itself quickly to audiences and makes its adaptation to wind instruments very fitting.

The title of La Capricieuse, composed for violin and piano in 1891, refers to a girl or woman who is moody, inconstant or whimsical, reflected in the flighty main theme and the ultra-romantic middle section. As Elgar was a trained violinist (and had originally wanted to be a concert artist) the piece was contrived to fall very much under the fingers - perhaps rather less so for wind-players despite John Newhill's arranging skills.

Salut d'Amour was composed in 1888 as an engagement present for his future wife, Caroline Alice Roberts, and originally had a German title (Liebesgruss - Love's Greeting). It was dedicated 'To Carice', a contraction of her first two names, which name was given to their daughter. Elgar made three versions of this piece: for solo piano, violin and piano, and for orchestra. It shows Elgar at his most tender and, like the Chanson de Matin, lends itself very easily to performance on wind instruments.
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Edward Grieg (1843-1907) arr. Christopher Britton: Wedding Day at Troldhaugen

In the second half of the 19th century European classical music was heavily dominated by Germany. It was therefore quite natural for the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg to study in the musical center of Leipzig. He impressed Liszt (who taught there), and later Tchaikovsky (who was on a visit to the city) with his ability to compose music of substantial emotional content that had an immediately discernible Norwegian flavor. While he was one of many nationalist composers of the time (such as Dvorak, Sibelius, and later, Bartok and Vaughan-Williams), he always remained outward-looking and considered his music European rather than narrowly Scandinavian. He was an early example of an artist taking a political/moral stance: he refused to visit France in 1899 for a concert tour in protest against the anti-Semitism exhibited in connection with the case against Captain Dreyfus. While his Piano Concerto in A minor and the Peer Gynt Suite remain endearingly popular, it is perhaps in his miniature pieces for piano that Grieg is most effective, particularly in the 66 Lyric Pieces for piano published in ten volumes. One of the best-known ones is in Book 8: Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, written in 1896 to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. Troldhaugen ('Troll Mound') was the house that Grieg had built for himself just outside Bergen, and which now houses a museum to his memory. The opening section is exuberant and joyful, and depicts the arrival of the guests who are offering congratulations and best wishes. The middle section is calmer and more reflective and contains some of Grieg's most beautiful music. The imitative calling cries out for the sonorities of different instruments that the medium of the wind quintet naturally provides.
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André Caplet (1878-1925) arr. Christopher Britton: Rêverie

André Caplet is best known today as a close associate of Debussy, whose works he orchestrated and conducted. He was a highly original composer in his own right, however, winning the Prix de Rome in 1901 (beating Ravel!). He wrote mainly for voice (songs and choral works), but also for orchestra and for chamber groups, including Rêverie and Petite Valse for flute and piano, the first of which is here recorded for the first time in an arrangement for wind quintet. Written in 1897, the Rêverie displays advanced Debussy-style harmonies. The outer sections have a yearning, almost brooding quality, while the slower middle section is more positive and with ravishing impressionistic key changes similar to Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. Caplet served as a soldier in the First World War, but was gassed and died of the resulting injury to his lungs a few years afterwards.
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Ivor Gurney (1890-1937) arr. Christopher Britton: Five Preludes
No. 1 in F# major
No. 2 in A minor
No. 3 in Dϗ7; major
No. 4 in F# major
No. 5 in D major

Gloucester-born Ivor Gurney displayed exceptional talents as a musician in his youth, going on to study at the Royal College of Music under Charles Villiers Stanford, the teacher of Vaughan-Williams, Frank Bridge and Arthur Bliss amongst others. He was declared the 'biggest of them all' by Stanford, but also 'unteachable' because of his volatile personality and deep mood swings, which plagued him all his life and led to him spending the last 15 years of his life in a mental hospital. He is now remembered however as one of the great WW1 poets, with much of his poetry written while he was a soldier at the front. He was wounded and gassed in 1917 and invalided out of the war. While his poetry is celebrated, his musical compositions (songs, orchestral pieces, chamber music) have received less attention, with nearly two-thirds of them being unpublished and unrecorded. His piano preludes, here arranged for wind quintet, were written in 1919 and 1920, in a rich, late-Romantic style, quite untouched by either the current vogue for folk music or the acerbic style of the modern neo-Classical composers. They are delicate miniatures, full of tenderness and redolent of Schumann, yet somehow still as English as Elgar.
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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovksy (1840-1893) arr. Christopher Britton: Three pieces from 'The Seasons'
June - 'Barcarolle'
November - 'Troïka'
December - 'Christmas'

Tchaikovsky was called 'the most Russian of all composers' by Stravinsky. Though he was not an avowed musical nationalist, unlike the members of the 'Five' (such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin), his music expresses the yearning and overwhelming sadness of the Russian spirit even in music which is overtly cheerful.

In 1875 Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write a series of 12 piano pieces for a monthly musical magazine called Nouvellist that was published in St Petersburg. Each edition during 1876 featured a new piece appropriate to the time of year. The editor supplied each of them with a subtitle and a short poem (January features one by Pushkin, no less!). The resulting suite was published as opus 37a The Seasons. The most popular ones are June and November (the latter was a favorite encore of Rachmaninov). At the time of their composition Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto had just been given its first performance, and he was working on the ballet Swan Lake. There have been many arrangements of these pieces, especially June, both for orchestra and for diverse solo instruments. Tchaikovsky was not mainly a piano composer but tended to think orchestrally, thus making the task of transcribing for wind quintet relatively easy. When playing his piano pieces you are constantly aware of allusions to orchestral sonorities. June reminds one slightly of Mendelssohn's Venetian Gondola pieces in his Songs without Words, November features jingling sleigh bells, while December is a salon waltz much in the style of his grand ballet ones.

Here are the epigrams for the three pieces presented here:

June: 'Let us go to the shore; there the waves will kiss our feet. With mysterious sadness the stars will shine down upon us.' (Alexei Pleshcheyev)
November: 'In your loneliness do not look at the road, and do not rush out after the troika.
Suppress at once and forever the fear of longing in your heart'. (Nicolai Nekrasov)
December: 'Once upon a Christmas night the girls were telling fortunes: Taking their slippers off their feet and throwing them out of the gate.' (Vassily Zhukovsky)
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Lionel Sainsbury (1958-) arr. by the composer: Two Cuban Dances
I - Allegretto
II - Comodo

This is an arrangement made especially for the Pavlova Quintet by the English composer Lionel Sainsbury of his two piano pieces dating from 1991. Sainsbury's music has been described by the press as "striking", "passionate", "ethereal", "beautifully crafted" and full of "beautiful musical ideas". Born in Wiltshire, England, he started to play the piano at an early age, and soon began to compose his own music. He studied privately and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the major prizes for composition, and while still a student was also awarded the UK's prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship at the age of 21. He has written large-scale works for piano (he himself is a virtuoso pianist), often in a Latin-American idiom, as well as a violin concerto (recorded in 2002 by Lorraine McAslan and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and a cello concerto (recorded in 2012 by Raphael Wallfisch and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra).

The languid Cuban Dance no. 2 was also arranged by the composer for violin and piano, and is featured on violinist Tasmin Little's CD of virtuoso encore pieces, 'Tchaikovskiana', released on EMI Classics for Pleasure in September 2003. It has become a frequent encore piece for the violinist, Tasmin having performed it all over the world since premiering it in 1992. The work has also recently been recorded by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in London in the composer's own orchestration. His expert version for wind quintet of both dances is notable for the rich orchestral sonorities he creates from the medium.
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Arranger's note (Chris Britton):
This album features not just my own arrangements but also the work of three other performing musicians. Lisa Portus is a bassoonist who has now compiled an impressive list of fine arrangements of the most diverse repertoire. The Pavlova Quintet has often played clarinettist John Newhill's arrangements with great enjoyment, especially his Christmas Carol suite and these lovely Elgar transcriptions. Lionel Sainsbury brings a wealth of experience of composing for orchestra to this, his first (and very successful) foray into arrangement for wind quintet of his own music.

Transcribing music from one medium to another is somewhat like translating poetry and raises the same issues. The explorer Gertrude Bell, who was active in the Middle East in the early part of the 20th century, among many other accomplishments translated ancient Persian poetry, and went about it in an unusual fashion. Rather than trying to translate the original faithfully she decided to recompose the poetry in English but offering the same 'message'. Often while re-thinking piano music into the medium of the wind quintet I am confronted with the problem of how literal I should be with the transition. Choosing which pieces to work on is perhaps the most important step, and I have mostly been inspired by playing piano works that seem to lend themselves to this very different sonority. A good sense of melody and line is essential, and the more contrapuntal the texture the better. The piano is basically a percussion instrument (at least according to Stravinsky) while the wind quintet consists of five very individual sonorities geared more to sustained melody. The differences of tonal quality between the double-reed oboe and bassoon, the single-reed clarinet, the French horn (a member of the orchestral brass section) and, very much out on a limb, the soft-toned flute, make blending very difficult. But it can be put to positive use by offering a contrast of timbre where the original piano music is a little repetitive, as in, for example, Tchaikovsky's 'June', where I consciously gave the solo line to different instruments to create variety, sending in the process the bassoon up to top C in the style of the opening solo in Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring! Other issues that arise are the question of whether one should keep to the original key or not. Increasingly now I am prepared to transpose a piece in order to achieve the same effect in the new medium. What is convenient for piano may not be suitable for wind instruments, even though the modern instruments are technically entirely chromatic. In the Gurney Preludes for example, I have changed the key of the two preludes in F# major to more friendly ones for wind instruments. I also often enjoy putting something 'extra' into my arrangements that is not in the original, such as the replacement of the somewhat formulaic rising arpeggiated chords to a climax at the end of the central faster section of Tchaikovsky's June with upward rushing scales/arpeggios in diverse rhythms played by the wind instruments, thus giving a more 'chaotic' feel, culminating in a piercing top C# on the flute!

As an arranger it is very helpful to be an active member of a wind quintet. It then becomes easy to pick up what is problematical on an instrument that one doesn't play oneself, and indeed what sounds great on that particular instrument. For example double or triple tonguing for quick-fire articulation is fine on the flute and the horn, but on the oboe, clarinet or bassoon - forget it! I enjoy making a transcription fit the individual players of my group. I am often thinking of Barbara's excellent technical agility on the clarinet, especially on the high E flat one, her own particular specialty. With her eminently flexible tone she is also able to melt into the background, so that I can be confident of giving her accompanying passages to play, even occasionally bass notes, given the deep range of the instrument. I have often given to the oboe the main melody (even nobly giving it up in the opening of the Caplet where it was originally for flute!) thinking of Carolyn's lovely phrasing and tone. I have often been inspired by Jenny's mellow and rich horn sound to give her suitable solos, but I know that she is also able to blend splendidly with the other instruments so I can confidently use the horn to enrich harmonies. Simon, with his peerless tone and intonation, always seems to enjoy challenges on the bassoon, so I give him parts that occasionally use virtually the entire range of the instrument (sometimes in the same bar!), and I am aware (as he is) that so many arrangers only give the main melody to the bassoon when it is in the company of a higher instrument doubling it! As an ex-bassoonist myself I am very much with the LLBB (League for the Liberation of the Bassoon from the Bass-line!)

Regarding the nitty-gritty of arranging there is the problem of how much one should dictate and set out in detail markings such as dynamics and articulation. I believe it is important to think of the natural characteristics of each instrument in these areas. The oboe and bassoon are louder at the bottom than at the top of their range while the flute is the opposite. Slurring may be difficult over large leaps and such markings may have to be changed from the original. Tempi may need to be modified to be playable on wind instruments. Breath points may need to be marked explicitly. It is tempting to be over-directional in markings though, especially if the arranger has strong opinions about interpretation, but I also feel it is important to give individual players of different groups some opportunity to formulate their own interpretation. Clarity in the parts is a prime consideration, so I try to avoid excessive dynamic and articulation markings that could get in the way of efficient reading.

I hope that all the arrangements on this disc will both give pleasure and, in the case of familiar works, give some new insight into the music when translated into the colorful medium of the wind quintet.

Christopher Britton, August 2017


name: Lovely Skies
sku: pduquesnel-lovelyskies
upc: 847646003985
description:
These pop/jazz instrumentals by Peggy Duquesnel create moods and pictures in your mind. The songs range from ballads to medium tempos and feature an ensemble of piano, bass, drums, guitar and woodwinds.

"February 11th" sets a romantic and reflective mood with the opening piano introduction followed by an intimate performance of the ensemble which includes soprano sax, bass and drums.

"Back on the Freeway" is a driving blues with a shuffle beat featuring the piano, saxophone and guitar that puts you in the mood of enjoying an enjoyable drive in your favorite car.

"Building Dreams" is a light ballad featuring the flute, guitar and piano and builds energy as the song progresses, giving a feeling of your dreams come to fulfillment.

"Decisions" has a smooth jazz groove with a light R and B feel in the bass and drums and features the piano, tenor saxophone and guitar. It sets the mood for making positive decisions and seeing the bright side of life.

"Forever in Your Arms" has a medium R and B groove and features the guitar, piano, Hammond B-3 and saxophone. The chorus has an uplifting bounce that makes you want to dance with your loved one.

"Greatest Miracle" is a lovely ballad featuring the piano, guitar, soprano saxophone and flute. It has a peaceful lullaby feeling.

"Lovely Skies" is a pretty ballad with soprano sax, guitar, flute and piano with lovely cymbal colors in sections. You can picture looking at skies laced with fluffy clouds as the sun rises into a picturesque new day.

"Turn to Me" has a light and uplifting latin and calypso feel featuring the guitar, flute and tenor saxophone and marimba. This song suits your favorite tropical beach scene.


name: Old Friends
sku: pduquesnel-oldfriends
upc: 847646004128
description:
Peggy Duquesnel's album Old Friends is an exquisite and unique collection of eight original instrumental jazz compositions by pianist/composer Peggy Duquesnel performed by a stellar jazz quartet featuring John Patitucci/Bass, Bob Harsen/Drums and Albert Wing/Sax.

Duquesnel's compositions take you on a musical journey that encompasses styles and memories of colleagues and mentors she has met along the way. "Waltz for Diana" was composed for Diana Krall; Trottin' for Terry Trotter; "Kiwi Friend" for Alan Broadbent; "Carmen" for Carmen Rodgers; "Wingin' It" for Albert Wing; "Old Friends" for a plethora of fine musicians in her life. Other influences on Duquesnel's writing and playing are artists such as Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Joe Sample, Keith Jarrett and McCoy Tyner.

"Duquesnel's album is a beautifully melodic and rhythmic mix of traditional, classic jazz."
Jazz Connections

"Peggy is not only a captivating songwriter but she's a fine pianist too. There is a Bill Evans quality to her playing and her harmonies."
Jazz Programmer WRST-FM

"Duquesnel displayed inventive improvisation...as well as compositional smarts, tearing off glistening runs, flirting with dissonance and leaving provocative moments of empty space at off-beat moments."
L.A. Times Calendar"


name: Division-Musick
sku: pellingmans-division
upc: 847646003305
description:
The art of 'dividing' upon a ground bass, or playing 'divisions', was the Elizabethan and seventeenth-century equivalent of our modern jazz tradition.

Skilled musicians, both amateur and professional, would improvise over a repeated chord progression (the 'ground'), or play variations on a popular tune of the day, often with astonishing inventiveness and virtuosity.

This recording explores some of the many composed, and therefore surviving, examples of this art. Lute solos alongside divisions played on treble, tenor and bass viols with improvised lute accompaniments make for a rich palette of aural colours and a vibrant and virtuosic recreation of sixteenth and seventeenth-century music making in England.

Division-Musick is also available as a physical CD for purchase.


name: Ambitronika L1
sku: palargic-ambitronika
upc: 876809008932
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/ambitronika-l1/id409592781
description:
An Original Soundtrack of a voyage through your own Ambi(valence).

Vividly textured conjunction of vibrant, mood swinging dynamics, glitched pulsations and levitation-inspiring soundscapes.

A journey that will lead you fully across diameters of your mindset, embracing the opposites, merging the poles.

A soundtrack synchronized only to images depicted by your imagination, invoked by your state of mind.


name: Bleeding Black Old Sun
sku: palargic-bleedingsun
upc: 847646006382
description:
The third in a row of abstract ambient soundscapes, a complementing counterpart to its prequel, A Touch Of White. Bleeding Black Old Sun: a soundtrack to the end of the world.

Photo credit:
Pioforsky flickr.com/photos/pioforsky


name: Masstronika
sku: palargic-masstronika
upc: 847646004654
description:
This music was created to explore electronic instrument's potential to induce thick, heavy and texture layered aural landscapes, ranging from one extreme to the other, dense polyrhythmics to meditative ambient moments, dynamics driven and glitch/syncopated voyage thoroughly reinforced by contemporary prog-rhythm section, Masstronika represents a one step further into authors exploration of the sonic spectrum, and brings you into one completely new and intriguing territory.


name: Solstice
sku: palargic-solstice
upc: 876809001476
description:
Solstice is the title of the 4th installment in the series of abstract ambient soundscapes,launched with the release of Portraying The Yellow Sun (2013). A sound image which captures the aural perspective from the furthest point imaginable.
Stillness...
Not moving or in motion...
Free from disturbance, agitation, or any commotion...
Photo credit:
Edén Ochoa Iniesta aka Pioforsky
flickr.com/photos/pioforsky


name: A Touch of White
sku: palargic-touchwhite
upc: 847646005972
description:
A continuation of the series of abstract ambient soundscapes, which took birth with the release of "Portraying The Yellow Sun" (August, 2013; Magnatune), the series' opening piece which climbed the author's modus operandi up to a completely new territory and consequently raised the bar of authenticity to a whole different level. "A Touch Of White" sustains further, evolves, and here it is to provide another whole new experience.

Coverart based on photography of Maria Jose Candela www.flickr.com/photos/atraesalosrelampagos


name: Classient Vinyl L1
sku: palargic-vinyl
upc: 876809008949
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/classient-vinyl-l1/id432571453
description:
"Classient Vinyl L1" is an invoking voyage of modern Classical endeavors meeting Ambient textures, enriched with the everlasting true-vintage delicacy of Vinyl. Layering ambient soundscapes, nurtured by a contemporary stringed palette; crossing the landscapes of sentiment-depicted introspective planes, and taking the listener further and further, yet, simultaneously, closer than imaginable, to the world of its Own.

Check out the promo video on YouTube.


name: Portraying the Yellow Sun
sku: palargic-yellowsun
upc: 847646005460
description:
A touch of the sun, translated into a long format, ambient masterpiece...

Abstract soundscape...
First in the series...
Alive and breathing, constantly evolving, movement of the aural stimuli...
Limited only by the indefinite...

Album cover art courtesy of NASA.


name: Alone
sku: petrvenkrbec-alone
upc: 876809003401
description:
The electro jazz album by Czech saxophone and clarinet player Petr Venkrbec brings a collection of short, distinctive pieces which combine brilliant woodwind playing with original electronic arrangements. This series of short compositions can evoke chapters of your life or make you feel like you're being led through a process of solving a hard problem or, on the other hand, you can just choose to enjoy the abstract qualities of the music. Some pieces may sound a little rough, however, the music never stops supplying you with positive energy.


name: Phantom Pop
sku: phantompop-phantompop
upc: 847646008157
description:
Phantom Pop is a 5 piece instrumental band from Brooklyn, NY. The group combines elements of funk, soul, and R? with the improvisation of jazz to create their own sound.

Originally formed by Dave Lowenthal to create an album, it was quickly realized that there was something special going on. The band consists of Dave Lowenthal on electric bass, Josh Schusterman on drums, Haruka Yabuno on keyboards, Matt Giella on trumpet, and Atsushi Ouchi on saxophone.


name: Beside Themselves
sku: kat-beside
upc: 876809001100
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257918965&s=143444
description:
Rome, 1709. What happened after the great contest? Most lovers of harpsichord lore are familiar with the famous meeting of George Frideric Handel and Domenico Scarlatti where their host, Cardinal Ottoboni, set them to a contest of skill on both harpsichord and organ. When the guests had sufficiently recovered from this audiofest, they generally found Scarlatti to excel on the harpsichord, while Handel was the clear winner on the organ. The two musicians instantly developed a mutual esteem, and their friendship lasted throughout Handel's residence in Rome.

Did the two keyboard virtuosi ever get together long enough to tune two harpsichords to each other (not for the faint-hearted) and play duets? Or were they condemned always to the polarities of the harpsichordist; that is, the lofty, but lonely, prominence of the soloist, or the supportive, self-effacing role of the continuo player? History (like our news media) tends to concentrate on incidents charged with dramatic conflict, so we must become historical novelists to picture happy afternoons with Handel and Scarlatti entertaining a few choice friends and patrons with the bristling excitement that can only be generated by two harpsichords exchanging tunes.

Napa Valley, California, 1993. Enter Katherine Westine and Phebe Craig, beside themselves with a shared vision to breathe new life into a genre both delicate and robust. Phebe Craig and Katherine Westine not only recreate old treasures, but also apply their baroque sensibilities to the works of modern composers. Armed with two Italian and two French harpsichords, Westine and Craig explore the acoustics of a converted 19th century winery (complete with bats). On this recording you will hear the Italian harpsichords for the music of J.S. Bach and Scott Joplin, and the French harpsichords for the remaining selections. The astute listener will quickly notice the distinct character of each instrument, a property of harpsichords which, in contrast to modern keyboard instruments, provides enormous satisfaction to the connoisseur. The musical selections. In 1789, Charles Burney wrote that Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784) 'was the best organist in Germany, in style, fancy and knowledge of harmony...particularly in the use of pedals.' Apparently W.F. Bach was not widely recognized as a composer in his own time, but his surviving music demonstrates a unique personality. This son of the great J.S. Bach seemed to enjoy straddling the esthetic fence between baroque and rococo, especially in the Concerto in F Major for Two Harpsichords. The first movement is a fine example of early classical sonata form, while the second and third movements make a comfortable return to baroque concerto style.

Absorption of local color into formal music is also a feature of Antonio Soler (1729-1783), in the tradition of his teacher, Domenico Scarlatti. Soler wrote six concerti for two organs 'for the diversion' of his young pupil, 'the most Serene Infante Don Gabriel de Borbon,' favorite son of Carlos III. It is likely that these concerti were written for performance on two small, similar organs which stood in the little theater at El Escorial. The Concierto II heard on this recording is saturated with Spanish flavor (saffron, pimiento, sangria, sherry) and the listener can easily discern a Spanish guitar style in the energetic plucking of the two harpsichords. Impressionable listeners might detect the fragrance of a rose on a sultry evening.

A master of the French baroque style, Francois Couperin (1668-1733) shared the enthusiasm of his contemporaries for the folk dance tunes and rhythms associated with bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy music. Numerous stage productions of this period feature musetes complete with singing, dancing, and orchestra enhanced by specialized instruments. With his Musetes de Choisi et de Taverni, Couperin reaches back to his family roots and refashions folk music from the towns of Choisi and Taverny to chamber music for the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was frequently inspired to create extravagantly tuneful works for multiple harpsichords, occasionally transforming music from other sources to endow them with new expression on plucked keyboards. J. S. Bach's concerti were often performed at Zimmermann's coffee house in Leipzig, often with the participation of his sons Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann. (We are not aware of any scholarly studies associating the high energy of the Bach family concerti with the influence of coffee.) The Concerto in C Major for Two Harpsichords is an outstanding example of the mature baroque concerto; while conforming to a standard three-movement concerto structure, its polyphonic richness goes far beyond the formulas of a mere occasional concerto.

With the Stoptime Rag of Scott Joplin (1868-1917). Westine and Craig present a significant historical event: the first interactive harpsichord CD. In the original publication of this charming dance, the composer annotated the downbeats with the word 'Stamp' to indicate that this piece is not complete without some percussive footwork. Gentle listener, kindly stamp one of your feet with your heel to propel this tuneful ditty on its way. Improvised toe-tapping may be added to taste.


name: Hellzauber
sku: philrey-hellzauber
upc: 847646002636
description:
The music of Hellzauber (a video game) was created in 2010. In a world that is between Predator (the movie) and Unreal Tournament III (video game), the sounds are modern and classical, electronic and epic, perfectly illustrating the sound world of this maximum security prison, located on the edge of the galaxy.


name: Legends of the Dark Ages
sku: philrey-legends
upc: 847646001998
description:
A set of high-impact Dramatic, Classical, and Tribal film score music. This album is a compilation of music for video games, movies, trailers, and unreleased tracks, created during 2010. These pieces are grouped around common themes: mystery and fantasy, which take us into a universe of wizards, castles, knights and epic adventures of imaginary worlds.


name: Wars of the Dark Worlds
sku: philrey-wardark
upc: 847646002643
description:
This musical journey takes us into the world of battles from the Dark Ages to the present and even the future. The crash of armies clashing, naval and air battles, all the warlike fury from real worlds or imagined is collected here. This album is a compilation of music for video games, movies, trailers, and unreleased tracks, created during 2010.


name: Ambient and Cinematic Soundscapes
sku: piotrjaneczek-ambientsoundscapes
upc: 847646006610
description:
Calm and mysterious Ambient / New Age soundscapes, ethereal atmospheres, infinite landscapes and fantastic inner worlds. By subjecting into luminous energy flowing along with the music from this album, you will find the Peace and Harmony, Joy and Innocence, Bliss and Happiness... and you'll find infinite stillness.

Amazing compilation of background music for relaxation, meditation, healing and sleep.


name: 14 Days
sku: plunkett-days
upc: 876809005436
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=279089768&s=143444
description:
Not only were we honored to get the submission of 14 Days from Ian and Lara Plunkett, a world-class singer-songwriter team that decided they were fed up with the music industry a few years ago. Wow, the album itself is such a treat. Warm, melodic, and artfully crafted songs are in the best tradition of British Folk-Rock...a lovely cross between Nick Drake and Syd Barrett. The overall feel here is acoustic, but with more sophisticated arrangements and deeper musicianship than most work in this genre. Standout tracks include the starry-eyed "Picture" as well as "The River," "Up A Hill" and "Breathe." A highly poignant and engaging album.


name: Armato Il Cor
sku: poeticallmusi-armato
upc: 847646003954
description:
This album encompasses a major contrast of Italian works spanning over a century.

The ecstatic highs and depressing lows of feeling, and the reality of love, are all pursued in this album of works by Giulio Caccini, Arcangelo Corelli, (and a bonus piece from Claudio Monteverdi). Emotive songs by Caccini and gorgeous trio-sonatas by Corelli provide the backbone to this disc.


name: Awake My Lyre
sku: poeticallmusi-awakelyre
upc: 847646005187
description:
A stunning album of renaissance songs from John Playford's book 'Choice Ayres, Songs, and Dialogues' from 1676-1684 expressing desperate love, varieties of anguish, and a measure of drunkenness, accompanied by theorbo and bass viol.


name: Canarios I
sku: poeticallmusi-canariosone
upc: 847646003923
description:
This triple disc set of works by William Byrd and Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger is a treasure-trove of rarely performed pieces. Solo organ and theorbo music intertwined with spontaneously improvised preludes and occasional ground-bass-duets. The albums provide a rare insight into the similarities between the Italian and English styles at the turn of the seventeenth century. Poeticall Musicke present the first volume here of three.


name: Canarios III
sku: poeticallmusi-canariosthree
upc: 847646003947
description:
This triple disc set of works by William Byrd and Johann Hieronymus Kapsberger is a treasure-trove of rarely performed late Renaissance / early Baroque pieces.

Solo organ and theorbo music intertwined with spontaneously improvised preludes and occasional ground-bass-duets. The albums provide a rare insight into the similarities between the Italian and English styles at the turn of the seventeenth century.


name: Canarios II
sku: poeticallmusi-canariostwo
upc: 847646003930
description:
This triple disc set of works by William Byrd and Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger is a treasure-trove of rarely performed pieces. Solo organ and theorbo music intertwined with spontaneously improvised preludes and occasional ground-bass-duets.

This album provides a rare insight into the similarities between the Italian and English styles at the turn of the seventeenth century.


name: Farewell I
sku: poeticallmusi-farewellone
upc: 847646005163
description:
A mosaic of early music, drawing on early folk, Irish, and Scottish music, in other words, the roots of British early classical music.

A collection of some of the most beautiful tunes ever written, by Turlough O'Carolan, arranged exquisitely for baroque violin, recorder, harp, and guitar, alongside spinet virginal, bass viol, and lirone. Also includes songs from Scotland and Ireland by Robert Burns and others.


name: Farewell II
sku: poeticallmusi-farewelltwo
upc: 847646005170
description:
A collection of some of the most beautiful early music songs ever written, by Turlough O'Carolan, arranged exquisitely for baroque violin, recorder, harp, and guitar, alongside spinet virginal, bass viol, and lirone. Also includes songs from Scotland and Ireland by Robert Burns and others.


name: Instant Fires
sku: poeticallmusi-instantfires
upc: 847646005446
description:
Two devastatingly dazzling and delightful sonatas for solo and double violins by Fontana straddle Claudio Monteverdi's splendid though rather disturbing Ballo about 'ungrateful' women.


name: Majestie
sku: poeticallmusi-majestie
upc: 847646008034
description:
Leccons de Tenebres, literally 'lessons of darkness', are perhaps the most mystical and alluring pieces that have survived the mid-Baroque. When performed in church during Holy Week, the Tenebrae service uses the text from the Lamentations of Jeremiah and applies it allegorically to three days of mourning for Christ between his crucifixion and resurrection. However, Lecons de Tenebres were much more private and intimate constructions, often being performed in Louis XIV's rooms at Versailles before being aired in his chapel. One particularly famous anecdote features de Lalande's fifteen-year- old daughter performing the Lecons de Tenebres for the King in his living room; she went on to become the talk of Paris.

A contemporary of Lully and Francois Couperin, de Lalande was born in Paris in 1657 and, in addition to teaching music to the daughters of Louis XIV, was director of the chapel royal from 1714 until 1726 when he died in Versailles. Couperin was also born in Paris and was originally taught music by his father Charles. He had a productive and successful musical career which gained him two titles: firstly in 1693 he succeeded his organ teacher Thomelin and became 'Organiste du Roi'; then in 1717 he was also bestowed a composer's title 'Ordinaire de la musique de la chambre du Roi'. He died in 1733.

Lecons de Tenebres follow a unique form with Latin verses written predominantly in a controlled French recitative and air style, sometimes interspersed with Hebrew letters creating melismatic and almost instrumental moments in the vocal part.

"The French in their airs aim at the soft, the easie, the flowing, and coherent: the whole air is of the same tone, or if sometimes they venture to vary it, they do it with so many preparations, they so qualifie it, that still the air seems to be as natural and consistent as if they had attempted no change at all; there is nothing bold and adventurous in it; it's all equal and of a piece. ... The French would think themselves undone, if they offended in the least against the rules; they flatter, tickle, and court the ear, and are still doubtful of success, tho' ev'ry thing be done with an exact regularity."

Fran? Raguenet 'Comparison between the French and Italian Music and Operas' (1702)

Most settings of the Lecons are scored for solo voice and basso continuo, though there are many examples (including Couperin's third published Lecon) that do not follow that trend. Sadly we only have three surviving Lecons, of an original nine (three for each day of mourning), from both de Lalande and Couperin. Although sometimes harmonically indulgent, the music itself is meditative and introspective, offering a highly intimate and enlightening experience.

"Sometimes we meet with a swelling, to which the first notes of the thoroughbass jar so harshly, as the ear is highly offended with it; but the bass, continuing to play on, returns at last to the swelling with such beautiful intervals, that we quickly discover the composer's design in the choice of those dischords, was to give the hearer a more true and perfect relish of the ravishing notes that on a sudden restore the whole harmony.

Let a Frenchman be set to sing one of these dissonances, and he'll want courage enough to support it with the resolution wherewith it must be sustain'd to make it succeed; his ear, being accustom'd to the most soft and natural intervals, is startled at such irregularity; he trembles and is in a sweat whilst he attempts to sing it."

Jean Laurent le Cerf de La Vieville 'Good Taste in Music' (1704)

Music performed perhaps more often than the Lecons de Tenebres in Louis XIV's court included regular chamber concerts. Court composers like Couperin would write music especially for such occasions: he and his colleagues would perform a concert there every Sunday. Couperin tells us in his preface that the Concerts Royaux were specifically written for these concerts. The suites were composed between the period 1714-15 and then published in 1722 with a preface from Couperin that confirmed the versatility of these pieces: he writes 'They are suitable not only for the harpsichord, but also the violin, the flute, the oboe, the viol, and the bassoon.'

Couperin then supplemented this published collection in 1724 with another set of suites called Les Gou?ts Reuunis ou Nouveaux Councerts ('The Reunited [French and Italian] Styles or New Concerts').

Alex McCartney, February 2014


name: Masquerade
sku: poeticallmusi-masquerade
upc: 847646005194
description:
John Blow's marvellously scintillating and exciting music for the masque Venus and Adonis for violins, viola, and continuo, laced with nobly beautiful songs by Henry Purcell.


name: Poeticall Musicke Live
sku: poeticallmusi-pmlive
upc: 847646003961
description:
Poeticall Musicke Live is a collection of Early Music live recordings made during our 2011/12 season in various venues in London. The album includes music by John Blow, Henry Purcell, Armand-Louis Couperin and Jean-Baptiste Lully.


name: Salutation
sku: poeticallmusi-salutation
upc: 847646008041
description:
Together, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber von Bibern (1644 - 1704) and Johann Jakob Walther (1650 - 1717) are possibly the most significant composer-violinists of the late 17th century. Both wrote music for a virtuoso technique including the extensive use of doublestops and arpeggios, their works also display a wealth of formal compositional devices.

All the known facts of Walther's life and activity are from the Musikalischen Lexikon (a dictionary from 1732) by Johann Gottfried Walther (Johann Sebastian Bach's cousin). J.J. Walther was born in Witterda bei Erfurt. Between 1670 and 1674 he is said to have been employed as a violinist in the orchestra of Cosimo III of the Medicis in Florence. From 1674 he was concertmaster at the court of Dresden. After the death of his patron, John George II, in 1680 he became the Italian secretary at the elector's court in Mainz, where he would remain until his death.

Biber was born in the small Bohemian town of Wartenberg, Biber worked at Graz before he illegally left his Kremsier employer (Prince-Bishop Carl- Liechtenstein-Castelcorno) and settled in Salzburg. He remained there for the rest of his life, publishing much of his music but apparently seldom, if ever, giving concert tours.

Dieterich Buxtehude (1637/39 - 1707) was a Danish-German organist and composer. His organ works represent a central part of the standard modern organ repertoire. He composed in a wide variety of vocal and instrumental idioms; his style strongly influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach. Buxtehude's last post, from 1668, was at the Marienkirche, Lubeck which had two organs, a large one for big services and a small one for devotionals and funerals. There he succeeded Franz Tunder and (following in the footsteps of his predecessor) married Tunder's daughter Anna Margarethe in 1668 - it was a common practice! Buxtehude and Anna Margarethe had seven daughters who were all baptized at the Marienkirche.


name: Explorations
sku: pranavibes-explorations
upc: 847646009697
description:
Explorations album is structured around the theme of physical and spiritual travel. For two years, Pranavibes has been working on creating new songs. The band explored new sounds. And while staying true to instrumental music, it did so with pretty strange instruments: didgeridoo, jew's harp, guitar, musical saw, cajon, darbuka, etc.

So Pranavibes continues on this musical journey, merging folk influences, African rhythms, tribal world music, rock and drum and bass. The result: a soft, natural ethno trance.


name: helium
sku: prettyhowtown-helium
upc: 847646007778
description:
In helium, prettyhowtown (San Diego area performer John Noble) weaves a more contemplative web. Created entirely on a custom-built modular synthesizer and played live, these are "smaller" works: quietly intense, and truly ambient. As a performer, John is pleased when people react to his music at live shows by using it as a background for conversation, quiet thinking, or even sleeping-this last is a very high form of applause for an ambient live set! Helium is music for a tranquil evening.


name: hydrogen alpha
sku: prettyhowtown-hydrogenalpha
upc: 847646007983
description:
Starting with a nostalgic beats-infused drive into the sunset with westbound, prettyhowtown careens right off the cliff into a deep canyon of ambient delights. The impossible shapes of the devil's fork, drowsy mariachis' microtonal riffs in domingo se puede, and thundering swells in fiery the angels fell were all made with a small modular synthesizer built by the artist.

All tracks were performed live using only the facilities of the instrument itself and recorded directly to stereo. They are presented without editing.


name: hydrogen beta
sku: prettyhowtown-hydrogenbeta
upc: 847646007990
description:
An evolution of a modular synthesizer patch that resulted in another track recorded on the same day ("hydrogen beta (original version)", which appears on the album helium), hydrogen beta is a moment of suspended time: neither departing nor arriving, but simply existing.

This remarkable performance was recorded live in one take and captured just as you hear it: without editing.


name: Behave
sku: processor-behave
upc: 847646001448
description:
Processor's album Behave is northern European electro dance music. It sounds like Trentemoller/Royksopp/Chemicalbrothers but with a little more edge.

Just behave and listen ;0)


name: Game
sku: processor-game
upc: 847646009826
description:
The album Game is inspired by the book series "red rising" by Pierce Brown and influenced by cyberpunk culture. Be ready for ambient and hard "Tron legacy" electro with a touch of Swedish darkness.


name: My Industry
sku: processor-industry
upc: 876809005856
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=267135378&s=143444
description:
"Amazing BIG sound," says Breakbeat Paradise and boy are they right. Rock hard rhythms and darkly glorious vocals make for an awesomely un-small album of fantastic industrial house! We especially love the title track and "Greed" is a fantastically taut assault too. Check it out!


name: The M Edition
sku: processor-medition
upc: 847646004463
description:
The "M" stands for Movie...
Among the first songs on this album such as "Work" "Sluggerboy" "Momentum"....
Inspired from "John Carpenters movie creations in the mid-eighties"
We have made a soundtrack with no film...
Now why would we do that?
-Because we love it :-)
Also including two singles such as "That tone" chip tune meets processor and "your friend" weird and catchy...
Hope you enjoy
Johan/Processor


name: Surface
sku: processor-surface
upc: 847646007952
description:
The album Surface is a mix of house and modern electro, from Summer feeling in "Soulmate" to autumn darkness in "Series". This is the surface of an ordinary Swedish man ;0)

Also including singles such as Automan, Just and Soulmate that have been playing on Swedish National Radio.


name: Too Much Mustard
sku: armchair-octopants
upc: 876809003272
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257809559&s=143444
description:
This music at its best evokes happiness of a by-gone era. Circuses and carousels and calliopes, oh my! To some they may appear to be pandering, even kitsch. But the truth is they reflect the optimism, the innocence and the fun-loving of our great grandparents.


name: The Cure for Chaos Theory
sku: psycliq-chaostheory
upc: 847646006757
description:
For every theory, there is a cure.

Boston-based independent electronic rock artist Psycliq has returned once again with an incredibly diverse and powerful album, "The Cure for Chaos Theory". Four years in the making, this seventeen track album contains over an hour of new, original music and is the most ambitious work from Psycliq to date. While focusing on electronic elements more than ever before, the project encompasses a number of different genres, as has come to be expected from this artist, and the production quality is the highest to date.

Somewhat of a concept album without the overtones of a pretentious drama club, "The Cure for Chaos Theory" brings the listener on a journey of emotions and places like none other. From the driving energy of opening track "The Theory", through the cacophonous racket of "The Chaos", to the final placid strains of "The Cure" (punctuated with real HAM radio recordings received from a NASA engineer), this album has much to show you if you're willing to come along for the ride. The three-piece suite "It's Meant To Be" is spread throughout the album, offering instrumental punctuation to the process. "Her Ice-Lit Walk" paints a haunting contrast of calm and chaos, while "Rewire" offers a stuttering technological jump. "Perilous Opportunity" and "Snowrunner" both explode with walls of audio, while the plaintive "Sad, I Could Have Made You Queen Of The Seas" paints a picture of acquiescent regret. And for the first time ever, "Brushwork" features a stellar guest vocal performance by the immensely talented Jon Wiltzen.

Psycliq has upped the ante with this project, and there's no telling where this artist can go from here.

Awesome extra album material available if you download the artwork in this album.


name: halt
sku: psycliq-halt
upc: 876809005153
description:
The second release from electronic rock one-man-band "Psycliq", Halt is a study in flow and interconnections that speaks well without resorting to words. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Justin Richer in a home studio.

The album opens with a straight-forward rock riff in "Every Morning Orange and Blue", a song that could easily be the soundtrack to a triathlete's morning workout routine. The three-part "Resonance Suite" is spread across the album and features different aspects built on the same harmonic foundation. The ambient anthem "Adore" is an intricate electronic piece that weaves back and forth across the depths of space. "Negative Space" on the other hand is a rhythmic experiment that questions what happens to us at the very edge of those depths. "This Town Loves You, This Town Will Destroy You" is another fast-paced rock number that is first driven by a guitar and then by a piano. The mellower "Everglow" is a song complex in its simplicity. Recorded using only a single guitar dubbed five times over, it has a surprising depth of interplay in its parts. Finally, "Every Evening Crimson Resound" brings a solemn end to this album, calling to mind feelings of wandering alone at dusk along empty city sidewalks.


name: The Mathemagician's Riddle
sku: psycliq-mathemagician
upc: 876809007232
description:
The first release from Psycliq, an intrepid one-man project, this EP is a collection of diverse songs. Produced entirely in a home studio, this project is the first of what will hopefully be many endeavors.

The opener, "Burn Bright", is a heroic electronic rock anthem whose driving rhythm, according to one listener, "makes you want to jump out a window and save the world". This follows directly into the hectic "Two Pennies For the Ferryman". The instrumental "Caverns" weaves its way through an underworld of sonic landscapes, a journey of musical discovery. The oddly interlocking "Clockwork Apprentice" is built on a set of randomized arpeggiations that somehow combine to create a cohesive whole.


name: House of the Rising Sun
sku: psycliq-risingsun
upc: 847646001868
description:
Independent electronic band "Psycliq" returns to put a new twist on an old classic, House of the Rising Sun. Originally a folk blues ballad, the song came to notoriety in the 1960's when British rock group "The Animals" released their now iconic rendition of it to worldwide acclaim. It has since been picked up by many different artists, but none have put quite the unique spin on it that "Psycliq" has.

What started as a simple exercise to cover a single song quickly spiraled into a complicated project of four very distinct remixes, each capturing different aspects of the material. Incorporating more moving parts than any Psycliq recording to date, the steady groove of the original mix quickly gives way to a cacophonous barrage of audio bliss, taking you along on the bluesman's sad tale of warning and woe. The Amped Up Blender mix cranks up the drums and guitars to eleven and never looks back. The Transistor Party Stomp mix somehow manages to add even more layers on top of the already full palette, and its driving rhythm makes no apologies for its pace. At the other end of the rail line, the Organ Donor mix strips everything away again to its raw essentials.


name: Results Not Typical
sku: psycliq-rnt
upc: 876809006402
description:
Results Not Typical is the third album from Psycliq, a one-person outfit from the Boston area that usually produces a unique mix that can generally be described as electronic rock. This album, however, is quite different from the normal fare. The jazz, blues, and classical elements that underlie the usual Psycliq music are brought to the fore in the artist's most ambitious project to date.

The sonic landscape ranges from the majestic "Those Born of Kings" into the contemplative "Another Empty Hour In Every Day"; from the lonely blues rock of "Dustwood" to the brash groove of "Setting Out"; from the sly jazz of the "Incognito Shuffle" to the complex layers of "Mettle"; this album manages all of these diverse styles and more with aplomb and grace.

This may not sound like the usual Psycliq fare, but be assured that the roots are still there, pulsing with every ounce of life and energy you would expect. Expectations and formulas may be left at the door, thank you.

All songs and instrumentation are once again the sole work of Justin Richer, the unique mind behind this unique band.


name: Seraph
sku: psycliq-seraph
upc: 847646009666
description:
Six ambient instrumentals reach out from a deep soul and spread through a soundscape of dreams and visions. Each journey is six minutes long, taking you to a different time and space. This journey is your own, and yet you are not alone. There are many paths, and yet there is only the path you take.

Walk with us, dream with us. Follow the Seraph's call.

You don't know what you're worth.
You're worth more than you know.


name: In thy Dormition thou didst not forsake the World, (O Theotokos)
sku: putinki-dormition
upc: 876809009649
description:
In Thy Dormition consists of selected chants, performed during the service devoted to celebration of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. This feast day is hallowed by the Russian Orthodox church on the 28th of August according to the julian calendar.

The recording is comprised both of ancient Orthodox monastery chants, as well as of part songs by secular composers, written for the church and performed by the Moscow Putinki church choir. It represents an example of how a group of professional and amateur singers are able to lead the listener to understanding of what the prayer for the Orthodox Christian is.


name: Determination
sku: quantummilkshake-determination
upc: 876809005634
description:
Encompassing the very essence of the universe, Quantum Milkshake's "Determination" is the platform for you to experience the awe-inspiring, incomprehensible alluring patterns of the cosmos.

Through pumping cathartic grooves and the unimaginable pleasures of our intricate luscious soundscapes, this compression of the universe into one fantastic gesture explodes through the speakers of your sound system. Compositions from front man, Fabian Acuña, are brought to life not just for pushing the boundaries of what music can offer but for you to fully engage and vividly experience the vivacity of boundless imagination through wild dance.

The group's unique voice has been recognized by sources such as "a sound that is undeniably galactic", "[a] jaw-droppingly impressive production" and consisting of "highly intelligent compositions".


name: Earth, the Kirtan planet
sku: radhamohan-earth
upc: 847646003701
description:
Radhamohan and Savitri bring us meditative, yet uplifting and all acoustic kirtan with a fusion of musical expressions all the way from India, Egypt and Middle East to ancient vibes of South and North America.

Flowing rhythms, etherial flute melodies, Savitri's enchanting singing of mantras and top quality production make this an unique listening experience. Whether listening to it softly in meditation or loudly while singing and dancing along with it, it will make your heart sing!


name: Confluentes
sku: meulenbroeks-confluentes
upc: 847646007488
description:
Viola da gamba music from 1553 to the present day:

"With this recording I wanted to go back to my original fascination with the 6- or 7-stringed bass viol. Ever since I first heard the instrument in the early 1990's, I knew that this was the sound that I wanted and I have devoted the bigger part of my professional life to it. The solo sound of the instrument especially has always inspired me to no end.

The recording venue was easily selected and actually sparked the recording: the beautiful chapel of a St. Francis' Convent in my home town of Utrecht. The brethren, some of whom I have known for many years now, have cooperated in every possible way. I have prayed with them many times in this chapel and it is a rare privilege to have been given the opportunity to make this recording in this sacred place.

The music has more or less selected itself: I wanted to start with some of the very early viola da gamba music by Diego Ortiz and end with some pieces that contemporary composers have dedicated to me. And the centuries in between are covered by the music of much-loved viol composers as Carl Friedrich Abel, Tobias Hume, Antoine Forqueray, Johannes Schenck, and of course Marin Marais. It all flowed together naturally: confluentes.

The recording process was very, very simple: my good friend Fritz de With set up his video and audio equipment and I played every piece a few times. Afterwards, we just picked what we considered to be the best version. Again: without any editing. Everything you hear is exactly the way it was played. A rare occurrence these days!

I gave everything I have in this process, and this is it. I can only hope you like it."

Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks, October 2014.

Cover art photograph of Ralph courtesy of Jan Baks


name: Disappeared
sku: rapoon-disappeared
upc: 876809001452
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/disappeared/id369508163
description:
This album is a continuation of recurring themes that have been interwoven into the entire recorded output of Rapoon (now almost 20 years and 40 odd albums). Oblique and transitory the little stories and spoken words form connections across time and space. This is about those who disappear in strange circumstances and those who just disappear. The passage of time and change. Ghosts from the past and ghosts from the future.


name: Psi-transient
sku: rapoon-psitransient
upc: 847646007006
description:
Brief moments of seemingly grasping something previously hidden from view.
Snow melting on a deserted concrete platform at a station with no name in an urban wasteland.
White trees, limbs outstretched as if barring the way into the deeper woods and the darkness.
Bone sentinels.
A faint memory of once knowing and now forgotten.
Elusive and dreamlike the ghosts return.


name: To West and Blue
sku: rapoon-westandblue
upc: 847646007013
description:
To West and Blue, these pieces are about the area I grew up in in the UK.
A peninsula of land which stuck out into the Solway Firth.
Surrounded by the sea when the tide was in and surrounded by endless mudflats when the tide was out.
When the water covered the ground the line between the sea and the sky was almost non-existent. A diaphanous boundary.
The sea came in from the West where the huge skies hung without end in a vault of blue.


name: Ras Tilo and Friends - Creative Commons
sku: rastilo-rastiloandfriends
upc: 847646003527
description:
"Ras Tilo and Friends - Creative Commons" is the first full-produced album from Ras Tilo. Based on five riddims composed and recorded in Ireland and Germany, this multi-cultural album wants to show the power and the diversity of common creativity, including eight featuring artists on seventeen tracks (originals and remixes). Furthermore, this album is an homage to the "Creative Commons" license and philosophy. Enjoying it you may hear reggae, dub, hip hop, freestyle lyrics and world music, where each artist is bringing his own style, his own language and his own groove in a free and creative way - for more than one hour of music!


name: Echoes from the Aether
sku: raycarldaye-echoesaether
upc: 847646004487
description:
On this album, Ray Carl Daye weaves a hypnotic spell of textures and tone. Like the Earth's upper atmosphere, the music is pure, floating, weightless, frictionless - both static and slowly evolving.

Echoes From the Aether is music for an Earth in transition, the echoes being signals of change and aether referring to the Earth's upper atmosphere. This is ambient soundscapes and installation music with minimal, slowly shifting synth patterns, perfect for background ambience.


name: Spectral Navigator
sku: raycarldaye-navigator
upc: 876809006914
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spectral-navigator/id336046580
description:
These quiet minimal pieces are inspired by the music of Brian Eno's early ambient work. Shimmering soundscapes, ethereal and soothing, these "light" ambient pieces create an excellent atmosphere for relaxing or for use as background ambience.


name: Rapid Ear Movement
sku: raycarldaye-rem
upc: 847646004166
description:
Rapid Ear Movement, the second Magnatune release by Ray Carl Daye, is a diverse collection of electronic/ambient instrumentals full of emotion and creativity. The compositions range from the energetic, sequence-driven minimalism of "Endless Departure" and "Dervish Moon" to the radiant, melodic riff of "Aqua Lit". Other notable tracks are the sentimental, gentle meditation of "Quiet Remergence"; the glittering soundtrack-inspired "Elusian Spring" and cinematic atmosphere of "The Illuminated Earth". In all, "Rapid Ear Movement" presents fourteen short soundtracks for an imagined cinema.


name: The Early Sessions
sku: raymontford-earlysessions
upc: 847646002919
description:
A fingerstyle solo acoustic album with minimal accompaniment. Recorded direct-to-DAT in 1991, it features a pristine sound, with no overdubs or editing.

This record features unplugged versions of May It Begin, One Witness, Ice House and Appalachia. As I was nearing the end of a recovery from an injury in 2004, I needed something musical to do and decided to release this on CD... something I'd been itching to do ever since CDs took over the world. This is a good one for acoustic guitar lovers.


name: A Fragile Balance
sku: raymontford-fragile
upc: 847646002926
description:
Critically-acclaimed Canadian guitarist-composer, Ray Montford, unveils his sixth album, a fragile balance, his most cinematic to date. Inspired by a series of unforeseen events, this is a soulful exploration of life's journeys, highlighted by Montford's buttery blues/rock electric tones and deft acoustic fingerstyle work.

Beginning with the haunting melody of Honour This Land, the album builds to a peak of orchestration in the epic When Darkness Takes Flight, propelled by powerful drumming and a gorgeous cello arrangement. Dynamically recorded with sparse arrangements and great sonics, the result is a cohesive tale of a mature artist. This is instrumental music that commands to be heard - at a healthy volume - offering a depth that will reveal new insights with each listen.


name: Many Roads
sku: raymontford-manyroads
upc: 847646002933
description:
Many Roads is a guitar-driven journey and an emotional tour-de-force. Partly recorded in a tiny cottage in the Canadian backwoods in the middle of winter... then later with a bunch of great musicians in Toronto. I love the rootsy way in which we approached this record; many performances were captured live-off-the-floor.

Special thanks and gratitude to Paradigm Speakers for sponsoring this recording.

"He has a gift for grand musical moments that retain their intimacy... an atmospheric, emotional road well worth travelling."
Steve Baylin


name: One Step Closer
sku: raymontford-onestep
upc: 847646002940
description:
This record is mostly acoustic-guitar-based with a small amount of electric guitar as well.

The album is quite intimate with dashes of world textures from tabla and gorgeous middle-eastern singing on the song "Take Me With You".


name: Shed Your Skin
sku: raymontford-shedyour
upc: 847646002964
description:
Shed Your Skin is multi-layered and musically diverse and features a good deal of instrumentation and world percussion. It has been widely embraced by audiophiles fo its sonic textures and dimensionality.

"shed your skin is a brilliant record... incredible playing... singular musical voice ... and one of the best recorded guitar records I've heard in my life!"
- Will Ackerman from Windham Hill Records


name: Vintage is Now
sku: raymontford-vintageisnow
upc: 847646007372
description:
There is something to be said about someone having the courage to release an instrumental album in 2012, and looking to make a dent in the pop-drenched landscape of the music world.

Ray Montford, the virtuoso guitarist and Canada's own aficionado of the 6 string, has done just that and done it with great style, grace, and conviction.

His 11 track and sixth studio album Vintage Is Now is as beautiful a collection of guitar lead compositions as it is raw and uninhibited. Picture a journey on a magic carpet ride over a turbulent and roaring sea while laying on pillows of silk and down, flying through the white capped waves. Opium dreams you say? Montford knows exactly how to evoke these grandiose visions with his flawless playing and keep you in a state of unencumbered sensory bliss the whole way through.

Could Ray Montford be Canada's own Jeff Beck? With this gift of an album where so many emotions are touched on throughout, one has to think he may just be carving out his own path as a guitarist and letting his playing do the talking. Perhaps no one could ever fill the shoes of the guitar gods of the past but it doesn't seem that Ray has set out to achieve this shadow goal. His playing is unique, honest, and still enthusiastic which is rare these days as instrumentals go. His love for the guitar shines through the music which in essence keeps you, as the listener, so connected to his playing. Ray's songs become the canvas of ones imagination and boldly paint a vision where voice and lyrics have no place over the roar of one man and his guitar.


name: Explode Into Space
sku: rebel-explode
upc: 876809004415
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257920622&s=143444
description:
L.A.-based band Rebel Rebel is known for its insanely fun, high energy live show and has been known to give their fans "glamtasms" from the relentless insistence on entertainment and riff-heavy rock. Explode Into Space was produced by Brian Kehew, known for his work with The Ramones, Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins, and Air. Tracks "Artificial Kid" and "Venus Plux X' are especially swaggery and good. Bonus tracks in Spanish!


name: Algorithmic Soul
sku: redskylullaby-algorithmicsoul
upc: 876809009250
description:
Algorithmic Soul blends mellow electronics, acoustics and eclectic styles from funk to electronica, ambient to jazz. Each track develops organically and in unpredictable ways. Layers of synths, piano, sax and vocals flow together over groove-soaked drums. Red Sky Lullaby delivers another slice of soulfully-rendered, chilled electronica.


name: Am Pm
sku: redskylullaby-ampm
upc: 847646002384
description:
Soulful and melodic electronica taking you back to the days when music had a side A and a side B. am pm is a heady blend of dark and light, electronic and acoustic, the minimal and the complex.

Red Sky Morning - wakes from a slumber with punchy beats and bass then travels on through glitched out dub landscapes, dipping in to occasional pools of ambience, bluesgrass, jazz and chilled out trance.

Red Sky Night - takes you on to close your eyes blissout territory where waves of synths and samples break over orchestral elements, pianos and guitars. Feet up, headphones on, lights out and enjoy the day.


name: Burst
sku: redskylullaby-burst
upc: 847646007044
description:
Burst is an album brimming with beats and soundscapes.

For this third album Red Sky Lullaby dips into a myriad of styles to create a unique blend of Electronica, Beats, Glitch, Dub Roots and Jazz. The tracks refuse to cave to repetitiveness and the album as a whole evolves from style to style in unexpected ways culminating in the jazzy electronic grooves of the final track Peace Out.


name: Echolalia
sku: redskylullaby-echolalia
upc: 876809003524
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/echolalia/id369507937
description:
Echolalia is a laid back mix of electronic and acoustic elements. Piano, double bass and orchestral sounds blend with hip hop beats, dub basslines, glitched out samples and analog synths to take you on a chilled melodic journey.


name: Very Own Special Day
sku: redskylullaby-vosd
upc: 847646009611
description:
Red Sky Lullaby's 4th album features Electronica, Glitch and Ambient styles intertwined with Modern Classical harmonic arrangements to infuse emotion into every track. There is a greater focus on melody, harmony and a complex minimalism than on the previous more beat laden excursions of the album "Burst".

18 months in the making, the new album blends analog synths and samplism with warmer textures and sounds from real acoustic instruments in real spaces. Very Own Special Day is electronic music with a human soul.


name: Dreamscapes
sku: rejuvenescence-dreamscapes
upc: 876809005917
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=277013619&s=143444
description:
The ultimate background album, Dreamscapes by Magnatune artist Tom Lewis (aka Rejuvenescence) evokes everything that is tranquil and soothing in New Age music, yet keeps things subtly spicy with intelligent rhythms and alluring sitar. Rich in detail and featuring superlative arrangements, we love the walking rhythms and oh-so-mellow grooves of Dreamscapes, many of which are inlaid with gorgeous field recordings from the natural world.


name: Reza Nation
sku: reza-nation
upc: 876809006686
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reza-nation/id336070966
description:
Reza writes about his latest album, "Reza Nation...well, as a departure from my first album ReStrung I wanted to have more guitars layered and textured (like a harp). I still wanted to keep the essence of the first album by keeping the content simple while doubling up on the guitars. I wanted to keep the songs personal yet far reaching. Arbol...a great example...three chord song with no distinct melody other than the one emerging from the chords (the high voice) grouped with nylon/steel/12 string guitars playing both pick and finger-style guitar.

Reza Nation was an amazing learning process."


name: ReStrung
sku: reza-restrung
upc: 876809000967
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257920752&s=143444
description:
Reza's album "ReStrung" is a collection of original songs that he has been "re-creating" for the past ten years. He has been heard to call them practice pieces.

"On most of the songs on "ReStrung" what you hear, minus the percussion, is one guitar track. So all these songs can be performed as solos. However, they would all work nicely as duets, or even trios and quartets."


name: Il Rossetto, Domenico Bianchini's Lute Book (1546)
sku: rmackenzie-bianchini
upc: 847646004470
description:
Domenico Bianchini (c1510-c1576) was born into a family of famous Venetian mosaic artists, and, judging by his nickname, 'Il Rossetto', he must have possessed a head of striking red hair, similar to the famous Venetian composer of the early 18th century, Antonio Vivaldi.

Bianchini's "Intabolatura de Lauto" (Venice, 1546), of which this recording features the entire book, was his sole publication. Intabolatura was a great success, being reprinted in its entirety at least three times, 11 of its works even being reprinted in Nuremberg by Hans Gerle, 1552. The book itself is a perfect exemplar of the Venetian lute book of the mid-16th century, featuring intabulations of scared and secular vocal music, a selection of polyphonic recercari, and a selection of dances, including dances local to Venice, such as the 'Santo erculano'. The music itself is complex, beautiful, at times reflective, and at times flamboyant. The book presents a veritable feast of European lute music.

The music was performed on a Renaissance Lute by James Marriage (2004) after Hans Frei (c1550), strung entirely in old Aquila nylgut. The disc was recorded fairly intimately and with little editing so as to produce a fresh and candid sound, suited to the intimacy and immediacy of the music. It is the first in a series of recordings by Richard MacKenzie focusing on the repertoire of lutes and early guitars. (Produced and engineered by Richard MacKenzie. Recorded at St. Margaret's Church, Binsey).

'Highly recommended.... an excellent debut recording and makes a very good case for Bianchini's music: if you want Bianchini this is the one to have. MacKenzie plays strongly and rhythmically, and it is heartening to hear the fast embellishments and cadential passages played cleanly and in tempo, something we associate with Paul O'Dette. It has the rhythmic drive and excitement of a live recital and very good recorded sound.'
Lute News, 04/13


name: The Parisian Delight
sku: rmackenzie-parisiandelight
upc: 847646006832
description:
Albert de Rippe (c1500-1551) was one of the most famous lutenists of his generation. In service to Francis I, his annual salary was double that of any other lutenist. His surviving works exhibit a complexity previously unidentified in lute music. Albert's pupil, Guillaume Morlaye (c1510-1558), was responsible for the posthumous publication of most of Albert's surviving output, and was also a composer of outstanding quality in his own right. In August 1551 Adrian Le Roy (c1520-1598) and his cousin Robert Ballard (c1525-1588) founded the fertile printing firm of "Le Roy and Ballard", obtaining a royal privilege from Henry II to publish music. The fruits of that partnership form the core of the musical selection that comprises this album, featuring preludes, fantasies, dances, chansons, motets and grounds.

The works themselves are multifaceted, attractive, at times meditative, and at times ostentatious. The cross-section of works presented here perfectly sum up the Parisian chordophonic culture of the mid-16th century.

The music was performed upon a Renaissance Lute built by James Marriage (2004) after Hans Frei (c1550), and upon a Renaissance Guitar built by Paul Baker (2003) of his own design. The album was recorded fairly intimately and with little editing so as to produce a fresh and candid sound, suited to the intimacy and immediacy of the music. It is the second in a series of recordings by Richard MacKenzie focusing on the repertoire of lutes and early guitars. (Produced and engineered by Richard MacKenzie. Recorded at the Church of St. Lawrence, Heanor).

Reviews:
"MacKenzie plays throughout with effortless ease... The chordal versions are played crisply with a steady beat and a strong sense of rhythm; the rapid diminutions executed with almost breathtaking virtuosity... These [fantasias] are performed with great sensitivity, the contrapuntal lines clearly delineated with subtle variations in timbre and dynamic... MacKenzie obviously loves this music and can't help but play it in a way which makes the listener love it too."
Lute News, 10/14 (The Lute Society)

"The sound is clear and sweet, the playing is impeccable."
Nostalgia Newsletter, 10/14 (Lute and Early Guitar Society Japan)

"Richard MacKenzie... [is] one of the rising stars of the British lute scene... It is a very accomplished recording; the lutenist consistently attaining the beautiful bell-like tone, sweet and clear, that devotees of Renaissance lute (and four-course) guitar aim for, and the musicianship is confident throughout... Let's hope for more like this."
Early Music Today Magazine, March-May 2015 (Rhinegold Publishing)

Full liner notes are available with the artwork pdf.


name: Tombeaux - A secular requiem
sku: rmackenzie-tombeaux
upc: 876809003449
description:
Tombeaux - A secular requiem for my father

This recording stands in memory to my late father. It is the first recording to focus on the rarely surveyed lute tombeaux repertoire of 17th-century France: examining its stylistic predecessors, application to alternative plucked instruments and its circulation. The recording is presented across a range of plucked instruments: baroque lute, renaissance lute, baroque guitar and theorbo.

The tombeau (translated as tomb) was a secular genre of instrumental music dedicated to a deceased person. They were usually written in the form of a Pavane or Allemande and presented in dark, usually barréd keys: C Minor being the most common on plucked instruments. The recording presents beautiful solemn examples of this profound repertoire, as well as works that break the conventional mould in, sometimes, the most surprising ways! A good deal of variety is included and the works provide great catharsis for mourners across the ages: for those who live and have ever lost.

Works are featured by composers including Francis Pilkington, Anthony Holborne, Jacques de Gallot, Ennemond Gaultier le vieux, Denis Gaultier, François Dufault, Francesco Corbetta, Robert de Visée, François Campion, Gallot d'Irelande, Georg Gebel and Tobias Hume.

Recorded in St. Bartholomew's Church, Otford.

"There is remarkable variety in this music and MacKenzie has crafted a pleasing and engrossing whole. Meditative and beautiful without too much overt sadness, and an elegant sense of melancholy. The disc is dedicated to MacKenzie's late father, and I can think of no finer tribute."
**** Planet Hugill, January 2018

"We appreciate in this recording the beautiful resonances, the beautiful sound, especially in the middle and low registers, beautiful phrasing, in short: an elegant and dignified interpretation."
Société Française de Luth, January 2018

"A profound and meditative beauty, not sadness or sorrow, characterises this lovely and fascinating recording... [An] excellent CD by young multi-instrumentalist Richard MacKenzie." ****
Early Music Today Magazine, December-February 2018 (Rhinegold Publishing)


name: Across The Night
sku: rildrim-across
upc: 876809008253
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/across-the-night/id399882981
description:
With soft, sweet subtlety, the journey begins: a discovery of dissonant harmonies, ethereal beats, a fluidity of mystery, basked in romanticism. Composed and produced between May and August of 2009, Rildrim's "Across the night" is poetry in motion. Captivate the senses as the purity of nature's timbre paints a vision of soulful serenity on a canvas of Night's sky.

Get swept away by tracks like "Dead sun" and explore the continuum of hypnotic expressions and infinite grooves that symbolize enlightenment, abundance and peace. Traverse the invisible bridge between two worlds, as the whole of intricate pieces in their completeness reveal a fusion of metaphorical interpretations of the divine - of another world and in another space in time. Rildrim's total art meets total tranquility across the night.


name: Breathing Beauty
sku: rildrim-breathing
upc: 847646000526
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/breathing-beauty/id440562811
description:
Breathing beauty is a musical tribute to nature as a source of inspiration and a perfect model to follow regarding creativity. The album was composed between July 2007 and April 2008 and is composed of six tracks of sublime beauty and peace in an attempt to recreate the mood of natural environments and the eloquent yet subtle expression of nature.


name: Dreamed Rules
sku: rildrim-dreamedrules
upc: 847646001615
description:
Considered by many as Rildrim's masterpiece to date, Dreamed Rules is an album that takes Rildrim's music a step forward. The consistency of the album is prodigious, featuring a marvelous coherence of style throughout the five tracks that compose it. The balance between the different sonic elements is somewhat exquisite, showing very wide ranged sonic palettes that span from subtle textures, delicate pads and soft spacial fx to slightly groovy basses and complex percussive structures. A piece of musical art so expressive, genuine and beautiful that makes the listener's mind wander across a vast universe of sonic imprints only limited by dreamed rules.


name: Ecosystems
sku: rildrim-ecosystems
upc: 847646008713
description:
"Ecosystems" is an album of pure electronic Ambient with a very organic edge that combines musical elements with sampled field recordings of natural environments.

This album is an attempt at showcasing the most delicate and intricate aspects of electronic music through advanced sound design techniques whose aim is to emulate the sonic richness of natural ecosystems through electronic means in combination with melodic and harmonic elements influenced by impressionism, classical and world music.

The result is a very evocative, meditative and poetic music with a strong visual quality to it. Perfect to create subtle, relaxing and intimate musical backgrounds as well as emotive, stimulating and vivid ambiances.


name: Fractal Universe
sku: rildrim-fracuniv
upc: 847646000977
description:
At the beginning of the development of this abum, the concept behind it was merely the cosmos and its ancient relation to music, but at the later stages of its creation the idea of the fractal as an object or quantity that displays self-similarity on all scales was added and merged with the original idea to turn it into the concept of fractal universe, which is one of the several theories used to explain the nature of the cosmos.

The music is very atmospheric and ethereal, full of ambient pads, synthetic textures, subtle grooves and deep basses with a poetic and descriptive quality that evokes vivid cosmic scenes through complex sonic structures and harmonies.

The album is composed out of five tracks of approximately ten minutes each one and its very recommendable for meditation, recreational purposes or just as a background for a relaxing or intimate environment. This album, Rildrim's fourth, was composed and produced between January 1 of 2010 and April 10 of 2011.


name: The Lonely Wizard
sku: rildrim-lonely
upc: 847646000694
description:
The Lonely Wizard is Rildrim's debut album. Composed in 2007, it set the foundations of Rildrim's work in its quest of the syntactical nature of music, the mystery of creation and the amazing relationships between hierarchical elements within a personal universe of peaceful and seductive sonic imprints. This work is a metaphor about the power of creativity as a way of personal development and empowerment intended to reach a state of strength, peace and balance in a world dominated by a repressive and limiting culture that condition us to follow repetitive and unthinking behaviors in order to keep a established social status.


name: Moving Inward
sku: rildrim-movinginward
upc: 876809005108
description:
Moving Inward is an album that explores both the classical and jazzy sides of Ambient by shifting the focus of its musical content from the typical static sonorities, as well as the emphasis on sound design found in pure Ambient, to a more harmonically dynamic and melodic Downtempo that draws inspiration from traditional sources without neglecting the creative innovations of forward thinking contemporary music.

The result is a delightful collection of relatively short pieces that add a catchy element to the sought after unobtrusive quality of Ambient that opens up a fresh and exquisite sonic space where past and future not only coexist, but enrich each other.


name: Poetry of the Unnamed
sku: rildrim-poetryun
upc: 847646002254
description:
Composed and recorded during the second half of 2011, Poetry of the Unnamed is an album conceptually based on the idea of music as a kind of poetry capable of expressing, describing and depicting feelings, sensations and ideas in a way that language is not able to.

Through the use of a unique universe of sonic imprints and an endless vocabulary of rhythmic and harmonic symbols based on a much less functional syntax only bound to a poetic and dramatic will, the musical discourse is able to soar there where no other artistic discipline can even dream of reaching. With the mastery of that homogeneous mass of floating and evolving sound that is becoming Rildrim's unmistakable mark, this album tells us about things for which there still are no words.


name: Synthetic Dream
sku: rildrim-syntheticdream
upc: 847646004852
description:
Synthetic Dream is an album of pure electronic ambient where less is more; where subtlety thrives across a comprehensive showcase of the most delicate, smooth and beautiful side of electronic music. Its ever present textures, evolving pads and morphing atmospheres wrapping up the intermittent streams of synthetic melodies and alien like sound effects act like the cohesive feature that gives the entire album an unequivocal character while opening the already vast and profound world of Rildrim's sound to new uncharted territories of sublime peace and exotic beauty.


name: The Unveiling
sku: rimi-theunveiling
upc: 847646009772
description:
Indian-American artist Rimi Basu's EP, The Unveiling, is a melding of two distinct cultures: the old-world sound of India mixed with American Pop sensibilities and soundscapes. From the soothing Surmayee to the foot-stomping Maahiya, the album highlights her range and versatility as a singer.

The Huffington Post says about this album: "Though humble in tone, Rimi's ethereal voice is romantically powerful, whisking the listener off to a foreign place that is neither real nor fictional, but an elegant blend of both. Behind the evocative tale her music tells is a story of talent, intelligence and determination".


name: Riot Kings
sku: riotkings-riotkings
upc: 847646003404
description:
The Riot Kings' self-titled album starts with a massive hard-hitting punch and doesn't let up the whole way through. "Death Valley" kicks off this masterful production with a slight Rob Zombie vibe and then vocalist Kent Johannesen lets loose with the vocals. He sounds a bit like the singer from Systematic, a rather good band that never got the acclaim it should have. His voice is strong, the musicianship is solid, and the opening track is an excellent introduction into the world of Riot Kings.

"Save Me" starts with a guitar riff that positively screams. The rhythm of this piece is headbanging material all the way. The rest of the band falls into place behind that killer guitar and the vocals in this track are rather diverse, coupling rock with a bit of rap. Kent pulls it off exceedingly well. "Save Me" is a wonderful creation of various different influences such as Soundgarden and perhaps a touch of Pantera.

"Killing Time" gives us a dose of some serious funk. This piece leaves the listener with no doubt whatsoever that Riot Kings mean business. Crossing multiple genres, "Killing Time" graces us with funk, punk, and rock'n'roll. The instrumentation is phenomenal, the vibe is brazen and bold, and the listener gets a very clear idea that this is a band capable of transcending musical boundaries.

"Killing Time" fades out slowly and takes us gently into "The Past", which features some fantastic piano work. The listener may be lulled into a false sense of reverie, perhaps thinking that this is going to be a love song, or maybe a slow ballad. Nope. "The Past" is just as hard as the rest of them, and now the bass player gets to show what he's made of. The bass line is what carries this tune and Faith No More comes to mind, especially when the vocals kick in and Kent belts out his lyrics with a Mike Patton-esque delivery. The distortion used on the vocals adds a twisted touch to this song that is perfect.

Moving right along, "Hypocrisy" begins with a synthesizer and a spacey sort of riff that is a new twist on this journey. They quickly revert back to the norm of heavy guitar, strong vocals, and tight musicianship all around. However, while this piece isn't that different from the rest of the album, there is certainly a darker vibe to this track and Kent's vocals bring to mind Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge. He really expands his range in this song and the listener may have more appreciation for what a fantastic job this band does to deliver their music to the masses.

"Holy Christian Bible Rocket" is another Funk Rock number that gets the feet tapping and the head banging. It starts off with out-of-this-world sound effects before Kent steps in with his unique way of delivering rock music with a rap touch. He can scream one minute and rap the next and he does both equally well. "Lift Off" is a continuation of "Holy Christian Bible Rocket". There is funk to this track as well, more so than any of the other tracks, and Riot Kings once more prove that their diversity and talent is unmatched. "Lift Off" is an extremely short tune and it is the perfect compliment to the preceding track.

"Guillotine" begins with sound effects suggesting Nine Inch Nails, but that is where any semblance ends. Once the music starts and Kent begins to sing, the vibe is punk all the way, but there seems to be a slight Metallica influence in the guitar work. Riot Kings have mastered the art of combining so many different genres and influences that punk coupled with Metallica should surprise no one, although it should make listeners aware of the sheer breadth of talent that this quartet possesses. "Guillotine" is an excellent example of the culmination of the musical experience that is evident within this band.

Riot Kings obviously have the talent, skills and experience to go far with their artistic endeavors. Not a band that is easily overlooked or forgotten, they will be around for quite some time, keeping the rockers of the world happy.

- Review by Rhonda Readence


name: Aphelion
sku: robcosh-aphelion
upc: 847646008256
description:
Earth's darkest hour inspires it's greatest achievement - but will it be enough?

Aphelion is an EP of 4 tracks - each inspired by a part of story set not too far in Earth's future. This is the first in a series of EP releases which will further this dark chapter in humanity's future.

1. Root Cause - Earth and its citizens find themselves at the end of the end game. Quickly declining fresh water supplies necessitated the development of nano-tech that could be used with plant root systems to aggressively seek out and better manage existing groundwater. Food supplies are in desperately short supply and plant-based food supplies are under serious threat. Countries suspend AI regulations and oversight in the hopes that this tech can help extend and improve the planet's ability to produce food.

At first it appears to be wildly successful.
Then it all goes horribly wrong?

2. The Lottery - Deepest fears realized - the AI has gone offline - and whether or not sentience is at play - the net result is that the super-enhanced root systems of hybridized plants around the world have all but locked down groundwater supplies. Surface plants have died off. Root system development below ground is happening at an astounding rate - far beyond comprehension. Inside of a year it is clear there will be no further plant based foods possible. Riots have broken out across the planet as water supplies disappear, believed to be consumed at impossible rates by the super-root-nano-Ai systems.

Essentially - this is the end-game. We tinkered, we lost. Escape from the planet is humanity's only hope. An international consortium of scientists, government representatives and industry leaders is hastily formed to plan humanity's one possible escape - a journey into space.

Soon after - The Lottery takes place. Who of the 16 billion persons will go? Those who do not face certain death. Those who do - unknown. Families, communities, cities and countries - torn apart by a choice that only 50,000 Travellers must make.

3. Build - The construction project to end them all - every country on Earth represented in the fullest and most comprehensive display of cooperation in history. Resources are delivered and used without money changing hands. Tasked with creating a spaceship that can be self-sufficient indefinitely, where dozens or hundreds of generations of humanity can survive while the search for habitable planets continues is without doubt the single biggest technological project ever undertaken. Without any need for money to change hands, without borders in the way - the speed of this development is staggering. Time is running out - parts of the planet are dying off - riots have turned many urban areas around the world into absolute chaos as people without drinking water and food become animalistic in their quest for survival on a dying planet. The 50,000 who are to fly are kept in a heavily fortified town for the duration of the construction and commensurate training that must be completed to ensure the safe operation of this immense spaceship. Crew selection is ongoing via personality profiling and practical skills demonstration - physical training is ongoing for all other lottery winners - and slowly the weak are being weeded out and replaced with other strong humans.

4. Interstellar - It's a bittersweet day when APHELION departs Earth orbit, leaving behind billions of people who will not survive the coming year. There will be no coming back. Bittersweet for the 50,000 on board this craft will never see the surface of another planet. They won't even get far enough to encounter possible other planets. Potential solar systems are generations away at best - and it could be hundreds of years before anything remotely potential shows up. It could be thousands.

APHELION is all we've got. This is her story.

Rob Cosh - modular, synthesizer, production, mixing
Scott Pinkerton - piano, synthesizer, arrangement


name: Ponder
sku: robcosh-ponder
upc: 847646007020
description:
Quieter moments, reflection, natural environments, a good book, a pulling listen. A continuing project to uncover the eddies of subtlety and unhurried expression, Cosh's new album, "PONDER", slowly meanders down the old trail in the woods - no rush, no agenda. Stopping here and there to take it all in, to pendulum between the whole and parts, letting pieces that fit together do so, and then taking them apart again to see if others might do so better.

PONDER is two albums in one... evocative and down-tempo describe the first half... Edgeless enough to not grab your attention too strongly from the book you are engrossed in while sipping tea. The second half is decidedly ambient, and almost entirely beatless, setting the imagination adrift, anticipating its return after letting it become witness - to itself, it's environment, its presence.

These two sides of Cosh's peaceful creative output are executed with skill and achieve a sense of space and curiosity which does not fail in drawing the listener deeply inside. Whether its staring out the window, on a couch in a dimly lit room, greeting the morning with coffee and sunlight, or even delighting in the details with headphones on, in the dark.... Take a couple of hours and just drift.


name: Reconstruction
sku: costlow-reconstruction
upc: 876809006600
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reconstruction/id288929411
description:
Universal and contemporary piano melodies. Themes on the album range from my awesome baby girl, interesting travel, falling in love (an updated song I composed for my wife before we were engaged), to dealing with strife.


name: Sophomore Jinx
sku: costlow-sophomore
upc: 876809000950
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=76818890&s=143444
description:
Universal and contemporary piano melodies. Sophomore Jinx is my first professional recording effort. This album is about second chances, hopes, dreams, and following my passion.

Music lovers of all ages will be transported to a less complicated, more relaxed world with Costlow's collection of original piano melodies that showcase the talent and universal reach of his passionate and raw sound. Even though Costlow's music is often placed with certain genres, his style is neither new age, classical or jazz. Costlow simply delivers independent, sincere and contemporary music to which listeners can easily relate.


name: Woods of Chaos
sku: costlow-woods
upc: 876809003593
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=77670000&s=143444
description:
On Woods of Chaos Rob Costlow takes contemporary solo piano light years beyond typical new age sentimentality and instead delivers soothing yet complex album that is welcome in any personal collection. A reflective, cleanly elegant work to which you'll return again and again.


name: Ambient Nights
sku: robertotto-ambientnights
upc: 847646008409
description:
Ethereal ambient drifts, atmospheric drones, synthesizer pads and strings, accompanied by roaming electric piano themes combine to take you on an Ambient Electronic Space Music journey through the night under a canopy of stars from sunset to sunrise.

Played in order, the album tracks feature shifting and evolving themes as sunset fades into lingering twilight, the constellations, aurora and planets appear, and eventually the zodiacal light anticipates the coming dawn and sunrise.


name: Cerulean Blue
sku: robertotto-ceruleanblue
upc: 847646008416
description:
Drifting chords, swirling synthesizer textures and roaming piano send you on a relaxing Ambient Electronic Music journey through shades of blue.


name: Into the Unknown
sku: robertotto-intounknown
upc: 847646008454
description:
Into the Unknown is somewhat of a departure from my prior works as I explore incorporating arpeggios, rhythmic and melodic elements with a few nods to the Berlin School style of electronic music.

This album does contain tracks similar to my prior ambient works while also incorporating rhythmic or other elements. As always, my main goal with each track is to create a soundscape that captures a place, mood or event. Into the Unknown is also a themed album telling the story of an epic-type adventure from departure to return home.


name: Kuiper Belt Encounter
sku: robertotto-kuiperencounter
upc: 847646008478
description:
This track was created to commemorate the New Horizons Pluto Flyby. In this track I tried to capture the feeling of the spacecraft's journey to the frozen outer reaches of our solar system.


name: Lux Aeterna
sku: robertotto-luxaeterna
upc: 847646008447
description:
This album was intended to have a spiritual feel to it. Rich synthesizer sounds, ethereal ambient drifts, atmospheric drones, and strings, along with roaming piano take you on an Ambient Electronic Music journey.


name: The Pause Between Moments
sku: robertotto-pausebetween
upc: 847646008430
description:
Rich synthesizer sounds, ethereal ambient drifts, atmospheric drones, and strings, along with roaming piano take you on an Ambient Electronic Music exploration of The Pause Between Moments.


name: A Place of Hope
sku: robertotto-placehope
upc: 847646008461
description:
I created this track as a contribution to the Saving Cecil's Pride project built around stopping poachers and saving wildlife. In this track I wanted to capture the feeling of Africa and hope for the future of wildlife there.


name: Tau Ceti
sku: robertotto-tauceti
upc: 847646008423
description:
Powerful bass and roaming electric piano themes accompanied by ethereal ambient drifts, atmospheric drones, synthesizer pads and strings combine to take you on an Ambient Electronic Space Music journey to Tau Ceti. Played in order, the album tracks feature shifting and evolving themes as you depart Earth for orbit, and continue through a wormhole to make a faster than light trip to your final destination of Tau Ceti.


name: Alien Zoology CD1 - Live Archive Vol 4
sku: rrich-alien1
upc: 876809007782
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/alien-zoology-live-at-morrison/id313987155
description:
Live Archive Volume 4: A wide-ranging planetarium concert that opens with modular analog sequences and moves into pieces from Outpost, Bestiary and '90s Fathom-era material.


name: Music from Atlas Dei
sku: rrich-atlasdei
upc: 847646001059
description:
Atlas Dei is a feature length graphic film by Daniel Colvin, with 90 minutes of surround music by Robert Rich. Music from Atlas Dei offers an auditory window upon Atlas Dei, focusing on new compositions recorded specifically for the film. The older compositions here have been re-worked for the film from previous releases: edited, layered, remixed and augmented. The music from Atlas Dei that does not appear on this album more closely resembles previously released versions.


name: Below Zero
sku: rrich-below
upc: 876809005771
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=160238421&s=143444
description:
One of Rich's best albums and an amazing one in which to get lost, Below Zero is darker than some of his other works and has a vast sense of scale--there are massive surrealist soundscapes, clouds of shifting metallic overtones, and sinuous sound threads running throughout. It also represents a significant technical achievement; Rich's sound design includes phase vocoding and granular synthesis, as well as open-loop feedback networks, and chaotic electro-acoustic systems. Somehow all this technology and melancholy come together to create an intense beauty that permeates Rich's singular sonic universe. Really, there are few albums that approach this level.


name: Bestiary
sku: rrich-bestiary
upc: 876809005733
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=199886180&s=143444
description:
Medieval bestiaries depicted strange and mysterious creatures, allegories from distant new lands filled with wonders. This musical bestiary maps a perplexing mindscape--shape-shifting organisms are created in sound. Like the liquid forms that populate the paintings of Yves Tanguy or Joan Miro, each sonic creature on this album takes on the qualities of a living thing; yet each is also ultimately ephemeral. Rhythmic, energetic, bizarre, and very glurpy, Bestiary gets its amazing mutated electronic textures from the MOTM analog modular synthesizer and Rich's generally superlative sound design. It's also peppered with twisted contributions from Forrest Fang, Andrew McGowan, and Haroun Serang.


name: Calling Down The Sky
sku: rrich-calling
upc: 876809005764
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=17296929&s=143444
description:
This 74 minute live recording features an entirely improvised concert in Denver, Colorado that took place on Saturday July 26, 2003 in front of an intimate audience that came prepared for anything. With a thunderstorm forming outside and breaking to a peak in mid-concert, Rich's improvisation directly refers to the weather. Broodingly beautiful, electric, alive...


name: Cowell Theater CD1 - Live Archive Vol 5
sku: rrich-cowell1
upc: 876809007805
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-at-cowell-theater-san-francisco/id313838112
description:
Live Archive Volume 5: One of the more melodic concerts in the series, opening with piano and guitar improvisations, then moving into tracks from Bestiary and other rhythmic pieces from the last decade.


name: Due Acque - Live Archive Vol 2
sku: rrich-due
upc: 876809007768
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/due-acque-live-in-umbria-italy-april/id313684912
description:
Live Archive Volume 2: A deep ambient journey performed at a private concert in Italy for fans of Robert's slowest and most introspective music.

I performed this improvised journey for a private audience in Umbria, Italy in 2000. The timbre of the concert slightly resembled my music during the era of Trances and Drones and Inner Landscapes, but with some of the tools that allow the thicker harmonic excursions such as on Calling Down the Sky. This very special event contained a focused warm energy that resonated for days.

My performance rig was very minimal for this concert. I carried what little gear I could on the airplane to Italy. I had flutes, steel guitar, one keyboard, looping delay. I borrowed a synth and mixer from Gigi. Energy mattered most here. The listeners and I shaped the journey together. I think this document of that journey conveys something special.


name: Echo of Small Things
sku: rrich-echo
upc: 876809005757
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=75779089&s=143444
description:
"Echo of Small Things takes Rich's talent for crafting evocative atmospheric ambient tone poems to an almost dizzying level. The integration of assorted environmental sounds--someone walking, the happy gurgling of a baby, nocturnal creatures, rain, wind and thunder--with constantly evolving layers of assorted electro organic musical elements is so flawless, so perfect, and so involving that I always found myself entirely absorbed in the recording." --Wind and Wire


name: Electric Ladder
sku: rrich-eleclad
upc: 847646001035
description:
On his album, Electric Ladder, Robert Rich finds a new voice for the vibrant interlocking melodies that characterized his works such as Numena, Geometry and Gaudii. With its seemless blend of analog modular synthesizers and acoustic tonalities, Electric Ladder weaves a hypnotic spell - lush, ecstatic and seductive; while its shimmering geometric lines grow more sharply etched with the clarity of justly tuned instruments and the intelligence that pervades Rich's compositional vocabulary.


name: Ici et Maintenant CD1 - Live Archive Vol 1
sku: rrich-ici1
upc: 876809007744
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ici-et-maintenant-live-in-paris/id313838967
description:
Live Archive Volume 1: From Robert's early Geometry and Rainforest period, with hours of previously unreleased music. Melodic sequencers with swift patterned keyboard improvisation, melting down into slow looping textures and flutes.

On the 20th anniversary of this radio concert in Paris, I can distance myself to reflect a bit on my attempts at expressing the ineffable with limited skills, limited gear, sleep deprived, functioning on adrenaline. I hear it as a bit of historical anomaly. I can hear those moments that transcend the tools and circumstance, but remain framed within the context of a concert built from necessity. When I try to separate myself from memories of making this music, I realize that much of the second set, and moments of the first, retain some timeless qualities that I still crave. The remainder may only be interesting historically. I hope that listeners might feel some energy from the moments of discovery hidden in this archive, dated though it may sound at times.


name: Illumination
sku: rrich-illum
upc: 847646001042
description:
This album is published as a companion piece to Michael Somoroff's art installation Illumination. The music was originally created for the famed Rothko Chapel, on the occasion of the installation's move to The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT as the audio track to Somoroff's Illumination, a multimedia installation at BravinLee Programs in Chelsea, N.Y.C. during the summer of 2007.

Featuring seven musical poems, Illumination will take you on a journey beyond your senses. Push through the Curtain of reality amid a pure harmonic series of high frequency sounds to a world of inner reflection, Point, Line, Plane depicts cosmic clouds of primal resonance, the abstract and mathematical, Plato's Cave, whispers in a multitude of tongues, sonic sign languages of the internal dialogue of pure consciousness, and finally Temple, the sound of a spiritual architectural space of No-thingness. Rich's subtle musical interpretation of Illumination embraces the sacred rituals and spaces of all, capturing the universal essence of our post-modern culture. It is a meditation piece for the mind and the body.


name: Lumin - Live Archive Vol 6
sku: rrich-lumin
upc: 876809007829
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lumin-live-at-camerawork-march/id313837397
description:
Live Archive Volume 6: A shimmering improvisatory sound environment, where harmonics blur into waves of pure abstraction, performed live with multiple projections of films by Paul Clipson.

Paul's films are difficult to describe. They shimmer and vibrate. They are both abstract and figurative at the same time. The camera moves slowly while the light moves quickly, burning and flashing brightly at times from the saturated grainy/smooth surface, to remind the viewer that the film itself has become the canvas, as the reflections of projected light act directly upon the retina.

During this performance I ventured into the chaotic realm of live feedback loops, using delays and modulation to build up clouds of re-circulating texture. This technique creates sonic structures that resemble slow arcs, growing and collapsing like organisms, or like melting glaciers. An implied harmonic cloud hovers at the edge of dissonance, much like the reflecting beams of color glancing from the films' vibrating multiple projections. The air is energized by the resonance of sound and light.


name: Mycosphere - Live Archive Vol 7
sku: rrich-mycosphere
upc: 876809007836
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mycosphere-live-on-kfjc-may-31-2008/id313837655
description:
Live Archive Volume 7: A radio performance for Day of Drone, where Robert explores the slow depths with abstract organic soundscapes and glurp.

Robert feels especially good about this improvisation, and decided to name it Mycosphere because it reminded him of the slow inexorable growth of mycelia, the web-like carpet of fungus that pervades the forest floor, feeding the forest by breaking down dead organic material into simpler nutrients that plants can use. That fungal metaphor didn't specifically inspire this music; but rather, the music reminded him of those images while listening back later.

The feedback loop is now complete.


name: Nest
sku: rrich-nest
upc: 847646004142
description:
Like much of my music, Nest also explores tuning systems, including just intonation. Over time I have become more relaxed about tuning, shifting where the instruments sound most natural. Nest navigates towards harmonic intervals when piano is absent, toward equal temperament when piano dominates, searching for a certain fragile balance.

Nest represents unfinished business for me. It's an album that might have come from my childhood, from a hidden quiet place. I rarely make such calm music. Nest folds inward like a nurturing cushion; yet it never sits motionless, it evolves toward a kernel of revelation with slow searching energy.

Nest began with recordings from the eastern Australian bush, when I was on tour in February 2012. I often incorporate natural sounds into my music, but this music wanted to live entirely in outdoor soundscapes, surrounded by a subdued yet palpable sense of life. This texture resembles my earliest releases like Suanyata, Trances and Drones, where the natural world integrates completely with the music.

I approach these juxtapositions of music and nature recordings with caution, as they risk sounding trite. For me, the combination works best when the music retains an attentive, submissive quality. For an album like this, I remove so much material during creation that I struggle to leave any music at all. Each note serves primarily to outline its own absence, to create an illusion of silence.


name: Open Window
sku: rrich-open
upc: 876809005740
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=160237636&s=143444
description:
While better known for his electronic textures, Robert Rich often includes piano solos during his live concerts, and Open Window documents his improvisational approach to acoustic piano, with influences ranging from Alan Hovhannes and Erik Satie to Terry Riley and Keith Jarrett. Rich recorded Open Window on his own 1925 vintage A.B. Chase baby grand, an instrument with a more intimate sound than a full-size concert piano. Over a period of two months, he kept a daily schedule of piano improvisation, with microphones set up to record at all times. The pieces selected here reflect special moments during this concentrated period. These were the moments when effort vanished, and the music seemed to write itself. Magical.


name: Shamballa - Live Archive Vol 3
sku: rrich-shamballa
upc: 876809007775
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shamballa-live-in-costa-mesa-ca/id313837398
description:
Live Archive Volume 3: A dynamic live concert from the era of Humidity, blending moments of pure sonic improvisation with melodic pieces from the Fathom-era catalog.


name: Temple of the Invisible
sku: rrich-temple
upc: 876809005818
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=17296901&s=143444
description:
Temple of the Invisible finds Robert Rich at his most organic, eschewing the trappings of modernity or stylistic boundaries. Using only simple acoustic instruments, Rich crafts a document from a distant time and place, a lost culture with musical underpinnings that reach from Java to North Africa, from Medieval Europe to the Tibetan Plateau. "A music-scape that oozes with primitive life, as if pulsing from the swamp itself. . . A time traveller searching for the aperture that looks back to Eden." San Francisco Chronicle


name: Trances-Drones CD1
sku: rrich-trances1
upc: 876809005788
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=81627514&s=143444
description:
On this essential album Robert Rich reprises the "sleep concert" format that made him famous, so the music is both wonderfully relaxing and perpetually fascinating. There's a lot going on in this material--layer after layer of swirling textures and tones. It's so mesmerizing, in fact, that you'll find yourself startled if one of the pieces is interrupted prematurely: Rich has a talent for finding the mind's natural rhythms, which means that the music naturally steers you toward a mysterious and deeply satisfying state of equilibrium. CD 1 features the trances side of the Trances-Drones dyad.


name: Trances-Drones CD2
sku: rrich-trances2
upc: 876809005825
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=81627514&s=143444
description:
On this essential album Robert Rich reprises the "sleep concert" format that made him famous, so the music is both wonderfully relaxing and perpetually fascinating. There's a lot going on in this material--layer after layer of swirling textures and tones. It's so mesmerizing, in fact, that you'll find yourself startled if one of the pieces is interrupted prematurely: Rich has a talent for finding the mind's natural rhythms, which means that the music naturally steers you toward a mysterious and deeply satisfying state of equilibrium. CD 2 features the drones side of the Trances-Drones dyad.


name: Ylang
sku: rrich-ylang
upc: 847646001066
description:
Robert Rich's Ylang seductively blends Rich's expressive steel guitar, shimmering organic electronics and yearning flute melodies with influences as diverse as south Indian Karnatic music, pulsing minimalism (Steve Reich, Terry Riley) and introspective jazz (Bill Evans, Miles Davis); while its deconstructed drums and blurry guitar feedback might feel at home with Sigur Ros or Bark Psychosis.

Rich enlists help for this undertaking from a circle of trusted musician friends. The rhythmic scaffolding for the album comes from two very different drummers. Ricky Carter adds his intelligent sparse drumming, fluid with syncopation but complex in meter. These rhythms could be a slow tempo homage to Jaki Leibzeit from Can. Post-processing transforms them into rubbery chuffing abstractions. The other rhythmic foundation comes from the Karnatic mrdungam playing of Sakthivel Muruganandhan, which also wanders into Rich's sonic blender, shifting from time-stretched blurs into organic live duets with bansuri master Sunilkumar Sankarapillai.

Lilting in and out of this heady atmosphere of South Indian music and minimalist space jazz, the voice of art-pop virtuoso Emily Bezar adds a feminine intelligence to several pieces, and subtle melodic guitar additions from Haroun Serang augment Rich's soaring lap steel feedback. With acoustic bass from Paul Olguin and string additions from Forrest Fang and Magnatune artist, Hans Christian, the sonic texture warms to a glowing woody earthiness. Rich's audiophile production and delicate sound design glue the textures together into a seductive and inviting mossy nest. From these disparate elements, Ylang forms a sonic entity unto itself.

"A flowering tree that grows in South Asia, Ylang Ylang's fragrance seems to embody elements of shadow and light, eros and gnosis, earth and sky. Like that haunting scent, something keeps calling me from a distance, fugitive on a transient breeze". - RR


name: Life Amongst the Static
sku: rsking-lifeamongstat
upc: 847646002162
description:
On his latest recording "Life Amongst the Static," this native Californian evokes a range of influences that surpass what's typically found under the litany of genre labels. His lyrics are introspective and self-effacing, yet also biting and sarcastic at times as illustrated in "Obligatory Love Song," which treats the well-worn topic of love in a way that would make Graham Parker and Paul Westerberg just a little bit proud. Never losing site of the power of an inspirational lyric coupled with a guitar hook, this latest collection of 11 songs suggests what a band would sound like if you blended elements of Snow Patrol, the Doves and Travis - and maybe seasoned it all with a little bit of The Bravery and perhaps a dash of Elbow.

Produced by Irish expatriate Lynne Earls (who has worked with a range of artists - including k.d. lang, Rooney, Emily Wells and Billy Idol), "Life Amongst the Static" is a collection of intoxicating soundscapes with plenty of lyrical soul-searching.


name: Life Like Fiction
sku: rsking-lifelikefict
upc: 847646002445
description:
This album shows a writing style which embraces the best of Brit-Rock influences, and the DIY ethos of American Indie Rock.

This is one of those recordings where there's something delectable to satisfy a variety of tastes, from brooding rock - to edgy Pop - to Alt-Folk. Features a range of talented supportive players, that make bands and artists such as American Music Club, Beck, Everest, Govt. Mule, k.d. lang, and Warren Zevon - sound so damn good.


name: From The Ground Up
sku: robin-groundup
upc: 847646011126
description:
Released on July 19, 2017, my fifth album, From The Ground Up, includes the widest range of musical guests and collaborators to date with fifteen musicians over the eleven tracks.

Songs written and recorded over the course of the last decade all made it on to the record, including two songs co-written with Tim Graham and two traditional folk songs. It's also the first time I've handed lead vocal duties over to others, as I loved the tracks so much as they sung them.

In time honoured tradition for me, I also took the opportunity to re-record two of my older songs which I felt needed a new lease of life.

Hymn For Her Candy Parfitt - Backing vocals Robin Grey - Vocals, guitars, percussion and bass

From The Ground Up Iain Macleod - Banjo Joe Allen - Drums Ben Oliver - Piano Amy Bowles - Bass Basia Bartz - Violin Robin Grey - Vocals and guitar Jonny Cole - Engineering

Leave It In The Ground Tim Graham - Guitar Robin Grey - Vocals, double bass and brass

Hackney Gentrification Song Caitlin Roberts - Accordion Chris Veneable - Backing vocals Naomi Wilkins - Backing vocals Emma Dyer - Clarinet Robin Grey - Vocals and mandolin

Pat Do This Pat Do That Tim Graham - Vocals and guitar Chance Kellner - Backing vocals and percussion Naomi Wilkins - Backing Vocals Robin Grey - Bass, ukulele Jimmy Friend - Engineering

Woodman, Spare That Tree Tim Graham - Guitar and backing vocals Chance Kellner - Violin and backing vocals Naomi Wilkins - Flute and backing vocals Robin Grey - Vocals, uke, bass, percussion and harmonium

The Ballad Of Hawkwood Flora Curzon - Violin Naomi Wilkins - Flute and backing vocals Adam Rees - Banjo Robin Grey - Vocals, bass and ukulele

Ghost Around Candy Parfitt - Backing vocals Robin Grey - Vocals, guitar, harmonium and double bass

Underneath The Skin Robin Grey - vocals, body percussion and guitars

Woodman interlude Chance Kellner - Violin Naomi Wilkins - Flute Robin Grey - Harmonium

Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy Chance Kellner - Vocals Naomi Wilkins - Backing vocals and flute Tim Graham - Guitar Clarissa Carlyon - Cello Robin Grey - Bass


name: Only the Missile
sku: robin-missile
upc: 876809003517
description:
A symphony of guitar, banjo, charango, ukulele and various children's percussion toys and keyboards. Only the Missile was inspired by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Ani Difranco and Eminem. Robin Grey's debut album was recorded in a small white room with a blue door around 2007-08 largely by accident, with a few friends helping with the colouring in.

"Robin Grey has a lovely fresh approach to the folk genre. A honeyed yet clear voice and his lyrics are arresting. A real treasure."
- The Londonist

"Robin Grey will not need to do too much to prove himself an incendiary artist in the world of folk music. There is literature in his words and his calmly exquisite mannerisms seem to bring you back to a simpler time and place."
- Fensepost

"Bluesy and folky, really bloody good."
- Song by Toad


name: More Than Today
sku: robin-morethan
upc: 847646007068
description:
Expect beautifully crafted nu-folk songs coloured in with guitar, violin, accordion and male/female harmonies.

More Than Today is Robin's fourth studio album and three years in the making. It sees him reach a new levels of musical confidence and creativity.

"Robin Grey has a lovely fresh approach to the folk genre. A honeyed yet clear voice and his lyrics are arresting. A real treasure."
- The Londonist

"Robin Grey will not need to do too much to prove himself an incendiary artist in the world of folk music. There is literature in his words and his calmly exquisite mannerisms seem to bring you back to a simpler time and place."
- Fensepost


name: The Nearest Door
sku: robin-nearestd
upc: 847646002148
description:
London's finest breath of fresh air has returned to us once again.

The Nearest Door is folk troubadour Robin Grey's third album following gently on the heels of his critically acclaimed previous releases.

Slightly less cheeky but perhaps better crafted then his previous works; The Nearest Door features lush instrumentation from jazz-improv harp virtuoso Tori Handsley and the brilliant Polish violinist Basia Bartz as well as a host of other new musical friends.

"There is literature in his words and his calmly exquisite mannerisms seem to bring you back to a simpler time and place."
- Fensepost


name: Silent footsteps
sku: robin-silent
upc: 876809003166
description:
A symphony of guitar, banjo, charango, ukulele and various children's percussion toys and keyboards. It's not quite folk, though, as the music is more complicated, feeling more like a get-together of musicians who have known each other their whole life: no longer seeking to impress, they settle into their grooves and just let the vibe emerge and flow.

This album presents instrumental versions of songs from Robin Grey's two previous albums: "Strangers With Shoes" and "Only the Missile".


name: Strangers With Shoes
sku: robin-stranger
upc: 876809003050
description:
Robin Grey writes beautifully ironic, poetic-based tracks for the story-lover in all of us. His voice and attitude harkens back to Bob Dylan, with the masterful lyrics and deadpan delivery. It's not quite folk, though, as the music is more complicated, feeling more like a get-together of musicians who have known each other their whole life: no longer seeking to impress, they settle into their grooves and just let the vibe emerge and flow.


name: Daydream
sku: robinstine-daydream
upc: 876809007638
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/daydream/id288817869
description:
Her debut album Daydream is a sleek collection of a dozen original jazzy, bluesy numbers that immediately sound like comfortable standards. The melancholy title track "Daydream", the only co-write on the album, was written with Chris Whiteman at the University of Miami. The album's other originals were written over a six-month period while Robin rebuilt her home in the wake of Hurricane Ivan. "These songs are very personal. They were gifts from 'the muses' of genuine emotion, faith and hope-and they're my gift to the world."

Her opening track "Don't I Know" is a playful tune about finding happiness within, which according to Robin is "Something that most people struggle with in life, but the only way to enjoy it." The album also features the bittersweet tune "Half My Heart", a song she wrote about being separated from the one you love, while the flirty "Sweet Blossom" is about love's anticipation. "Never Say Goodbye" is a sultry tune where Robin conveys by her own admission, "Life can be more fun if you let yourself be naughty sometimes."


name: Saturday Night Angels
sku: rocketcity-angels
upc: 876809007966
description:
More melodic and diverse than their previous albums, RCR carve out a niche blending Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and AC/DC. Still, mostly a hard rockin' album you'll tap your foot to. For some slower tracks, check out "All my life", "Into the Night" and "Feel the Same" for tracks your racoon-eyeliner, hard-rock-oriented girlfriend will want you to play to her while cuddling on the sofa.


name: We Name the Guilty Men (10th Anniversary Redux)
sku: rocketcity-guilty
upc: 876809001131
description:
Snotty punk rock reminiscent of the Sex Pistols. This album is a re-imagining of RCR's first record, We Name the Guilty Men, originally released in 1999 by Twenty Stone Blatt Records. Immediately after the record's release, the band recorded a slew of demos that eventually made their way to the collection named Middle Age Suicide, in 2001 (also available at Magnatune). The band always wanted to take the best of these two recordings and lay the songs down right.

This 10th-anniversary redux of We Name the Guilty Men is just that, raw and vital rock and roll from the end of the century that shakes your teeth and taps your feet. You will hear roots that go way down to NYC of 1977 and beyond with songs about love, death and drinking, the holy trinity of punk rock. Indeed, this is not the kind of music that RCR makes anymore, so get it while the getting is good.


name: Last Of The Pleasure Seekers
sku: rocketcity-pleasure
upc: 876809005481
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=264466498&s=143444
description:
Hooray for good old-fashioned butt-shaking rock-and-roll! Last of the Pleasure Seekers is a satisfying fistful of new tracks by Rocket City Riot. lead vocalist John Mark King has a voice that dares you to sit still while Dave Seiden does his thing (and does it very well) on lead guitar. "All The Way Down" is a tasty piece of high energy hookiness that already makes us long for summertime, and "From This Day" has a graduation day wistfulness about it that'll make you feel all misty...in a rockin', AC/DC kind of way of course. Includes a sexy acoustic version of Rocket City Riot's "Cut Me Out," available only on Magnatune. "Get a copy, or the terrorists win," says WFMU's Bill Kelly.


name: Saturday Night Angels (Instrumental Bonus Track Version)
sku: rocketcity-snai
upc: 876809001643
description:
A radical shift in style and direction, this record is the result of Alan Slimak's return to the band on drums and a more refined and immediate approach to songwriting. The music is loud, but delicate, and each song is an entire world of its own. From the catchy opener, "Feel the Same" to the epic closer, "Into the Night," it is clear that this collection of songs is unlike anything the band has ever recorded.

The drums were recorded by Mark Reiter of the Daycare Swindlers at a warehouse in Northern Virginia. Everything else was recorded by RCR at their own private studio. Mark Reiter also mastered the record. The artwork was created by Gregor Koerting of SPECTERY.

This Magnatune-only instrumental version of the record was designed specifically for music licensing and contains three previously unreleased tracks.


name: We Name the Guilty Men (Instrumental Version)
sku: rocketcity-wntgmi
upc: 876809003784
description:
Snotty punk rock reminiscent of the Sex Pistols. This album is the instrumental version of their 2009 re-imagining of RCR's first record, We Name the Guilty Men, originally released in 1999 by Twenty Stone Blatt Records. Immediately after the record's release, the band recorded a slew of demos that eventually made their way to the collection named Middle Age Suicide, in 2001 (also available at Magnatune). The band always wanted to take the best of these two recordings and lay the songs down right.

This 10th-anniversary redux of We Name the Guilty Men is just that, raw and vital rock and roll from the end of the century that shakes your teeth and taps your feet. You will hear roots that go way down to NYC of 1977 and beyond with songs about love, death and drinking, the holy trinity of punk rock. Indeed, this is not the kind of music that RCR makes anymore, so get it while the getting is good.


name: Et Cetera
sku: roe-etcetera
upc: 847646006375
description:
Et cetera is an album focusing on distance, solitude and death. It's inspired by surrealism and by the aim to "resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and realty".

L'Enigma Dell'Ora takes its title from a metaphysical painting by Giorgio De Chirico, and it's filled with an obsessive sense of ineluctability.

Vostok (East) is a Russian geophysical base in the Antarctic Australian territory. 89606 is the code number of the base. It represents icy loneliness and distance.

She Walks In Beauty brings the title of Byron's poem, and it's a tribute to the sweetness and melancholy of love.


name: In Vitro I
sku: roe-invitroone
upc: 847646006252
description:
"In vitro I and II" are compositions created from different moments from the past few years. They were gathered in order to search for a sound that can reach beyond the usual genres new age, ambient or electronic, with the pseudospiritual-relaxing stereotypes that this kind of music often brings.

With these albums I mean to adventure into the realms of deep psyche, touching the mental strings buried somewhere inside of all of us.


name: In Vitro II
sku: roe-invitrotwo
upc: 847646006368
description:
In Vitro I and In Vitro II are compositions created from different moments from the past few years. They were gathered in order to search for a sound that can reach beyond the usual genres new age, ambient or electronic, with the pseudospiritual-relaxing stereotypes that this kind of music often brings.

With these albums I mean to adventure into the realms of deep psyche, touching the mental strings buried somewhere inside of all of us.


name: Surfacing
sku: rootsrebel-surfacing
upc: 876809005283
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257823266&s=143444
description:
Roots of Rebellion has been a busy, busy band. In the past couple of years, these guys?some of whom were not old enough to drive when the band formed in 2001?have not only played such legendary venues as The Stone Pony, CBGBs, and the Starland Ballroom, they opened for veteran prog rockers Kings X, won out over 198 other groups in a New York City area battle of the bands, organized several benefit shows for Katrina and tsunami victims, were nominated "Best Young Band" in the Asbury Music Awards, and in their copious spare time, recorded the excellent Surfacing, a full length melodic hard rock album featuring the incredible "Declaration" track?a powerful anthem to living as your authentic self. The entire album bristles with messages about the importance of honesty and self-empowerment, in fact. frontman John Penola's voice is passionate, angry, undeceived, crystal clear: get back to your roots, he seems to be saying on this album. We hear you John! Other standouts include "Messenger" and "I Am."


name: La Domna Ditz - Songs of the Trobairitz
sku: rossignol-domnaditz
upc: 876809009038
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/la-domna-ditz-songs-trobairitz/id411996269
description:
Tumbling and fluid, at times virtuosic, at times earthy: I love the troubadour repertoire. Clear. Expressive. However, the lyrics give little emotional range to women. In the traditional (male-authored) courtly love songs a lady is virtuous, demanding, and unattainable: a figure in a stained glass window or a paper cut-out. But women also contributed to this literature, and in their own songs they take on more life. They are powerful, they are powerless. They are lusty, neurotic, and comically vain. They grieve, they (possibly?) court other women.

All but one of the melodies for these songs have been lost. Where I can I have borrowed melodies from other troubadour songs. More often, I have written my own settings in the style of that time and place. The vielle accompaniment is improvised, a balance of that evening's inspiration and many hours of making music together.

- Robin Snyder, singer with Rossignol and on the album "Lenten is Come" with Briddes Roune.


name: Fragments
sku: rougge-fragments
upc: 847646001974
description:
The Two Hundred Twenty strings of a piano, the Two strings of a voice... a set of strings vibrating solo.

Bright red tones. On stage, an ethereal piano. The silence. The sound reddens. Slowly. Soft whispers. An airy Voice without words. Without sentences. A voice that targets a pure emotional state.

"When a musician talks about his work it's always delicate but necessary. Necessary because it involves choice and artistic preferences which are not clearly recognisable from a few extracts. My music is meant to be purified, naked, intimate, on the basis only of a piano and a voice.

Is it introversion of classical music? Or rather physical expressiveness more rock or even contemporary? I do not know. I only aim to show resonant and raw emotion, literally meaningless. As a result, I sing with no text, no sentences, no words. Everything here is pure sensation. That is my pleasure, with the hope it can be yours."

Guitarist by trade, Rougge first performed in different pop-rock bands before discovering that the piano was in fact to be his instrument. This revelation, which took him to Britain, was without doubt the crucial turning point which made his music sound the way it does today. His voice and his instrument from then on focused on each other and are never going to stop creating and influencing each other. The singing lost any other meaning in order to rediscover the simple pleasure of instrumental improvisations. No texts, sentences nor words. From then on only the emotion produced by the raw sound mattered. The piano part is destructurised, it looks for the murmur, the breath, the cry which this deeply moving voice suggests. From this duality, this particular innovative, supernatural and captivating music was born.

Is it introversion of classical music? Or physical expressiveness more rock or even contemporary? Everyone needs to make up their own mind. His first album Fragments recorded and mixed both in France and England certainly carries his own identity, one which should be discovered.


name: Eastern Expressions 2 - Gomera
sku: rompaey-eastern2
upc: 876809006204
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=250197882&s=143444
description:
Veteran Solace member Ruben van Rompaey knows that rhythm is a universal language, and this awareness shines through in his direct, passionate style of playing on Eastern Expressions 2. For this album, he brings in a treasure trove of Middle Eastern percussion: dumbeks, riqqs, dhollo, djembes, davul, finger cymbals, tablas, udu, and various cymbals...all for a performance that grabs your attention from the very first note. Ruben is the winner of the Tama Drummers Award and the Erasmus Rotterdam Jazz Award. Highly recommended for belly dancing and tribal dancing enthusiasts.


name: Eastern Expressions 3 - Asahi
sku: rompaey-eastern3
upc: 876809007447
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/eastern-expressions-3-asahi/id279573324
description:
John writes: I first met Ruben van Rompaey when he was playing percussion with Solace at a house concert they were giving at my place in London. In that night's performance, he was given a solo, which was masterful, fun and musical, with lots of unexpected twists (and a few body noises). He now has released 3 CDs of his "Eastern Expressions" concept, all of solo percussion. You may think an all percussion album would become monotonous, but the variety of rhythms, melodies and structure keep me entranced for hours, and I often find myself hitting "shuffle play" and listening to all 3 albums in a sitting.


name: Eastern Expressions 5 - Amazonia
sku: rompaey-easternexpressions5
upc: 847646003251
description:
Guided by spiritual atmospheres of primeval forests along the Amazon River, Amazonia represents the long-awaited sequel to Mirage (2014).
Oriental percussion smoothly blends together with organic electronic beats, fusing pan-Asian soundscapes with various acoustic instruments and ever-present, detuned bird sounds in the mix.

Thanks to (in no particular order): Van Rompaey-Chen family, Rutger Verberkmoes, Tim Rayborn,Won Ki Kim, Sonn Franken, Maarten Zweers.

Special thanks to all of you out there, the fans, for always appreciating and supporting the music of Eastern Expressions through the years!

credits

All tracks written, performed, produced and remixed by Eastern Expressions / Ruben van Rompaey
Mastered by Rutger Verberkmoes
Featured artists: Tim Rayborn - string instruments / flutes,
Won Ki Kim - didgeridoo
Artwork by Verberkmoes / Van Rompaey
Cover model: Hao Chen
Cover picture by Sonn Franken


name: Jade (best of more than 10 years of Eastern Expressions)
sku: rompaey-jade
upc: 847646008645
description:
This album represents a collection of remarkable compositions.

Personally selected by internationally renowned world music artist Ruben van Rompaey, it also serves as a perfect introduction guide to the music of Eastern Expressions. With masterfully detailed, organic percussion grooves forming the music's backbone, the album captures original compositions which were created during different time periods showing spiritual influences from tribes and cultures around the globe.

Evolving from the musical worlds of Middle Eastern, Belly Dance oriented atmospheres into the progressive, modern tribal sounds on Mirage, the music of Eastern Expressions takes the listener into various moods, surprising pallets of sounds and different textures.

Furthermore, the music itself is a musical path into the heart and the mind.

The album features some remarkable collaborations with outstanding top world music artists which have resulted in an amazing fusion of Far Eastern atmospheres, tribal psychedelics, authentic exoticism, modern Jazz and very danceable beats.

Smoothly blending musical worlds of acoustic and electronic instrumentation with immeasurable passion, this album is a must-have for belly dance enthusiasts and lovers of progressive world music in general!

Original album cover art painting by Rachel van Rompaey.


name: Eastern Expressions 4 - Mirage
sku: rompaey-mirage
upc: 847646006917
description:
Dynamic Middle Eastern rhythms fuse with exotic Far Eastern atmospheres, organic electronic Hip Hop beats smoothly blend together with mesmerizing Jazz harmonies. Featuring the amazing sounds of guest artists like Kondo Toshinori, Wataru Kousaka and Tim Rayborn, this album represents a unique and long-awaited sequel to the notorious Eastern Expressions album series.

The songs on this album were created during different periods of Ruben van Rompaey's artist travels around the globe. The result is an exciting meeting of musical worlds, a spiritual voyage and amalgamation of traditional oriental moods and modern sound adventures.


name: Kairos
sku: hopkins-kairos
upc: 847646011034
description:
Released in 2016, Kairos is Hopkins' 6th album. This folk-rock production features original songs about desire, loss and life's occasionally healing lighter side. Kairos features a diverse collection of guest artist and textures. All songs were written by Russ Hopkins.


name: Shadow
sku: hopkins-shadow
upc: 847646011317
description:
Released July of 2022, Shadow is the latest collection of songs from singer-songwriter Russ Hopkins. Performed in his unique warm folk-rock-americana style, Russ sings songs about love, angst, loss, despair, redemption, innocence and longing with an at times haunting voice. The tracks are arranged around acoustic guitars, mostly. Musical guests Jerry Palmer and Steve Amedee help Hopkins create a diverse yet unified thematic ambience and feel. "Great songs on the subject of shadow!̷0; the shadow knows!" John Magnie


name: Six
sku: hopkins-six
upc: 847646010761
description:
Hopkin's 7th album Six is a collection of original songs that is a return to his exploration of what it means to be human. Love, anger, tragic undertakings and death are presented with stories in a folk-rock style with a haunting voice.


name: Tin Can
sku: hopkins-tincan
upc: 847646002247
description:
This album of folk music was written and recorded during a period of deep reflection regarding my coming of age. I grew up at the height of the Cold War. "Duck and Cover" was a favorite school AV slide show of the era, showing us youngsters how to protect ourselves from nuclear Armageddon by hiding under a school desk. Of course, the mysterious secrets of women confront a young boy early, even in the most bazaar social environments. And thankfully, life goes on.

"I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."
Bhagavad Gita


name: Moon Dreaming
sku: hopalmer-moon
upc: 876809006808
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/moon-dreaming-dance-with-hermit/id270003805
description:
"the first impression is one of Indian Qwali music mixed with Tibetan chanting and a dash of Eastern European flare. "Moon Dreaming" captures the essence of those worlds and much more in these laid-back, acoustic-driven, instrumental wanderings."
Glenn BurnSilver - The Loveland Reporter-Herald

"the acoustic guitar is... captivating"
Elliott Johnston - Rocky Mountain Chronicle

"Paul Taylor of Laramie said, "A beautiful soundtrack for the end of a busy day - very calming." Sharon Myrah of Bellevue calls it "pure listening enjoyment" and continued by saying, "I never get tired of hearing it." Lastly, Kevin Jones of Fort Collins characterized the music as being "in the genre of Tubular Bell but tells a complete and enticing story? He labeled it a "masterful piece." Jones also stated, "I keep five CDs within arms reach at home. This is one of them."
Bob McDonnel - Berthoud Weekly Surveyor


name: Eternal Flame
sku: ryoutasato-eternalflame
upc: 847646011102
description:
Eternal Flame is a composition of songs that is sure to ignite a multitude of emotions within the listener. Ryo Utasato reaches into her vast library of World Music and her years of experience as a composer to produce an epic album full of wonder and thought. Utilizing various instruments and, with a leaning towards the sounds of the Orient, Ryo touches on her Japanese ancestry to tell the tale of an interconnected world where we are all a piece of nature's incredible puzzle. Listen to Eternal Flame and immerse yourself in the world of nature and dreams.


name: Forgotten Kingdom
sku: ryoutasato-forkingdom
upc: 847646004456
description:
You will be spirited away by Ryo's unique combination of experimental sounds and rhythms which flow in a beautifully organic way. Ryo claimed herself to be "on a journey through the universe" as she composed these tracks which can be described as what she calls, "ambient glitch." The goal of the album was for Ryo to create something completely unfamiliar and fresh to everyone who experienced it. With this she has done just that.

Sit back and allow the sounds of this album to transport you to another place. The viscerally uplifting nature of Ryo Utasato's music is immediately apparent as the first track opens... and so the journey begins.


name: Long Snows Moon
sku: ryoutasato-longsnowsmoon
upc: 847646004845
description:
You will be spirited away by Ryo's unique combination of experimental sounds and rhythms which flow in a beautifully organic way. Ryo claimed herself to be "on a journey through the universe" as she composed these tracks which can be described as what she calls," Ethno, Ambient, Gothtronica " The goal of the album was for Ryo to create something completely unfamiliar and fresh to everyone who experienced it. With this she has done just that.

Sit back and allow the sounds of this album to transport you to another place. The viscerally uplifting nature of Ryo Utasato's music is immediately apparent as the first track opens.. and so the journey begins.


name: Mirror of the Sun
sku: sambodhiprem-mirrorofthesun
upc: 847646009604
description:
Music from the world of Osho. Melodic listening music with a relaxing feeling. A moment in time capturing the musical sounds of people playing together - real people, playing real instruments.

Acoustic textures of sound with spacious introspection. Flutes, guitars and piano - music that holds a space of love and relaxation.

The contributions of Osho musicians Devakant, Prem Joshua, Kalyan and Ravi, make this an eclectic collection of sounds.

Free flowing melodies carried by the four winds - people coming together to play and merge their musical colours on this bundle of energy that became Sambodhi Prem's first album release.


name: One Hour Long Bird Song
sku: sambodhiprem-onehourbirdsong
upc: 876809004736
description:
Bird song recording to create a natural feeling in your living space. No music, just a symphony of birds. Recorded on a spring morning in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia.

I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where this recording was made, they are the Dja Dja Wurrung people of the Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) area.

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." - Chinese proverb


name: Rose Water Moon
sku: sambodhiprem-rosewatermoon
upc: 876809004712
description:
Improvised acoustic guitar with textures of chiming chords. With its floating melodies, soothing keyboards, piano notes, saxophone tones, bird sounds and silver flute, Rose Water Moon offers a relaxing journey in music.

This music is made to bring you to a relaxed place. It is played by real people, not computers. Due to many instruments being played by great musicians, this album is a real feast of upbeat, inspirational sounds. Happy listening!


name: Seven Waves of Knowing
sku: sambodhiprem-sevenwaves
upc: 847646006603
description:
Deeply meditative music that moves between silence and sound. Solo piano and solo guitar played from a space of inner reflection, like a wave of peace.

The quality of water falling on a sun-shower-day translated into sound. Somehow music can filter through to places that are hidden from daylight. You feel music when your mind is open and the rhythm of your footsteps has slowed a little - when you stop and look at the empty space around you, listen to the silence between your words and look into the eyes of a person you love. Then without a warning a space enters you, you relax and for a moment there is unity - a reminding of a place you may have visited when you were young, full of wonder and innocence.

What people are saying about this music:
"I like the open spaces in the music, the unhurried gentleness. Reminds me of staring into space, sometimes daydreaming, sometimes just staring at nothing. Very nice."
- Fratermus

"If you need to calm down or meditate this music is perfect. Piano solo pieces alternate with beautiful acoustic guitar. The sound is pure. This music is refreshing just as a glass of pure water or pure air in the mountains."
- Yvalain

"The most moving song on the album was the track, "Trusting the Universe." It was very touching and sweetly emotional. The guitar was deeply heartfelt on this album and the sounds were kept to a minimum, spare and yet so creative . . . as if the plan was that these tunes were to heal and soothe and comfort the tired and sore souls . . . well it worked! One of my other favorite songs was the sweet, slow and gentle traces of music from the guitar in the song, "Reflecting the Moon," which was so peaceful I felt as if I had relaxed under the white light of a magical moon . . . This album was so good that I couldn't stop playing it all evening . . . it was like sacred medicine to my soul . . . and I needed it . . . and I got it!
- Orangeupurple


name: Sunlight Rain River
sku: sambodhiprem-sunlightrainriver
upc: 876809004811
description:
Relaxed Instrumental music - acoustic, improvised and played from the heart for the heart.

"When for the first time you fall in love, you meet the opposite. Immediately, it is as if you have got wings, you can fly; poetry arises in your heart. What is happening? The opposite has created something in you. Silence alone is not very beautiful, sound alone is not very beautiful, but the meeting of sound and silence is very, very beautiful - that is music. The meeting of silence and sound is music." - Osho


name: Dive Volume 1
sku: sandeep-diveone
upc: 847646006139
description:
Firmly rooted in the genre of Downtempo, with a nod to ambient music pioneers, this instrumental album explores the boundaries between electronic and roots-based acoustic music. Beats blended seamlessly with guitars, pianos, bells and other folk instruments with a shifting backdrop of soft tones and textures. Melodies warp into new sounds, and then disappear with little trace.

An over-arching theme of water is the thread that nudges these dreamy tracks in the same direction with a gentle reminder of man's relationship with land and sea.


name: Dive Volume 2
sku: sandeep-divetwo
upc: 847646006146
description:
While continuing the exploration of music for land and water, this volume of instrumental downtempo/ambient electro-acoustic music expands the instrumental palette used in the first volume and strives to dig darker yet shine brighter.

This album is a continuation of the previous volume and its focus on beat-driven acoustic songs but with a stronger focus on heartwarming pop melodies. Volume 2 sweeps its way across 10 songs using a mix of live and programmed instrumentation mixed together with delicate precision. Finger-picked guitars ring out, bells twinkle and chime, Rhodes piano echo softly while moog synths resonate and wash over this aural landscape.


name: Sounds of Guru Shishya
sku: sandeep-soundsguru
upc: 847646006061
description:
An instrumental album that seamlessly weaves together pulsing western electronics with eastern rhythms and textures to create a hypnotic, soul-searching journey.

Anchored by soft, hazy grooves and warm flickering tones, the tapestry of sounds created though rich in East Indian tradition, span the globe. A moving collage of beats and sweeps combining groove with ethnic ambiance.

These are stories without words behind a lush organic atmosphere. Shishya learns from the guru - lessons we can all embrace.


name: aqua delphinidae
sku: saros-aquadelph
upc: 876809003883
description:
This album was the background music for the video installation/movie "aqua delphinidae" by German photographer Sven Hoffmann. The first three tracks are different "scores" for the movie, all inspired by the underwater and dolphin video pictures of Sven Hoffmann. Two bonus tracks more in the style of the predecessor "labyrinth" written in winter 2009/2010 complete this album. It was shown first in Switzerland in Summer 2009. His exhibition including the video installation then moved to Berlin until January 2010 and is now in Neunkirchen (Germany).


name: Labyrinth - and we shall all die trying
sku: saros-labyrinth
upc: 876809007140
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/labyrinth/id305052287
description:
John writes: Joerg Huettner has moved to Hollywood, and has been part of the music production team for films such as "Batman Begins". He put a huge amount of work into this new album (which is really intelligent ambient electronica), including commissioning a really spooky dream-like illustration by the Canadian artist Richard A. Kirk Here is a high res version of the cover.


name: Air Vibrations
sku: smerkulov-airbibrations
upc: 847646006337
description:
The "Air Vibrations" album is eclectic mix of natural sitar, beautiful melodies and rhythmic grooves. You can listen, meditate, and dance, doing everything you want under this music. Somebody called it spiritual, somebody related it to Ethnic New Age style, but it doesn't matter. Real music can't be described and classified.


name: Distinct Selection
sku: smerkulov-distinctselection
upc: 847646001165
description:
The album Distinct Selection contains a series of tracks made from raw music materials that have been written in the last two years. Both energetic and meditative at the same time, it contains many layers of wisdom and imagination. The tracks on Distinct Selection can be classified as Ethnic New Age style with an Indian influence, which is going to particularly please advanced listeners with good sound systems.

All didgeridoo parts were played by the fabulous Genady Alpatov.


name: The Bridge
sku: smerkulov-thebridge
upc: 847646008744
description:
Deep grooves, ambient synthesizer sounds, didgeridoo and magic sound of sitar will touch the thin edge where your soul connecting your body. No need to explain yourself what kind of music are you listening, just add amplifier volume and enjoy it. The Bridge is a collection of beautiful musical pieces.

Special thanks to Gennady Alpatov for a great didgeridoo sound.


name: The Best For Meditation
sku: satori-bestmed
upc: 876809008567
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-best-for-meditation/id383193869
description:
The music of Anjey Satori is intended for meditation, healing and the practice of inner travel. Each piece of music creates a harmonious balance of music and spirituality. The best for Meditation is a collection of works from Anjey Satori written between 2003 and 2008.


name: Sounds Of Chakras
sku: satori-chakras
upc: 876809008369
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sounds-of-chakras/id409654117
description:
The album is deliberately created with an idea to comprehend, to feel and to get into contact with your chakras. Chakras are energetic centers of your body which distribute energy between energy bodies. Chakras correspond to their certain energy between energy its interconnection with organs and systems of the physical body. Chakras have a great impact on physiology, health, behavior and perception of the world. Energy work with chakras is widely practiced in the Indian yoga and Tantric Buddhism.

The album contains special sounds which activate and charge corresponding chakras with energy. For a better experience it is recommended that you is in a Lotus position or any position in which your backbone stays in vertical state during meditation. While listening to the vibrations, try to focus your attention on each area of your body which the chakra corresponds to. In the final composition, each bell stroke moves your conscious from the upper chakra "Sahasrara" into the lower chakra "Muladhara". If you listen to "Sounds of Chakras" regularly you will have feelings of pleasant vibrations and balance in all your body and also you will have a recharged sense of energy.


name: Ethnic Drums
sku: satori-edrums
upc: 876809008406
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ethnic-drums/id399890485
description:
After a series of slow and calming albums, Anjey Satori in his next album invites the listener to taste quite lively and energetic rhythms of different ethnic drums and other percussion. African, Tibetan and shaman drums and percussion fit very well for the practice of dynamic meditations.


name: Healing - Rhythm of the Earth
sku: satori-healingearth
upc: 876809008383
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/healing-rhythm-of-the-earth/id409624465
description:
"Healing: Rhythm of the Earth" contains a recording of meditative music, which was modeled with 7,83 Ghz frequency. Artificially made generation of this frequency can bring human body to conformity of the Earth's resonance. This frequency calms down human brain and in the same time stimulates it. Researchers notice here a peculiarity of the form of brain's synchronization. The 7,83 Ghz frequency can improve concentration, attention and intellectual skills.

Scientific studies and practice show that using the 7,83 Ghz frequency in magneto-therapy can regenerate weak physiological functions of the body, increases vital force and positively influences on body's cells. This rhythm is necessary for all living things. Today space ships are being equipped with special magneto-therapy devices that help astronauts during their trips into the space. The Human brain, when its healthy also pulses with the 7,83 Ghz frequency. The meditative music of the album also makes a good influence on the function of Muladharah Chakra.


name: Meditative Music
sku: satori-medmusic
upc: 876809008413
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/meditative-music/id422990674
description:
Music for meditation. Slow, fluid and formless music takes the listener away into the inner space, where thoughts and words are absent; where only the quiet, silence and space exist.


name: Sleep Under The Rain
sku: satori-rainsleep
upc: 876809008352
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sleep-under-the-rain/id399648163
description:
Warm, meditative music mixed with lulling drumming of the rain and MODUSS technology help you to cross the border between sleeping and wakefulness imperceptibly; and then to remain in a state of normal sleeping. If you practice meditation then this music facilitates the entry in a meditative state. The first track is recommended for a deep relaxation and the second one is for entering into a meditative state.


name: Relax With Forest
sku: satori-relforest
upc: 876809008420
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/relax-with-forest/id399653568
description:
Sounds of Nature for relaxation and meditation. Chill out while you listen to the sounds of forest and gentle music. The album starts with fortepiano playing, and then the music gradually gets more meditative, creating a deep effect.


name: Relax With Ocean
sku: satori-relocean
upc: 876809008437
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/relax-with-ocean/id409651650
description:
Sounds of the surf, sounds of dolphins and whales, honks of mews, along with relaxing music playing on the background create a harmonic and relaxing atmosphere. The album has a refreshing and regenerative effect. It is recommended for stress relief, deep relaxation and rest. For health-improving effect listen the disc using stereo headphones.


name: Space of Light
sku: satori-spaceoflight
upc: 847646008973
description:
Nirvana: mystical, mysterious, bewitching. The last refuge of the soul. Dissolution in the streams of light. How to reach Nirvana? Through the practice of the virtues, and deep meditation. The music of this album may help you on this path.


name: Journey Into Subconscious
sku: satori-subcon
upc: 876809008376
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/journey-into-subconscious/id399904230
description:
You are invited to take a part in an exciting and peculiar journey into your inner world, which is usually hidden during the wakeful state of mind - your subconscious. The world of shadow and light, childhood memories and fears, anxiety and chaos, but in the same time, it is the world where spiritual energies connected with your supreme Self. Your journey passes through region of shadow and archetypes of the antiquity and then you pass from the shadow to the light, where you join with the energy of your supreme inner Self. In the end you get through process of purification and harmonization.


name: Biber Violin Sonatas
sku: scd-biber
upc: 876809000899
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257922688&s=143444
description:
One outcome of the Catholic Counter-Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries was a new movement in Roman Catholic mysticism. For a circle of religious writers, of whom the Spanish St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) is the best known, the goal was to illuminate the mysteries of the faith and create an emotional state of mind open to the mystical experience. El Greco (1541-1614) translated this movement into painting, taking as his subjects moments of mystical apotheosis and depicting them in an otherworldly and ecstatic style. And Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644-1704) created this same emotional state of mind through the transcendent mysticism of him music.

The outstanding non-Italian violinist of the century, Biber was born in Bohemia of German descent. He went first into the service of Count Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn of Olomouc, then entered the chapel of the Archbishop of Salzburg, where he remained for the rest of his life, rising to the posts of Kapellmeister and Dean of the Choirboy School. In 1681, Biber published a volume of eight sonatas in Nuremberg including the Sonata No. 6 in C minor which opens this recording. His 15 Mystery or Rosary Sonatas, dating from about 1676, were not published; they survive in an ornate manuscript, in which each sonata is preceded by an engraving depicting an event in the life of Jesus or Mary. (Some of these medallions are reproduced on the cover of this CD.) It is possible that these pieces were meant for performance as postludes for October services at Salzburg Cathedral: October 7 is the Feast of the Rosary. Biber's reputation as a violinist survived into the late 18th century, when the English historian Charles Burney described him thus: "...of all the violin players of the last century, Biber seems to have been the best, and his solos are the most difficult and most fanciful of any music I have seen of the same period." In addition to solo violin music, Biber composed operas and other dramatic works, sacred vocal music, and instrumental music for ensembles of various types.

Though not as influential as Corelli, whose sonatas became the universal model, Biber's compositions for violin are the work of a master who fully understood the technical and expressive possibilities of his instrument and had a flair for highly descriptive music. But the technique with which Biber is most strongly associated is the device known as scordatura. Scordatura, the Italian word for 'mistuning,' means that the violin is tuned in ways other than the standard fifths: G D A E. It is originally a folk fiddling device, and folk fiddlers all over the world use standard scordatura tunings such as A D A D or G C G C as a way to gear the violin towards a specific key and make the double-stops easier.

Of the 15 sonatas in the Rosary collection, only Sonata 1, The Annunciation, uses the standard violin tuning. The other 14 are all in scordatura. Some of the scordaturas require the change of only a single string, such as the G D A D used in The Crucifixion, but some require the change of three strings, like The Assumption of Mary -- A E A D, or even all four, like The Ascension, tuned C E G C.

Interestingly, the c minor sonata from 1681 begins in the standard tuning, but requires the performer to retune his E string down to D halfway through! This retuning is followed by a Gavotte with variations which, despite the French origin of the dance, retains a definite flavor of Bohemian folk music.

But Biber's use of scordatura goes far deeper than being a means of facilitating double-stops. (They are almost impossible in the standard tuning.) For a more important effect of scordatura is to endow the violin with maximum resonance in one specific key, which both narrows the focus of the violin's 'voice' and deepens its emotional impact. Each retuning changes the violin's sonority--to an almost mystical extent--and give the player a sense of playing on a new and different instrument.

The Rosary Sonatas are not program music in the 19th-century sense, like the tone poems of Richard Strauss. They are a manifestation of Roman Catholic mysticism, and as such their goal is to personalize the believer's relationship with Christ through meditation on his life and suffering. Just as each of the 15 beads of the rosary represents an event in the New Testament story, each of the Rosary Sonatas represents a meditation on that event.

Some of Biber's musical imagery is specific and graphic, most noticeably in The Crucifixion, where the three notes in the opening measure represent making the sign of the cross (both visually, on the page, and in action, as the violinist bows them), while the rhythm of the dotted triplets in the measure which follows represents both the word "kreu-zi-ge" -- crucify -- and the sound of the hammer striking the nails. Bach used the same dotted triplets to set "kreuzige" in the St. John Passion.

Similarly Christ's entrance into heaven in The Ascension is royally heralded by trumpet calls and stately marches. But sometimes Biber's imagery is merely emotive, like the joyful gigue that concludes The Assumption of Mary, a tune similar in appeal to an Irish gig accompanying Mary as she dances off to heaven at the end of her earthly life. Few composers have accomplished the non-linear and almost trance-like quality that marks much of Biber's music, particularly in the quasi-fantasia preludiums that open The Annunciation, The Crucifixion, and The Assumption of Mary. In our own time, perhaps only Messaien has come close.

As a transition between the four Rosary Sonatas on this recording, each is preceded by a keyboard fantasia in the same rhapsodic style. These interludes are highly representative of the period, for the 17th century saw an explosion of composition for organ, harpsichord and clavichord in German-speaking area. Johann Jacob Froberger (1616-1667) is perhaps the most important German keyboard composer before Bach. He was born in Stuttgart, and by 1637 had become organist at the Viennese Imperial Court. His patron, Emperor Ferdinand III, loved Italian culture, and helped make possible Froberger's 1640-41 study in Rome with Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643), then a leading light of keyboard music in Europe. Froberger remained influential on German composers until well into the 18th century. Ferdinand Tobias Richter (1651-1711) was also an organists at the imperial court, working there from 1683 until his death. Richter's compositions show a flair for the dramatic to be expected from a composer who wrote a great deal of music for use in Jesuit schools.


name: Tango - Jazz (live in Studio C)
sku: shallgren-studioc
upc: 876809008901
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/tango-jazz-live-in-studio-c/id409614088
description:
The similarities between jazz and tango are deeper than most listeners realize, so the idea of combining the two idioms again on a future project has a certain appeal.

The first four pieces, collectively know as 'The Portena Suite', are dedicated to Diana Holland, and represent Scott's foray into writing tango music. The next three tunes with Scott on piano begin with a longing solo piece, Snowfall, and then see him joined by bassist Brad Albin for Imagine, a jazz contrafact and Susurro (Whisper), a bossa/ballad.

The last three pieces are unique collaborations: Spirits of the Dead is a completely free musical improvisation (no sheet music or pre-conceived ideas) in response to an eerie poem by Edgar Allan Poe. (Scott had not had the opportunity to play with trumpeter Rod McGaha before, nor has he since.) Sin Lux represents a similar effort with saxophonist Mitch Reilly one year later. The bonus track, Film Noir, is a piece Scott wrote specifically for trumpeter/friend Leif Shires in a lush, 1950's jazz-cum-orchestra style, which was recorded for Leif's debut album, Rapture.

Most of the album was performed and recorded live on Nashville's NPR affiliate, WPLN, during several different sessions between Oct. 30, 2007 and Jan. 10, 2010. All of the pieces are original compositions.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 8 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beeteight
upc: 847646008096
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 8 with three Sonatas from 1814 and 1816.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 was written in the summer of 1814 - Beethoven's late Middle period - and was dedicated to Count Moritz von Lichnowsky. Unlike a typical sonata, this piece consists of two highly contrasting movements.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, was written in 1816 and was dedicated to the pianist Baroness Dorothea Ertmann. This piano sonata runs for about 20 minutes and consists of four movements.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 (known as the Grosse Sonate fur das Hammerklavier, or more simply as the Hammerklavier) is a piano sonata widely considered to be one of the most important works of the composer's third period and among the greatest piano sonatas. It is also widely considered to be Beethoven's single most challenging composition for the piano, and it remains one of the most challenging solo works in the classical piano repertoire.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 5 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beethovenfive
upc: 847646002308
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 5 with three Sonatas from 1801 and 1802.

The Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28 was named Pastoral or Pastorale by Beethoven's publisher at the time, A. Cranz. It is admired for the intricacy and technicality in the beauty it portrays. Published in 1801, it is dedicated to the Count Joseph von Sonnenfels. This sonata was written at a time when Beethoven's alarm at his worsening deafness was increasing. Nevertheless, Beethoven paints a serene image with this sonata.

The Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31 No. 1, was composed between 1801 and 1802. Due to his dissatisfaction with the 'classical' style of music, Beethoven pledged to 'take a new path' of musical composition and style. The Opus 31 works are the first examples of Beethoven's new innovative and unconventional ideas, an attempt to make a name for himself in the annals of music history. In critical terms, this sonata is light, breezy and has touches of humour and irony amongst its movements. Critics say that the Opus 31 works show now a more pronounced 'Beethovenian' sense of style that will become more evident in later, mature works.

The Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2, was composed in 1801/02. It is usually referred to as 'The Tempest', but this title was not given by him, or indeed referred to as such during his lifetime; instead, it comes from a claim by his associate Anton Schindler that the sonata was inspired by the Shakespeare play

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 4 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beethovenfour
upc: 847646001608
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 4 with four Sonatas from 1800 and 1801.

Prominent musicologist Donald Francis tovey has called Beethoven's 11th sonata the crowning achievement and culmination of Beethoven's early "grand" piano sonatas. (The "grand" modifier was applied by Beethoven to sonatas with four movements instead of three). The sonatas after this one find Beethoven experimenting more with form and concept.

Beethoven composed his Piano Sonata N. 12, Op. 26 in 1800-1801, around the same time as he completed his First Symphony. He dedicated the sonata to Prince karl von Lichnovsky, who had been his patron since 1792. The structure of the sonata is unconventional in that the piece opens with a relatively slow movement in the format of theme and variations. In contrast, the remaining movements of the sonata proceed according to classical principles in fast-slow-fast alternation.

Beethoven's Piano Sonata in E flat major "Quasi una fantasia", Op. 27 No. 1, composed in 1800-1801, has four movements. Beethoven included the phrase "Quasi una fantasia" (Italian: Almost a fantasy) in the title because the sonata does not follow the traditional sonata pattern where the first movement is in regular sonata form, and the movements are arranged in a fast-slow-fast sequence.

The Piano Sonata N. 14 in C# minor "Quasi una fantasia", Op. 27, No. 2, popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata, was completed in 1801. It is dedicated to his pupil, 17-year-old Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, with whom Beethoven was, or had been, in love. It is one of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas, as well as one of his most famous compositions for the piano.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 1 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beethovenone
upc: 876809003906
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, for 2009 and 2010.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian starts this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 1 with three of his first Sonatas from 1795 and 1796, all of them dedicated to Jospeh Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1; Piano Sonata in A major, Op. 2, No. 2; and Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, No. 3. From tense, agitated feelings to lyrical themes and athletic movements with bright disposition, this Volume 1, takes you on a trip of color, introspection and emotion.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 3 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beethoventhree
upc: 876809004101
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2011.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 3 with four Sonatas from 1798 and 1799: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3, was dedicated to the Countess Anne Margarete von Browne, and written in 1798; Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathetique, was written in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old, and published in 1799; Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14, No. 1, is an early-period work by Ludwig van Beethoven, dedicated to Baroness Josefa von Braun; and Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14, No. 2 was composed in 1798-1799, and is an early-period work by Ludwig van Beethoven, dedicated to Baroness Josefa von Braun.

The four sonatas are a step forward in maturity, sonority, and emotional depth. The second movement of Sonata No. 7 is famous for its intimations of later tragic slow movements, as well as for its own beauty. The Sonata Pathetique, one of Beethoven's best known works, impresses for its tragic sonorities. Sonata No. 9 introduces the "sturm und drang" character, and some innovations that Beethoven used to end the classical era and begin the romantic era. Sonata N0. 10 it's a work of great charm and of considerable rhythmic subtlety

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 2 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beethoventwo
upc: 876809004088
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, for 2009 and 2010.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian starts this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 2 with three of his first Sonatas from 1796 and 1798, most of them dedicated to the Countess Anne Margarete von Browne: Piano Sonata No. 4, in E-flat major, Op. 7 (sometimes nicknamed the Grand Sonata); Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1; and Piano Sonata no. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2.

A very interesting Volume 2 in which we can experience first period compositions, anticipating more notable C minor works such as the Pathetique Sonata and the Fifth Symphony in its nervous energy, other pieces which serve to demonstrate the impact of silence in music, and strongly embellished ones reminiscent of Beethoven's Bagatelles, as well as graceful pieces such as the Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso in E flat major, in which Beethoven creates a raindrop effect, with the bass acting as droplets of water touching the ground.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 9 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beetnine
upc: 847646008102
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 9 with three Sonatas from 1820 and 1822.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, composed in 1820, is the antepenultimate of his piano sonatas. In it, after the huge Hammerklavier sonata, Op. 106, Beethoven returns to a smaller scale and a more intimate character. It is dedicated to Maximiliane Brentano, the daughter of Beethoven's long-standing friend Antonie Brentano, for whom Beethoven had already composed the short piano trio in B flat major WoO 39 in 1812. Musically, the work is characterised by a free and original approach to the traditional sonata form. Its focus is the third movement, a set of variations that interpret its theme in a wide variety of individual ways.

The Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110, by Ludwig van Beethoven was composed in 1821. It is the central piano sonata in the group of three opp. 109-111 which he wrote between 1820 and 1822, and the thirty-first of his published piano sonatas.

The sonata is in three movements. The moderato first movement in sonata form, marked con amabilita, is followed by a fast scherzo. The finale comprises a slow recitative andarioso dolente, a fugue, a return of the arioso lament, and a second fugue that builds to an affirmative conclusion.

The Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, is the last of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas. Along with Beethoven's 33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120 (1823) and his two collections of bagatelles-Opus 119 (1822) and Opus 126 (1824) - this was one of Beethoven's last compositions for piano. The work was written between 1821 and 1822. Like other "late period" sonatas, it contains fugal elements.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 7 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beetseven
upc: 847646007556
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 7 with five Sonatas from 1804 and 18010.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54, was written in 1804. It is contemporary to the first sketches of the Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. It is one of Beethoven's lesser known sonatas, overshadowed by its widely known neighbours, the Appassionata and the Waldstein.

The Sonata is remarkable in its concision, a precursor in some ways to the Sonata in E Major, Opus 109. The two movements present opposite faces on many levels.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 (colloquially known as the Appassionata, meaning "passionate" in Italian) is a piano sonata. Among the three famous piano sonatas of his middle period (the others being the Waldstein, Op. 53 and Les Adieux, Op. 81a), it was composed during 1804 and 1805, and perhaps 1806, and was dedicated to Count Franz von Brunswick. The first edition was published in February 1807 in Vienna.

Unlike the early Sonata No. 8, Pathetique, the Appassionata was not named during the composer's lifetime, but was so labeled in 1838 by the publisher of a four-hand arrangement of the work.

The Appassionata was considered by Beethoven to be his most tempestuous piano sonata until the twenty-ninth piano sonata (known as the Hammerklavier), being described as a "brilliantly executed display of emotion and music". 1803 was the year Beethoven came to grips with the irreversibility of his progressively deteriorating deafness.

The Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78, nicknamed "a Therese" (because it was written for Countess Therese von Brunswick) was written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1809. It consists of two movements.

Maynard Solomon notes that this and the "Appassionata" sonata, op.57, were Beethoven's favorite of his piano sonatas prior to the "Hammerklavier."

The Piano Sonata No. 25 in G major, Op. 79, was written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1809. It consists of three movements.

It is one of Beethoven's shorter sonatas with an approximate performance time of only eleven minutes, if Beethoven's prescribed repeats are all observed. It is also the shortest of his sonatas with more than two movements.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a, known as the Les Adieux sonata, was written during the years 1809 and 1810.

The title Les Adieux implies a programmatic nature. The French attack on Vienna, led by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809, forced Beethoven's patron, Archduke Rudolph, to leave the city. Yet, there is some uncertainty about this nature of the piece - or at least, about the degree to which Beethoven wished this programmatic nature would be known. He titled the three movements "Lebewohl," "Abwesenheit," and "Wiedersehen," and reportedly regarded the French "Adieux" (said to whole assemblies or cities) as a poor translation of the feeling of the German "Lebewohl" (said heartfully to a single person) (Kolodin, 1975). Indeed, Beethoven had written the syllables "Le-be-wohl" over the first three chords.

On the first 1811 publication, a dedication was added reading "On the departure of his Imperial Highness, for the Archduke Rudolph in admiration".

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Magnificent Obsession vol 6 - Beethoven Sonatas
sku: sforster-beetsix
upc: 847646007549
description:
Worldwide acclaimed pianist Sebastian Forster ventured into accomplishing a lifetime-legacy major project of immense proportions: the recording of the 32 Piano Sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an ongoing creative effort during 10 albums, from 2009 to early 2012.

Sebastian is a true Beethovenian, he breathes and experiences Beethoven's every single emotion, of true love, drama, passion, desperation, beauty and darkness. Living Beethoven with every key stroke is an experience of monumental inner impact, only at reach for the daring soul and the truly talented soloist.

Famous for his deeply moving and highly original interpretations and dazzling mastery of his repertoire, Sebastian continues this travel through the universe of Beethoven in this Volume 6 with four Sonatas from 1802 and 1804.

The Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. 31, No. 3, is a sonata for solo piano by Ludwig van Beethoven, the third and last of his Op. 31 piano sonatas. The work dates from 1802. A playful jocularity is maintained throughout the piece, earning it the occasional nickname of The Hunt, although like many of Beethoven's early works, the 'jocular' style can be heard as a facade, concealing profound ideas and depths of emotion. The sonata consists of four movements.

The Piano Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 49, No. 1, and Piano Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49, No. 2, are short (and are considered relatively simple sonatas by some pianists) by Ludwig van Beethoven, published in 1805 (although the works were likely composed several years earlier). Both works are approximately eight minutes in length, and are split into two movements. These sonatas are referred to as the Leichte Sonaten to be given to his friends and students.

The Piano Sonata No. 20 was possibly written around the time Beethoven composed the third and fourth sonatas, but because it was published in Vienna in 1805, nearly a decade after it was actually written, it was assigned then-current opus and sonata numbers, which classified it alongside works from the composer's middle period. Very similar circumstances caused Beethoven's B-flat Piano Concerto to appear as his second, even though it predated the first.

Beethoven often suppressed works in his early years, either revising them later for publication or determining that they were not fit. In fact, he withheld many early works from publication for life. In the case of these two sonatas, it was Caspar van Beethoven, the composer's brother, who decided they were worthy of publication. Against the composer's will, he presented them to a publishing house, thus allowing posterity to hear works that might otherwise have been lost or destroyed.

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53, known as the Waldstein, is one of the three most notable sonatas of his middle period beside the Appassionata, Op. 57, and Les Adieux, Op. 81a. Completed in summer 1804 and surpassing Beethoven's previous piano sonatas in its scope, the "Waldstein" is a key early work of Beethoven's 'Heroic' decade (1803-1812) and set a standard for piano composition in the grand manner. The sonata's name derives from Beethoven's dedication to his close friend and patron Count Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein of Vienna. Like the Archduke Trio (one of many pieces dedicated to Archduke Rudolph), it is named for Waldstein even though other works are dedicated to him. It is also known as 'L'Aurora' (The Dawn) in Italian, for the sonority of the opening chords of the third movement, which conjures an image of daybreak.

One of his greatest and most technically challenging piano sonatas, the first section of the Rondo requires a simultaneous pedal trill, high melody and rapid left hand runs while its coda's glissando octaves, written in dialogue between the hands, compel even advanced performers to play in a simplified version since it is more demanding to play on the heavier action of a modern piano than on an early 19th Century instrument.

Hear Beethoven as you have never heard it before, getting lost in the world of invigorating ideas and emotional virtuosity that has made Sebastian Forster one of the outstanding interpreters of the classical repertoire currently working on the world stage today.


name: Change is the Only Constant
sku: secbefore-change
upc: 847646000373
description:
Not content to ease into a comfortable niche, Minneapolis modern rock band Seconds Before fuses high octane rock, memorable pop sensibilities, and progressive arrangements into a sound that's as hard to pigeonhole as it is to resist.

Change Is The Only Constant is Seconds Before's most accomplished and complete work to date. The album rocks with a confidence that comes with years of experience and features songs that you just might not be able to get out of your head (in the good way, not the annoying way).

Change Is The Only Constant might as well be the motto of the current decade, and there's no question the sound of this band has evolved over their nine-year existence. Sure, the trademark twin guitar interplay is still there, along with soaring vocal harmonies and one of the hardest hitting rhythm sections around, but on this record there's a definite sense of the unexpected.

Inspired by the highs and lows of life in their hometown (including a sincere reflection on the heroes and victims of the 35W bridge collapse in "Calling Home"), the album represents the band's most mature and honest songwriting to date.

There's no pretense to any artificial rock star fantasy here. This is rock about real life performed by five working guys who haven't forgotten the simple joy of turning amps up loud and singing at the top of their lungs. So give the newest Seconds Before album a spin or nine, but don't get too comfortable, because change is... well, you know.


name: High Roller
sku: seismic-highroller
upc: 847646008720
description:
Hard Rock, Funk Rock, and what I like to call Electro Rock, with a taste of Heavy Metal thrown in just for good measure, Seismic Anamoly's album "High Roller" delivers intense, off-the chain guitar jamm sure to tickle your ears and satisfy your instrumental appetite.

No frills tunes with all the straight up attitude you could want. There's even a couple of laid back Acoustic instrumentals in there to help you relax. Give it a try.... I'm bettin' you'll like it!!


name: Happiness Hurts Me
sku: selfdelusion-happiness
upc: 876809003975
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257811616&s=143444
description:
Think of Depeche Mode's "Golden Period" with a bit more depression and brilliant buzzy electronica melodies. What more can you say about an album titled "Happiness Hurts Me" ?


name: Helium Bricks
sku: sensorii-heliumbricks
upc: 847646011010
description:
Helium Bricks is a mix of originals and remixes. These are our favorite works that had been developed over the past several years. The pieces range various genres, yet throughout the album, you may recognize a fondness for danceable grooves with other worldly voices and euphonic sounds.


name: Mozart in the Age of Enlightenment
sku: carlin-enlightenment
upc: 876809005221
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257934179&s=143444
description:
The New York Times describes Seth Carlin's interpretations of Mozart as "sparklingly transparent," and this album definitely showcases his gift for celebrating the bright, buoyant side of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's work. Carlin's own sense of joy in the music is palpable throughout the performance, and he has an absolutely impeccable sense of timing.


name: Chroma
sku: sgx-chroma
upc: 847646001486
description:
Heavily inspired by artists like BT, The Prodigy, and Hybrid, Chroma ebbs and flows through periods of melodic ambiance and intense, aggressive beats. Seemingly disparate textures and tones are combined adeptly to create an impressively diverse, yet cohesive and always intelligent electronica album. Go on a melodic breakbeat electronica journey with SGX in his 2006 release Chroma.


name: Hero of the Grey Area
sku: sgx-hofga
upc: 847646001479
description:
SGX intersperses electro, breakbeat, and industrial beats between lush orchestrations, growling synth basses, and transporting soundscapes. "Hero" is at the same time electronic and synthetic plus natural and human. This is the most focused, cohesive album by SGX focusing on instrumental pieces.

Unlike his previous albums such as Chroma and Synesthetic which feature a mixture of not only genres, but tones, Hero of the Grey Area exudes a more homogeneous tone and feeling while still exploring fusing ideas from many genres. This is music for listening and sometimes takes its time exploring an idea in the vein of BT's "This Binary Universe."

Hero of the Grey Area features "A Meal for a Whale" - a track made with only a software sequencer/sampler, a piano, and the audio toy/game Electroplankton for the Nintendo DS as sound sources. SGX effects, samples, records, and manipulates his way through this at once lo-fi and lush recording creating tides of relaxed beauty and exuberance.

Also featured is the four-movement "i.transmit.this" - an exercise in re-use and modulation of interchangeable musical ideas. SGX begins with simple overlapping piano melodies that appear and re-appear in later parts of the piece as different instruments and ideas, inspiring new ideas. "I Transmit This" branches, grows new limbs, and finally returns to the main concepts which in the end bear the influences of the new ideas that were themselves inspired by the original concepts.


name: SGXRMX3
sku: sgx-sgxrmx
upc: 847646002360
description:
Five remixers plus SGX have reinterpreted songs from SGX's last two albums Hero of the Grey Area and Wonderful Bite, giving them new life. The initial track Push Anyway is SGX's hybrid remix/combination of two Wonderful Bite tracks, Die Anyway and Push. Prolific electronica producer Hollidayrain takes on Coactive for the second time and brings a chilled but heavy-hitting rendition, while Hy Bound's Amity mix invokes some Trifonic-style grittied-up orchestral beats. Full of stellar multi-genre electronica tracks, SGXRMX3 is a fun journey back through previous SGX favorites.


name: Synesthetic
sku: sgx-synesthetic
upc: 847646001462
description:
SGX's 2003 Synesthetic contains the seeds of what was to come of SGX's style. Straddling several electronica genres, SGX experiments with different sounds and ideas while retaining his signature melodiousness and accessibility. The occasional odd-time meter slips into several tracks on the album, adding a unique flow to the grooves you won't find in many electronica tracks.


name: Wonderful Bite
sku: sgx-wonderfulbite
upc: 847646001455
description:
Wonderful Bite is all about the sweet and the sour, the harsh and the soft mingling and merging for some of the slickest sounds you'll hear (this week, this year, ever?).

WB features a killer electro/breaks/hiphop track with dope rhymes by Navi and a clubby/synth-pop-esque tune vocals with vocals by Sekhret Hush.

The remaining instrumentals are killer SGX works ranging from Telefon Tel Aviv style natural chillness to talking analog synth badassery and beats ala The Crystal Method, all done up in SGX's accessible, melodic, intelligent flavors. The tone is serious business plus a bit tongue in cheek.


name: Musings ballads and paradoxes
sku: sftu-musings
upc: 876809008642
description:
Put Beck, Tom Waits, Pink Floyd, and The Pixies on an operating table, inject a bolt of lightning, stitch up the scars, and the creature you get is Shadows From The Underground.

"Musings, Ballads, and Paradoxes" is a collection of songs from three albums: "Love Songs For The Tortured Souls" (2007), "The Crooked Mile" (2008), and "Metamorphosis" (2009).

"Love Songs For The Tortured Souls" is a journal of heartbreak, self-destruction, and forbidden love. It sums up my angst-ridden mid-20's in Los Angeles. Writing and recording those songs helped me survive the darkness I was experiencing at the time.

A lot changed for me after finishing "Love Songs." Within the course of a year, I was married and living in Colorado. I realized what my life could be like if I came to terms with the demons in my soul. "The Crooked Mile" is an exorcism of these demons. The songs document my turbulent journey on the road to inner peace.

I started working on "Metamorphosis" immediately after I found out that I was going to become a father. The album is a narrative of my transition into pending fatherhood, with songs about commitment, sacrifice, and life-changes.


name: Musings ballads and paradoxes (instrumental)
sku: sftu-musingsinst
upc: 847646000540
description:
Put Beck, Tom Waits, Pink Floyd, and The Pixies on an operating table, inject a bolt of lightning, stitch up the scars, and the creature you get is "Shadows From The Underground".

"Musings, Ballads, and Paradoxes" is a collection of songs from three albums: "Love Songs For The Tortured Souls" (2007), "The Crooked Mile" (2008), and "Metamorphosis" (2009).

"Love Songs For The Tortured Souls" is a journal of heartbreak, self-destruction, and forbidden love. It sums up my angst-ridden mid-20's in Los Angeles. Writing and recording those songs helped me survive the darkness I was experiencing at the time.

A lot changed for me after finishing "Love Songs." Within the course of a year, I was married and living in Colorado. I realized what my life could be like if I came to terms with the demons in my soul. "The Crooked Mile" is an exorcism of these demons. The songs document my turbulent journey on the road to inner peace.

I started working on "Metamorphosis" immediately after I found out that I was going to become a father. The album is a narrative of my transition into pending fatherhood, with songs about commitment, sacrifice, and life-changes.


name: Sanctuary
sku: jackman-sanctuary
upc: 876809004453
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257949912&s=143444
description:
Featuring mellow rock-folk songs that are nevertheless replete with a certain sense of longing, Sanctuary shows why Shane Jackman is often called upon to represent the Southwest on stages all over the world. The subject matter and melodies are perfectly evocative of this region's unique beauty, and Jackman's emotive, lilting tenor has a multi-hued, painted-desert quality about it. An album about "gratitude, and the subtlety of things."


name: Echoes of Autumn
sku: harris-autumn
upc: 876809001087
description:
This is the second CD from Shawn Harris and a big musical departure from the first CD's acoustic only journey. The music ranges from catchy rock all the way to Country, R and B, Hard Rock Ballad and classically inspired songs and covers a broad spectrum of different styles along the way. "Echoes of Autumn" has many top notch studio musicians lending a hand and adding their unique style, including Magnatune artist Chris Juergensen and keeping things fresh while expanding the overall sound. From the opening track of "Sweet Charity" with its catchy pop style all the way to the haunting last track; "Let's Roll" the emotional tribute to the 9/11 fallen. The music is fresh and the talent is inspired on every track creating a full body of musical experience along the way. This ones a keeper with a little something for everyone.


name: Battle Call
sku: harris-battlecall
upc: 847646003763
description:
From the first moments of the first song ("Can't Let Go") with its lush Zoso guitars lilting in and out of a groove-heavy JPJ/Bonham backbeat, one thing is instantly clear: this isn't a bunch of YouTube hopefuls fiddling around with Garage Band. These are real musicians at the top of their game. And they love the lost art of songwriting.

With Harris at the helm, those songs tell real stories. From the sweeping emotion of "Words To Say," to the sweet folky feel of "Only Love Can Bring," his voice radiates a warm mix of vulnerability, strength and passion all echoed equally in his lyrics. Like all master craftsmen, he understands that to know where you're going, you've gotta know where you came from. It's obvious he "gets" country, Celtic, blues, jazz and Randy Rhoads. That's why his music takes you to other places. And that's why his guitar playing is so brilliant.

He's taken the spiritual journey that we're all on and given it the perfect soundtrack.


name: Raptor
sku: sssm-raptor
upc: 847646009420
description:
Raptor is a collection of fast, energetic, hard-driving punk rock songs by SHE SAID SAVE ME. Produced by Ryan Granville-Martin and Joe Vercillo, the album has a 90's punk rock vibe splitting the difference between Nirvana's grunge-punk side and Green Day's melodic power chord verse-chorus-verse simplicity.

It was recorded at The Nucular Libary, The Lincoln County Social Club and Union Sound in Toronto, Canada. Play this one loud!


name: She said save me
sku: sssm-sssm
upc: 847646000946
description:
She Said Save Me's debut self-titled album is a sincere, inspiring, and heart-warming experience straight from the heart of Canadian singer-songwriter Joe Vercillo. Recorded in the attic of a century home in Toronto, it's raw and pure sound sticks to Vercillo's life motto of keeping it simple and keeping it real. A mix between Acoustic, Folk, Punk, and Pop, all songs possess an extremely intimate, soothing and uplifting feel. And while most lyrics deal with the difficulties of life and relationships, there is always an underlying optimism and revelation of hope in each and every song. Vercillo's main message in the album is that you can make anything into a good thing.


name: This Impossible Love
sku: sssm-thisimpossiblelove
upc: 847646007969
description:
She Said Save Me is a Canadian duo that consists of singer-songwriter Joe Vercillo and drummer-producer-songwriter Ryan Granville-Martin.

They play a mix of genres from melodic acoustic and folk music to raw punk pop and skate grunge. Formed in 2009 and based out of Toronto, Ontario, the band has released six studio EP albums.

This collection of songs is mainly from the folk pop EPs and goes anywhere from catchy and upbeat to deep and emotional. Great to listen to on road trips or just before climbing in to bed, this She Said Save Me compilation has something for everyone.


name: Sala Sala
sku: sherefe-salasala
upc: 847646001219
description:
A full 78 minutes of Eastern Mediterranean soul food.

Gorgeous songs from Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon and Bulgaria. Native Tongues. Traditional instruments. Elegant and Danceable. Well honed from hundreds of performances at concerts, festivals, weddings and private parties, Sherefe's rich sound is a melding of cello, bouzouki, oud, gadulka, saz, double bass, Middle Eastern percussion and evocative vocals (on 8 of the 12 songs).

Featuring James Hoskins, Jesse Manno, Zahara McLellan, Paul Brown and special guest vocalist Beth Quist, this album weaves a path through folk dance, belly dance and middle eastern classical styles.


name: Transition
sku: shino-transition
upc: 847646003411
description:
Transition is the collection of old and new songs. Primary it is not the real album, but a new demo for promotion purposes. So if somebody want to know how "Shino" sounds like, he/she should listen to this album.

However, because of the much better quality of the sound, it is worthwhile for all the people, who already know my music to re-experience these songs. Because with Transition the music is a bit closer to the listener. Furthermore there are two new songs (Melancholia and Fall Days), one very old, but never recorded song (Schlaflied - Lullaby) and "My Mistress" as guitar version.

Transition stands for passage, change, even mutation and metamorphosis. This album presents a mental process, where the human personality is searching for the light, explanations, sense and in this way it can learn the inner cleaning. Everything that i want to come alive with these 21 songs, is some kind of catharsis of modern age - the search for the very own but abstract I.

The order of the songs is chronological (not Schlaflied, it ought to be at the beginning) and some songs are much older than the project "Shino". In that way you can find the expression of my own search, my own catharsis, my own path in these songs.

Thanks to everybody, who supports me! Everybody who listens to my songs... Everybody who can feel and understand my songs... Everybody who plays and distributes my songs... I am not the great musician and song-maker, i just want to give you a bit of vitality and pureness, with all the perfection and rawness. In the ecstasy to find the best riff, the fastest solo, the groviest equipment and the professional appearance, our world of music became very plastic and dead.


name: The Dawn of Joy
sku: shira-dayofjoy
upc: 847646002957
description:
"Chominciamento di gioia", or "The Dawn of Joy", is the title of a dance from a collection of medieval instrumental pieces in what is known (quite prosaically) as British Library, Additional 29987.

This manuscript, now in London, contains 119 compositions, all by composers of the Italian Trecento. Among the best known today are Francesco Landini, Niccolo da Perugia, and Jacopo da Bologna.

The instrumental works in the manuscript are grouped together and consist of several Istanpitte, Salterelli, and other dances. All have intriguing names, such as the title dance of our CD. Another memorable title, Principio de Virtu, might refer to a connection of the manuscript with the Visconti family in Milan: Gian Galeazzo Visconti was known as the Count of Virtu.

The Istanpitta, or Estampie, is the only medieval dance form for which descriptions as well as music have survived. Each phrase, or punctum, in an estampie is repeated. A refrain of differing length is inserted after each iteration of a phrase, alternating open and closed endings. The Salterello follows the same principle but tends to be shorter and less complicated in character.

It is quite extraordinary that these dances were written down at all, since we know that the players of these pieces, known as minstrels or jongleurs, mostly improvised their art. Successful minstrels needed a tinker's bagful of talents. According to Guiraut de Calancon (Fadet Joglar), they were expected to play at least nine instruments, have a knack for storytelling and songwriting, sing, improvise dances, juggle, perform magic tricks, demonstrate acrobatic skills, catch little apples on knives, imitate birdsong, jump through four hoops, and, if possible, dance with bears!

Although playing for dancers would have been an important part of the professional musicians' job, they didn't hesitate to play vocal works. They made their own arrangements or improvised on songs their audiences knew. Even in church this practice was not unknown: the famous hymn Ave maris stella served as the base for a highly ornamented version in the Faenza Codex, a 15th-century manuscript containing instrumental arrangements of mostly 14th-century vocal polyphony.

Women played instruments, as amateurs and as professionals. Francesco da Barberino, in his Reggimento e costumi di donna, a 14th-c. treatise on the education of young women, states that they should learn to play instruments, especially the vielle and the harp; they should know how to sing and compose text and music and be able to perform these songs, accompanying themselves. In Boccaccio's Decameron female musicians outnumber the male players.


name: Mistral
sku: shira-mistral
upc: 876809004545
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257812662&s=143444
description:
Known for her strong, clear, powerful playing of the vielle (medieval violin, aka a "fiddle") Shira Kammen offers up a particularly vibrant collection of her work with this release of medieval songs from France, Italy, and Brittany. The album is named after the bitingly cold winter wind that flows from the Alps down to the Mediterranean coast, but the performances are all bright, joyous, and warm. Full liner notes available with download!


name: Ragged, Rent and Torn
sku: shira-ragged
upc: 876809007423
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ragged-rent-and-torn/id336086410
description:
John writes: My first exposure to Shira Kammen was during an all-day Medieval music festival in Berkeley, California, where she was doing an hourlong satire of early music entitled "La Foolia". I particularly remember Dowland's renaissance-smash-hit "Flow my Tears" performed on four accordeons. Shira plays the Vielle, which is a precursor to the violin, and it's where we get the word "fiddle" from. She a big deal in medieval circles, having been in many of the major groups that play this repertoire (Ensemble Alcatraz, Project Ars Nova, Sequentia, Hesperion XX and Boston Camerata). In "Ragged, Rent and Torn", Shira and friends turn their attention to the bawdy, fun and lewd songs of the period. The artistry is definitely taken seriously, but at the same time this is an album of music "just for fun".


name: broken vow
sku: shitforbrains-brokenvow
upc: 847646002452
description:
Brutal, down to earth thrash-metal with a good portion of progressive influences.

This album bleeds together our individual musical backgrounds of metal music, permutating the different stylistic serene, melodic, thrashing, raving mad elements we hold so dear.

By the sweat of our brows we were working by day and making music during night shifts, from composition, arrangements, lyrics, recording, production, mastering and artwork. Everything done by ourselves, anything you name it. The variety of broken vow reflects our friendship and independence we preserved over all the years.

Our lifeblood is seeping through the songs. The end of life for some, a life source for others, so much came about, still so many deeds undone. At long last our music we like to share with all our friends and loved ones, on this and on the other side of life.

..no vow broken as much as the sacred oath of love..


name: Nour
sku: shiva-nour
upc: 876809006440
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=295179523&s=143444
description:
We are taken on a journey of revolution, of change, understanding and ultimately into the deep mysteries of the east. In tracks like Viva La Revolucion, We're All One and He'neya we are thrown into the middle of the conflicts as Yana leads the way in protest. From there we are taken on a journey of spiritual understanding throughout the east. In Anubis your mind will dance within the ancient temples of Egypt, you will take your spiritual journey further with tracks such as Desert of Yunus and Blue Healing. There are songs to make you dance, to make you cry, to have you stand up and scream to the skies... why!


name: India meets Persia
sku: angelekalhor-indmepersia
upc: 847646002995
description:
On India meets Persia Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor take the listener on an intricate musical journey. The artists explore the classical styles of India and Iran, using the traditional instruments of the respective countries: the Indian Sitar and the Persian Tar.

The artists strive towards unity and come together in the two duets "India meets Persia" (track no. 2) and "Persia meets India" (track no. 5), where the two styles converge like two voices from different lands, each speaking with its own accent. The pieces "Kirvan" (track no. 1), "Isfahan" (track no. 3), "Solitidi" (track no. 4), and "Joys of Spring" (track no. 6) represent original Indian and Persian classical styles. "Sunny Days" (track no. 7), a pop piece with vocals and sitar, ends the musical journey and takes the listeners back to the west on a light note.

Babua Pahari is the percussive force on Tabla and accompanies Simone Angele in the Indian pieces.


name: Mensa Sonora et Al
sku: simplicissimus-mensasonora
upc: 847646011324
description:
On its album Mensa Sonora & Al., the Simplicissimus Ensemble presents music by the 17th century Austrian baroque composer Heinrich Biber. Published in 1680 under the title Mensa Sonora (Sonorous Table), his suites combine catchy melodies with accompaniments which are rich in counterpoints, are sensitively harmonized, but are never intrusive. In addition to his compositional skills, Biber's sensitivity to humor is also evident in several passages. Thus, these works are not only a 17th century lounge music of sorts; while easy to listen to, they are also musically complex compositions that can be enjoyed even without the feasts.


name: A Dream Play
sku: sjpettersson-dreamplay
upc: 847646000922
description:
S.J. Pettersson's second classical release is an unorthodox opera (with as many instrumental tracks as vocal ones) based on the famous 1901 stage play "A Dream Play" by August Strindberg, one of Strindberg's most admired and influential dramas, seen as an important precursor to both dramatic expressionism and surrealism.

Strindberg himself describes the play this way in his famous preface: "Everything can happen; everything is possible and likely to happen. Time and space do not exist; on an insignificant foundation of reality the imagination spills out and weaves new patterns - a concoction of memories, experiences, improbabilities and utterly free improvisations. The characters are split in twain, duplicate, multiply and evaporate. They condense, distill and again reunite. But one mind rises above them all. It is the Dreamer; for him there are no secrets, no consistencies, no scruples, no Law. He does not judge, nor gives out pardons but impartially relates the content of the dream itself. And as the dream often painful is, and much less often joyfully free-spirited, there is a tone of sadness and empathy with everything alive in this labyrinthine tale now beginning to unfold."

The primary character in the play is Agnes, a daughter of the Vedic god Indra. She descends to Earth to bear witness to problems of human beings. She meets about 40 characters, some of them having a clearly symbolical value (such as four deans representing theology, philosophy, medicine, and law). After deciding to experience human life first hand by becoming a human, she experiences all sorts of human suffering such as poverty, cruelty, and the often difficult routine of family life. She marries and has a child but in the end the daughter of gods realizes that human beings are to be pitied and is faced with heartbreaking choice: to return to the Heavens in an attempt to persuade her Father Indra to intervene and ease the suffering of humanity, or to stay on Earth and care for her earthly child. Finally, she returns to the Heaven and this moment corresponds to the awakening from a dream-like sequence of events.

S.J. Pettersson's treatment of the play is to basically tell the story, or often, as is the case with the purely instrumental pieces, through emotions. The scenes are replaced with lyrical narratives, often in first person, and characters just mentioned in passing, comes alive with their own tales. There is no attempt to re-tell the story (which in itself is as difficult to follow and make sense out of as indeed our dreams are) but rather to express it in another medium in the terms of that medium's capability to reach where the written word is not able to penetrate. The result is almost closer to a song cycle (using 4 different vocal soloists that are all as similar as they are different in character, much like the shifting characters of the play) and with powerful instrumental pieces that in an almost hyper-romantic fashion carry the narrative along with their own emotional contents. The musical style is highly anachronistic but the perhaps biggest influence seems to be Weill's German operas from the 1920s blended with elements of Bach, Shubert, Chopin, Prokofiev's lyrical side, even Shostakovich at time. It is a very accessible work often hiding its harmonic and rhythmical complexity below the surface. The performances throughout are stellar with many of Los Angeles top classical musicians lending their hands and, seemingly, their hearts. The vocal performances are highly unusual and emotionally effective, often sung in pure tone avoiding vibrato and with an approach to communicate the often difficult scenes without resorting to obvious vocal tricks and audience pandering. As a result, the suffering seems to be located internally rather than externally which in many ways increases the personal aspect of what is a universal condition.

The libretto is poetically very beautiful and in the end leaves the play behind with a final piece, Hope, that seems to transfer the words and thoughts from that of Strindberg to the composers own mouth.


name: Romeo and Juliet
sku: sjpettersson-romeojuliet
upc: 847646002186
description:
Romeo and Juliet is the second ballet from Swedish born composer S.J. Pettersson.

It is written and performed for and by a chamber orchestra, albeit with some odd instrumentation thrown in for good measure.

His approach is as usual very poly-stylistic with an oboe melody opening the Prologue as a nod to Tchaikovsky and a violin passage in the elegy like movement that conjures up Prokofiev. Then we hear Bartok-like aggressive pieces mixed with hyper romantic melodies reminiscent of Satie set in a post minimalist soundscape that in spite of the varied ingredients still manages to retain a firm consistency as a whole.

His approach to telling the story progresses "backwards" with the death scene of the two Star Cross'd lovers opening the ballet and the rest of the story being told as a flashback focusing almost exclusively on the two main characters. All of the titles are culled from the play by Shakespeare and the people knowledgeable with the play will have no problems putting them in context of the story.

The instrumental (and vocal) performances are nothing short of heartbreaking and the work is performed by some of the finest classical musicians around today including Yana Reznik on the piano and Maksim Velichkin on cello just to name two. It is truly a remarkable and magic journey that concludes triumphantly as an homage to love, rather than the tragedy of two lovers unintended suicide.


name: Litha
sku: skarazula-litha
upc: 847646000298
description:
Skarazula's second album is the continuity of the pagan rituals theme. After Ostara, their first release, comes Litha, the summer solstice festival in the Saxon culture. Litha includes songs from many parts of the ancient world; there's a troubadour's pastourelle, a sephardic love song, a Cantiga de Santa Maria, Turkish, Breton and Italian music. Take a trip around the world while enjoying both the original and traditional pieces of Litha. The music is played on instruments built by two of the Skarazula's members which give Litha its unique sound.


name: Ostara
sku: skarazula-ostara
upc: 847646000281
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/ostara/id440556007
description:
Half of the music on Ostara comes from medieval Europe between the 13th and 16th century and the other half are originals inspired by this great era composed by two members of Skarazula. All of the stringed instruments that you hear on the album were made by the luthier of the group except the psaltery, which was made by the percussionist, and the ud which comes from Turkey.

Ostara is Skarazula's first album and is an homage to the pagan spring equinox festivities of ancient times. The name comes from the Teutonic spring goddess "Eastre", that later became Easter in English.


name: Slimstrumentals Vol 1
sku: slimdon-slimvol1
upc: 847646003886
description:
Specializing in Hip Hop, RnB, Electronica and Nu Jazz composing/beat making, David "Slimdog" Bell Jr. is the founder of Slimdog Productions. Also a member of the award winning Indie Hip Hop group, Block Scholars, David is trying to bring his music production to the level that the group he belongs to has achieved. It starts with his first album of instrumental compositions of many styles called, "Slimstrumentals Vol. I".


name: Sad Moon Eyes
sku: slouchingstars-sadmooneyes
upc: 876809005658
description:
Sad Moon Eyes is the second album by Slouching Stars, the original San Francisco treat. Their new lineup includes Tom Galbraith on drums (Men's Club, Blank Stares) and Nick Dumitriu on guitar (Turn Me On Dead Man, Local Stars) as well as lifers Rich Scramaglia and Allan Moon.

Sad Moon Eyes was recorded at Nick's very own Light Rail Studios, the premier recording facility in SF. Assisting the Slouchers were Mike Drake (Oranger) and Matt Harris (Posies, Ian Moore). Sad Moon Eyes is a classic slice of San Francisco rock with a dusting of noise and two heaping cups of pop.


name: Noises Around Us
sku: snowsleep-noisesaroundus
upc: 847646009147
description:
This is the first EP from Snowsleep, which symbolizes the experimental nature of the project. This is the first attempt to combine progressive rock, ambient and post-rock. Each of the tracks is a world in itself, with its own style and sound. I hope you enjoy it!


name: Open Window Sessions
sku: snowsleep-openwindow
upc: 847646009208
description:
This is a very experimental album. There are a large number of field recordings which were subsequently layered on each other almost without processing. Almost all of these recordings were made by setting of a stereo-microphone in the open window, to get noises from the street. This is evidenced by the album title itself. Stylistically, the album is a mix of post-rock, ambient and lo-fi drone.


name: Songs of Cold
sku: snowsleep-songsofcold
upc: 847646010594
description:
This album consists of seven tracks, which Snowsleep wrote between 2015 and 2018, but which he only got around to mixing in 2020. They all have a smooth vibe and blend a hint of dark atmosphere with classical electronic music, downtempo, techno, and ambient.

Recorded and produced by Kirill Salinski at Snowsleep's Home studio in Hamburg, Germany April - August 2020

All tracks were composed, arranged and performed by Kirill Salinski

Cover art: Kirill Salinski

snowsleep.bandcamp.com

snowsleep@mail.com


name: Tides EP
sku: snowsleep-tidesep
upc: 847646007433
description:
Water. Tides. The ocean slowly and imperceptibly coming again and again to the shore, bringing light waves over time. Welcome to the new Snowsleep ambient composition.

Tides consists of three parts, the three tides. Each of these parts is somewhat similar to the other and at the same time has its own personality. In one part you can hear elements of Post-Rock, another the sound of Pink Floyd's 80s period and in the third audible elements of modern electronic music.

Throughout the listener experiences a warm sound, and as Tides finally ends it leaves us to contemplate the distant expanses of the ocean and the hope that we will once again return.


name: Devotion
sku: solarcycle-devotion
upc: 876809002404
description:
Solar Cycle's new album Devotion is easy listening music created after a long production break.

This range of lounge music encompasses rich and beautiful sounds - influenced by instrumental, modern electronica with chillout, house and downtempo, while remaining thematically focused on its retro-space-age elements.

Just lay back and enjoy Solar Cycle's new sound!


name: Silver Lights
sku: solarcycle-silver
upc: 876809006082
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=277082016&s=143444
description:
Best selling Magnatune artist DJ Markitos delivers another ultra-sophisticated cocktail of downtempo house, electronica and ambient styles. Ten silvery sleek tracks have style to burn and the title tune, "Silver Lights" is so gorgeous and sexy that it makes you feel like you're driving your Alfa Romeo up the coastline at midnight. Actually, the whole album does. Check it out.


name: Race The Sun
sku: solartheory-racethesun
upc: 876809008123
description:
released January 18, 2018

A 432Hz Production

Lynda Arnold - Vocals, Lyrics, Flute, Surtanpura, Autoharp, Percussion, Effects, Recording/Engineering, Arranging, Editing and Mixing

Torkom Ji - Electronic Music Production (Korg Electribe), Vocals, Arranging and Mixing

Additional Recording and Mixing on 'Carry You', 'This Space', and 'The Call' by Rick Batyr and Michael Vincze

Additional Percussion on 'The Call' by Rick Batyr

Rajneesh appears on the 'The Being' courtesy of Osho International

Mastered by Burak Atas at Maven Mastering (www.mavenmastering.com) in Turkey except 'The Being' mastered by Ryan Kleeman at Overlap Studios in Oakland, CA

Cover Art: Photography by Paolino Photography Digital Art by Eloh Projects - Sean Alum (elohprojects.com)

Recorded at Divasonic Studios in Long Beach, CA

Copyright Divasonic Music ASCAP


name: Du Deluge Au Desert
sku: solvert-desert
upc: 876809006228
description:
"Du deluge au desert" is a voyage into a surreal landscape of sounds, with climate change used as an underlying theme.

On his second album, Soleil Vert mixes electronic sounds with the ambient sounds of nature, painting a surrealist picture of planet Earth.

Opening with a bestiary of living creatures, like crude digital memories of a paradise lost for ever... The album then brings you underwater with "Sous la mer...", and up with the areal beats of "Ozone"... the voyages continues with the epic "Du deluge au desert" then the journey ends up in a desolate place, like in a post-apocaliptic future on "Planete desolation"... You can bet that the listener will have made quite a journey... from a deluge to a desert.


name: Genetiquement modifie
sku: solvert-genetic
upc: 876809006013
description:
As a concept album about genetically modified food, "Genetiquement modifie" is made of interrupted sequences, spliced fragments, inspired by the techniques used for the modification of living organisms, at the cellular level, using foreign DNA... all transposed into sound manipulation and textures.

Heavy bass pedal notes under harsh percussion and flickering synths. Tangerinesque monosynth solos over a minimal tapestry... Harsh glitchy rhythms, raspy bass lines, minimalists sequences, this album is a departure from the techniques Soleil Vert used before... This is Soleil Vert, but Genetically Modified!


name: L ere du petrole
sku: solvert-petrole
upc: 876809006068
description:
Using our current era of fossil fuel usage as an inspiration, "L'ere du petrole" fits the bill of a concept album.

The synthetic is not far from the organic as petrol becomes plastic, and this album share this quality. From jungle atmospheres to the glassy and futuristic vision of "Cite Utopie", Soleil Vert delivers a texture-rich album driven by a strong emotional feel.

In line with Soleil Vert previous album release, "Du deluge au desert", L'ere du petrole" is bound to appeal to a surprising array of open-minded listeners, from fans of ambient/IDM genres to those coming from psychedelic and space-rock references.


name: Evil
sku: sophiamarie-evil
upc: 847646006023
description:
Evil is the second hard rock album of Sophia Marie. Also released under her live band name of 'Wicked Wench', the goal with Evil was to get a more raw, hard hitting sound than her first album, 'Twisted', without losing any of the high quality production.

Though Sophia has written songs in many different genres, she uses Rock to express the most intense emotions. 'Rescue Me' is a classic power ballad; 'Underneath it All' a rage against people who disappoint you in life; 'Circle of Lies' about the screaming souls a loveless couple; 'Fear is the Enemy' an inspirational motivator and 'Winter Kiss' a Snow White fantasy duet with Male singer Clayton Mitchell.

Sophia also continues as she did on her first album to try and honestly express female sexuality, without falling into the contrived titillation of modern pop music, with 'Take Me', 'The Swinger' and 'No Escape'. She sends a message out to those who may pass judgement with the anthemic song 'Wicked Angel'. Originally this was to be the title of the album, but late inclusion of the song 'You Are Evil', induced a change, which, it is hoped, will produce a little thought about what 'Evil' actually is.


name: Malevolence
sku: sophiamarie-malevolence
upc: 847646011478
description:
Malevolence is the third hard rock album from Sophia Marie and the first which includes songs that are full on "Metal!"

If you were to listen to all three albums in order of release, you will notice a theme progression in the lyrical content of the bulk of the tracks. The first album showcased the decline into promiscuity and sin as the result of a broken heart. The second album focusing on the pleasure sin gives us, but also showcasing songs about liars and evil, which gives us a taste of what kind of world sin brings us into but at this stage of the musical journey the two themes seem disconnected.

With the Malevolence album we finally see what sin turns us into. Selfish and Malevolent. The opening track Point Of No Return slams into the ears with a full on 80's thrash pace, describing the time in a man's life where there appears to be no turning back. Black As The Night describes a vampire like person who is no longer human with four chugging guitar riffs that seamlessly interchange. The Devil You Know, a grinding song about being in a rut that you know is destructive but is too familiar to leave. Malevolence, the heaviest track of her entire career, using double kick drums to ram the aggression home. Finish "side 1" with a powerful ballad about loss, Can't Carry On. "Side 2" begins with Under the Siege an exploration into the effects of war on the soul set to military drums and a pumping bass line. The Warrior brings in guest singer Stephen Wells to put a medieval Conan fantasy to music. Cuts To The Core is the most pop rock song of the album, catchy but still set to a heavy metal guitars. No More Lies berates a lying partner in the most rocking way possible. The album concludes with Anything For You a song about domestic violence from the perspective of a woman with Stockholm syndrome. Hang around at the very end for an emotional refrain of the song that will send chills down your spine.


name: Sense Overload
sku: sophiamarie-senseoverload
upc: 847646008263
description:
Sense Overload is Sophia's first pop EP release. She is best known for her hard rock band Wicked Wench as singer, songwriter and bass guitarist. Sophia writes whatever comes to her whether it be rock, pop, dance and ballads. She writes from the heart of her personal experiences based on her feelings and things she sees in the world.

The Sense Overload single is a cheeky and fun song with a sexy bass line of which she recorded. Sophia loves to express her cheeky side through her music as well as in her stage performances. Sense Overload is pure sexual indulgence.

Transport Me is about how one feels on the dance floor by using creative space terminology. Fun and quirky, this catchy little tune will get your body moving. Another dance track called Fallen Paradise, is a song about taking back control over governmental oppression and "waking up" to the world around you.

Breaking Down The Walls is the personal struggle one goes through knowing change is about to happen. Knowing change needs to happen and allowing yourself to move past your fear and breaking into a new chapter in life and leaving the past behind.

Is This What Heaven's Like is a beautiful dreamy song reflecting on an escapism of fantasy. When you listen to this song, it makes you feel relaxed letting go of your stress and taking the journey with Sophia into the clouds in the sky. One can only feel happiness when listening to this song. Warning, goosebumps may appear!

Written by Sophia Marie, singer, songwriter and bass guitarist.
Produced by Rob Agostini at Soundbaker Studios Perth, WA AU.


name: Twisted
sku: sophiamarie-twisted
upc: 876809003487
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/twisted/id369494916
description:
The Twisted album is structured around the theme of love and loss, the songs carefully arranged to create a loose story or old style concept album. The power and intensity of the songs in the centre of the album suggest Sophia Marie has drawn on some personal experiences to create songs that should drive deep into the all but the coldest of hearts. The cheeky and sometimes downright sinful content of the rest of the songs suggest her previous out of control lifestyle has not been entirely forgotten!


name: Heartwood
sku: sora-heartwood
upc: 847646003749
description:
With its uniquely ancient to modern sound, Sora's music weaves together contemporary rock with the mystical moods of Celtic folk, medieval madrigals, and other modes of early music. The result is a heady, colorfully evocative tapestry that conjures the imagery of long ago but feels just as current as anything from the present musical landscape all the while sounding like little else on today's airwaves. Across the album's moody and atmospheric tracks Sora's heartrending soprano glides like a graceful dove through swirling mists of violin, piano, harp, synthesizer, cello, guitar, percussion, and other instruments to deliver sweeping performances. The music moves from lightness of thought and sound to richly dense soundscapes. The music is not easy to categorize, but ultimately it is about the journeys we make within ourselves.

It feels at times as if music comes not so much from within me but that is passes through me in the ways of half-remembered dreams. Yet, I feel we each are a filter to the heart of the world, we shape it, to some extent with our own experiences, perceptions and feelings. I like to think of each of these songs as filtered through my own heart, as water passes through a teabag, colored with the pieces of me. The music itself washes through me, as wind passes through the trees, but in doing so is imprinted by my spirit as it exits through my voice, my fingers, through the notes that I write. The songs are not about me, but I cannot deny that I find myself in them.

It is my belief that we are influenced by the environments in which we live. The outer world interacts with the inner, affecting thought patters, creation and consciousness. Found within the pages here are objects from my environment; that which creates the spaces I inhabit musically, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Leaves, petals, rocks, crystal; these are the heartgifts I wish to share with you.

Heartwood is the core, it is the truths we carry, it is the place of secret whisperings, it is our beginnings and endings. It is the axis upon which our lives spin. It is my most humble hope that perhaps as these songs pass through you, that you will find something of yourself within them as well.

Heartwood is an examination of the places the heart inhabits.


name: Scorpion Moon
sku: sora-scorpionmoon
upc: 847646005491
description:
Ethereal folk influenced vocals soar over lush world music instrumentation.

Sora delves deeply into stories, both mythic and modern, that transcend time and place, boldly claiming the complexity of contradictory truths within the emotional landscapes that shape our own personal stories.

Light and dark, joy and sorrow, urban versus nature, birth/rebirth but also death, ancient and modern, Sora delicately balances it all to provide music that is at once ethereal and grounded. This evocative music fuses the poetry of the Celts, the global influence of World and the stunning melodiousness of Neo-Classical into music that defies the boundaries of traditional genre categorization. Listen and find your mythic self.


name: Sound of Seventy Three
sku: soseventythree-soseventythree
upc: 876809007973
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sound-of-seventy-three/id383186162
description:
With one eye on the history of recorded music and the other on its future, Sound of Seventy Three's self-titled debut is an experiment in technology, economy, and fidelity that results in a genre-jumping album which still seamlessly comes together as a whole.

Bridging the gap between Post-Rock and Electronica, Sound of Seventy Three manage to find the commonality between the two genres placing long-form post-rock right next to trip-hop influenced remixes without either sounding out of place. The original tracks are often guitar-driven instrumental pieces in the best post-rock tradition making full use of the electric guitars' immense range to craft dynamic-cinematic music that demands to be listened to. The remixes on the other hand explore the sound of recoded media as a subtle form of musical expression with noise like tape hiss, vinyl dust, and digital artifacts being intentionally added to the music to add 'color' and 'shade' to the remix of each track.

Inspired as much by the 'Lomo' toy-photography movement, as by 'gadget-music', Sound of Seventy Three also explore the musical expressiveness of what many would consider 'toy' instruments. Some of these instruments include the Stylophone, Stylophone Beatbox, Korg Kaossilator and Vox AmPlugs. Amazingly the resulting music is neither comedic, campy, or kitschy and instead has a gravity and intimacy that proves that you can make 'real' music with these new affordable musical tools. Just like your favorite mix-tape Sound of Seventy Three is a collection of music that defies easy categorization and yet is all the better for it.


name: The Way we Feel
sku: soseventythree-wayfeel
upc: 876809009922
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-way-we-feel/id426743843
description:
"The Way We Feel" is a return to the music that gave birth to unique retro/rock/lounge genre that is Sound of Seventy Three.

Nearly half the album: A Farewell; The Great Rest; Ahh, Tow Bots; and Spilt Milk are songs that were gigged with the live-band back when Sound of Seventy Three were playing shows in the Atlanta area in the mid to late 00s as a two-guitar, bass and drums quartet. Some of the material on the album even dates all the way back to 2004. The other half of the album are mostly tunes that were written or started at that time but never finished or incorporated into the live sets. Only one song 'Jyuu' is a completely new composition which also has the distinction of being the longest track on the album.

The result is an album that is sure to please old fans of the live-band as well as newer fans who have fallen in love with So73's guitars-meet-gadgets approach to the last album. Unlike the first Sound of Seventy Three album which was essentially a collection of singles, the songs on this album were chosen specifically to fit together well stylistically but also to take the listener on a sonic journey when listened to together.

The album opens with 'Shields' (dedicated to Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine) which is rock minimalism at its finest. The whole song being a simple three note melody on one chord that slowly builds to a noise-filled shoegaze nirvana. The volume and the noise level drop with the restrained yet intense 'A Farewell' which features Doug's distinctive use of the Ebow - an electronic bow that allows you to sustain a note on the guitar indefinitely. However things quickly ramp up again with 'Variations' which has a one-note bass groove that gives it an incessant almost bolero-like quality.

This is followed by the loud-then-soft-then-loud-again dynamics of 'The Great Rest' where the melody is carried by the bass-guitar; a distinguishing feature of much of Sound of Seventy Three's music. Next come two tracks that build gradually, each more intensely than the last. 'The First Waltz' starts with some gentle arpeggios and lap-steel volume-swells that slowly build until finally it climaxes with tremolo picked guitar, lap-steel, and Stylophone all playing the melody in unison. 'You Say Today, I Say Tomorrow' opens with a chiming guitar riff and beautiful melody to slowly build instrument by instrument, pedal by pedal, to an almost orchestral crescendo at the end. Things get calm and quiet again with 'Jyuu' both the longest track on the album and also the most ambient. This is followed by two tracks that again highlight Sound of Seventy Three's distinctive use of the bass-guitar. 'Ahh, Tow Bots' - originally titled 'Autobots' - is an old favorite from the band's live-set and features bass arpeggios played on an Agile Harm 1 Extended Scale Guitar - A Fender Bass VI style instrument that resembles cross between a bass and a baritone guitar. The track ends with that same bass playing full-on distorted chords toward the end. 'Spilt Milk' has the bass again handling the melody and sees a return of Doug's distinctive use of the Ebow to add interest and tension to the melody. Finally the album ends with the gentle and relaxed 'The Way We Feel' where guitar and six string bass double one another playing chord-melody as a delayed Kaossilator adds a gentle rhythmic bed underneath.


name: ILL-Emental
sku: soundami-illemental
upc: 847646003787
description:
Deeply rooted high energy electronic dance music. A musician, martial artist, dancer, and aerialist Jordan has an innate need to express the strange and mystifying tunes that populate his head and watch as they become energetic and tangible movement on the dance floor.

About the pieces on this album:

Wind - gliding along like a leaf getting blown by the wind.
Water - Triumphant journey that starts on the calm shores, ends up in the stormy waters and dives into the depths of the sea.
Electricity - high energy, melodic dubstep with spastic basslines.
Earth - bone crushing dubstep that will melt your face.
Machine - mechanical destruction and computerized melody.
Fire - explosive and action packed coupling dubstep and ghetto hip hop.
Pain Reliever - Epic hip hop that fuses Hans Zimmer, dirty basslines, haunting guitar melodies and floor stomping beats.
Aerial fantasy - drum and bass with a beautiful chords and smooth guitar licks.
Leave you there - funky retro disco house
Dreams dont sleep - sexy and smooth rnb to ease your mnd and calm your soul.


name: Autophile
sku: spinecar-autophile
upc: 876809000622
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258070311&s=143444
description:
A best selling genre album on Magnatune, Autophile feature's Spinecar's darkly precise yet deeply cathartic hard rock/metal, built on the the new and interesting structures that they've proven so adept at bringing in to their music. With its cascading, yet tightly controled fury, "Home" is the culmination of everything they've done so far, and "Soul Patch" is another great example of how experimental they can get with structure, without ever losing interest. Their work remains tight and cohesive no matter where they go with it. Most importantly, really good metal has to have both real darkness and real musicianship, and this album has both of these in spades. Eric Braymer and Larry Gagliardi sound genuinely wrathful in a way that surely gratifies the metal gods, while drummer Art Bernstein keeps it all in the pocket with a masterful sense of timing.


name: Passive Aggressive
sku: spinecar-passive
upc: 876809000615
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257926595&s=143444
description:
A handful of Spinecar's rare recordings surface on Passive Aggressive, a collection of some of their more obscure, previously unreleased material. We love Eric Braymer's vaguely Celtic guitar line on "Into You," and are thrilled that Art Bernstein was so into it that he stepped away from his typically more restrained/minimalistic style to get really medieval with that one. The cathartic "Release" has that really interesting, sine-wave structure that so defines much of Spinecar's music--and both "True" and "Backstabber" are Spinecar doing what we think they do best--album rocking!


name: Up from the mud
sku: spinecar-upmud
upc: 876809000608
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=25Y8160860&s=143444
description:
Like the very best album rock of the 1970's, Up From the Mud by New York metal trio Spinecar explores a lot of what's making metal so interesting lately. Asymmetric grooves stay low to the ground while Eric Braymer's vocals alternate between soaring and searing. The musicianship here is exceptionally strong throughout and we're especially fans of drummer Art Bernstein's unexpected rhythms and minimailist approach to metal drumming. Recommended tracks include "Waste Away," the fantastic album rocker "Smoke" and "KC Ripoff." "Leech" is a bit of a miss, but everything else here is great. Check it out!


name: Unexpected Guest at a Cancelled Party
sku: spoons-party
upc: 876809002459
description:
A new, long awaited album has finally hit the streets. Aptly entitled "Unexpected Guest At A Cancelled Party", the album is packed with previously unreleased recordings and concert favourites from the vintage 1982 - 1985 years.

Listen to Spoons ... again, or for the first time ... and join in the retro 80s fun.


name: Static in Transmission
sku: spoons-static
upc: 847646006320
description:
A unique brand of upbeat, danceable music that quickly become anthems. Gold. Who could have predicted the magnitude of a phenomenon known as "retro 80s"?

The songs were written in a six-month period in 2010 and roughly in the order they appear on the album. The album was recorded at Producer Jeff Carter's studio in Guelph Ontario. The music video for the first single "You Light Up" was filmed in Toronto Ontario. The cover for the CD features a picture of Sandy Horne and Gordon Deppe and numerous symbols and signs including morse code, circuit diagrams, and even hieroglyphics. Fans who purchased the album were challenged to find secret codes that would unlock two additional bonus downloads on the band's official website.

Static in Transmission is the 8th studio album by the Canadian New Wave band Spoons. Released in early 2011 on CD and iTunes it is their first album of new material in 23 years since 1988's Vertigo Tango.


name: Chillin
sku: stanislav-chillin
upc: 847646009505
description:
Stanislav is so much more than you would expect from a self proclaimed house/techno music producer, this album reaches further into the chillout camps than perhaps Stane Spegel (the man behind Stanislav, Monom and HouseMouse) himself would even like to admit. Light, funky, ambient and drum'n'bass-chopped beats, and laid back jazzy melodies with a touch of retro electronica are the order of the day here.

Chilin offers a journey through ambient electronic music territory. This is an album you can actually sit down and listen to without skipping that 'too happy' or 'too sad' track. Remix of the famous "Gymnopedia No 1" by first ambient music composer Eric Satie is included.

KEY WORDS: Laid-back, cool, smooth, ambient, jazzy, instrumental, atmospheric


name: Theatralica
sku: stanislav-theatralica
upc: 847646009512
description:
Theatralica is not classical, jazz, rock, ethno or electronic music. And yet it's all of this - a mixture of all these genres. Exclusively instruments from the set of a symphony orchestra were used in composing and production of the songs. Sounds of the "classical" instruments appear in the primordial sound shape especially in the harmonies and melodies. In modified form - with the use of filters and effects - "classical" instruments appear as a rhythmic accompaniment. Musical themes are flowing through a kaleidoscope of moods. As a whole they can be understood as a "soundtrack" from a not yet recorded movie or theatrical performance.

Theatralica is classical music, caught in a pop form, under the baton of the virtual conductor, with the approach of the composer, who has in the past mainly dealt with the production of electronic music.

KEY WORDS: ELECTROAKOUSTIC, CLASSICAL MUSIC, ETHNO, ROCK, SOUNDTRACK, JAZZ


name: The Art of Analog Diversion
sku: stargarden-art
upc: 876809000578
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258160609&s=143444
description:
WIth its lovely circular structures and space-y synths, The Art of Analog Diversion is a pared down ambient album that works just as well in the background as it does in the fore. Faithful analog and digital synths are featured alongside vintage drum machines, and together these sounds form patterns that morph and take on different sonic shapes as each track progresses. On this album, Bobby DeVito has found the exact line between ambient/"wallpaper" music and more melodic/narrative forms, and he explores that space very thoughtfully, with great results.


name: Ambient Excursions
sku: stargarden-excursions
upc: 876809000592
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258160926&s=143444
description:
The aptly titled Ambient Excursions is Stargarden's best-selling album to date, and provides the listener with a big, cosmic yet infinitely subtle listening experience: entire sonic geographies unfold slowly in front of Bobby DeVito's wide lens, revealing far-away worlds of both pure sound and pure pattern laid overtop the sound, like shadown and light playing on a sonic topography. The trace doppler patterns in "Millenia" create perhaps one of the most subtly captivatingly ambient tracks of all time while the oh-so laid back groove of "Astral Dub" lends temporary structure to the cosmic clouds. Put it on and let it slowly unfurl.


name: Five
sku: stargarden-five
upc: 876809007409
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/five/id336089484
description:
"Stargarden "FIVE" is quite possibly the ONLY ambient recording ever made during a hurricane. Bobby D was living in Key West playing music, and happened to be there during Hurricane Ernesto. The Keys were evacuated, but Bobby decided to stay and ride the storm out. He rented a bunch of gear, got some supplies and refreshments, and hunkered down to wait for the arriving storm. During the storm, Stargarden "FIVE" was composed and recorded, using 24bit/96K high resoution audio.

While the album is quite a bit shorter than most of the other Stargarden releases, "FIVE" has a unique sound and feel. Perhaps the act of creating ambient music in the midst of a hurricane helped to make this album a bit different than the other Stargarden albums. This album is the quiet before the storm, as well as the sounds created in the eye of the hurricane.

Give "FIVE" a listen...this may well be the most unique and beautiful album by Stargarden yet!"


name: Music for Modern Listening
sku: stargarden-modern
upc: 876809003302
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257926716&s=143444
description:
Appealingly low-key, Music for Modern Listening is Stargarden's most cosmpolitan and groove-oriented work to date. "Mural" gets things off to a nicely urbane start with it's crushed beats and subtle, vespertine tones, and Bobby DeVito follows this up with "Perdido"--a great juxtaposition of blurry bells with delicately eccentric rhythms. We also really like the suave bass and artfully textured synths of "Termoli" as well as the sultry sounding "Rutile." This album may lean slightly away from the space music sound for which Stargarden is known, but it can be good to come back down to earth every now and then, and Music for Modern Listening proves just how great Stargarden sounds back on good ol' terra firma. Cover photography by Michael Mattis.


name: Step Off
sku: stargarden-stepoff
upc: 876809000585
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258160706&s=143444
description:
When Stargarden tells you to "step off," it's clear that they mean "off" of the normal platform of daily life, and directly into a big night sky of softly pulsating ambient sounds. Bobby Devito has a real talent for juxtaposing interesting sonic patterns, which then somehow become these ever-expanding and shrinking sound forms and give his music a natural, even organic quality. It's ambient/space music, sure, but it's very structured, so it lends itself well to studying and working. Tracks we particularly like include "From Here to There," "Anger Management," and "The Dream Is Alive."


name: Star Of The Sea
sku: stellamara-starsea
upc: 876809000561
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257815449&s=143444
description:
We simply never tire of the hauntingly elegant Star ot the Sea by Stellamara. Sonja Drakulich's rich, siren-like vocals are paired with stately, reverential beats, and an exceptionally rare mood is established as a result-one both seductive and solemn. This album draws on the most arcane and ancient melodies from 13th and 15th century Galacia, Croatia, and Persia, and makes them relevant and engaging. "Zephyrus" is an incredible track, as is "Immrama"-an almost incomprehensibly subtle medieval Irish song concerning a hero's sea journey to the Otherworld. "Stellamara cut directly to the devotional essence of music." -SF Weekly . Highly recommended.


name: Goode Christemas Musicke
sku: potvin-christemas
upc: 876809006044
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=205191137&s=143444
description:
"Goode" is definitely an understatement here. Recorded at St. Paul's United Church with the Niagra Children's Chorus and the Con Brio Choir, the freshly angelic choral pieces on this album album sparkle like sugar on a plum. Stephane Potvin is known for his energizing effect on the choral groups with which he works, and you can definitely hear his influence in the music. Pure delight.


name: Set Future
sku: schweyen-future
upc: 876809007843
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/set-future/id266931886
description:
Stephens' first album Set Future was two years in production. The songs are original electronic ambient techno with a distinct sound and production technique for each of the twelve tracks.


name: Are You Out There
sku: sterling-areyouout
upc: 876809009472
description:
With just 4 songs, this EP contains some of Sterling's earliest work and his first foray into more rhythmic space oriented music. If you enjoy his other material, you are sure to want to check out some of these songs which set the stage for future full releases such as "Paradox" and "Spaceflight".

Enjoy a glimpse into some more of Sterling's impressive catalog. He is really pleased to be able to have the chance to share it with so many great listeners here on Magnatune and hopes you enjoy this and his other releases. "Are you out there?" marks Sterling's eighth Magnatune release. (Album cover credit: NASA/JHU APL/CIW.)


name: Beyond Human
sku: sterling-beyhuman
upc: 876809009465
description:
Similar to Sterling's recent "Spaceflight", more space oriented music is to be had in this 7 song EP. If you enjoyed "Spaceflight" or any of Sterling's more rhythmic ambient works, we are sure that you will also enjoy this new collection of songs as well. The journey continues. (Album cover credit: Cassini Imaging Team, ISS, JPL, ESA, NASA.)


name: Near You Always
sku: sterling-nearyou
upc: 876809009434
description:
In "Near You Always", Sterling contributes yet another stunning collection of heartfelt electronica to the Magnatune catalog. From the classical sounding "Orchestral" to the pure ambiance of "Love", Sterling continues to explore the realm of intimate electronic music in his own special way. These songs have a purity characteristic of Sterling's earlier works, where emotion and beauty is the primary expression... songs that are simply straight from the heart. (Album cover credit: STS-41B, NASA.)


name: Paradox
sku: sterling-paradox
upc: 876809009441
description:
Paradox is yet another creative electronic offering from the talented and very prolific artist "Sterling". Predominantly upbeat, this album covers lots of different ground. Produced after Sterling's debut album (Sterling) yet never officially released until now, Magnatune is proud to allow listeners to appreciate another one of Sterling's early works. Enjoy. (Album cover credit: Cassini Imaging Team, ISS, JPL, ESA, NASA.)


name: Spaceflight
sku: sterling-spaceflight
upc: 876809009458
description:
With electronic music as intriguing as it is mysterious, Sterling's "Spaceflight" is ready to transport listeners to another dimension of thought and sound. Arranged for the first time, some of Sterling's most exotic space oriented works are now available in the form of this special new release. Put on a nice pair of headphones, turn off the lights, and be prepared to go on a journey into the unknown. (Album cover credit: NASA/Goddard/SDO AIA Team).


name: Sterling
sku: sterling-sterling
upc: 876809004354
description:
Integrating trance, ambient, and breakbeat; Sterling has created a progressive sound that is uniquely his own. His style is represented by intensely emotive work dealing with themes such as loneliness, faith, and transcendence. In Sterling's mind, it goes beyond music. He is struggling to create the soundtrack to a new reality, teeming with so much hope and possibility.


name: Vega
sku: sterling-vega
upc: 876809009427
description:
Through a seamless integration of trance, ambience, and breakbeats; Sterling has created a progressive style that is uniquely his own. Marked by some of his most haunting, intimate and ambient earlier works, this release is destined to be another classic release by Sterling. Prepare to enter into the cosmic sublime with "Vega". (Album cover image from NASA: STS-41B)


name: Brave New World
sku: sterling-world
upc: 876809004422
description:
On this second release, Sterling attempts a more thematic work dealing with the idea of the destruction and rebirth of the Earth. The various songs were produced and arranged within this conceptual framework. In the end, this album came to be a unique experience including more energetic songs along with the trademark ambient works that Sterling has come to be known for.

It makes for a unique and engaging listening experience that leaves it up to the listener as to what they want to feel and how they want to interpret things. Sterling loves to maintain a sense of mystique within his works and this album does just that.


name: Hark, the Glad Sound!
sku: seulberg-hark
upc: 847646003008
description:
Hark, the Glad Sound!: Celebrates the longing and yearning of the season of Advent with the Sweet Song of Dulcimers.

I have longed and yearned to share the beauty of these tunes with you since writing Dulcimer-Friendly Worship in 1993. In the waiting, the arrangements grew and matured. May your soul be inspired to rejoice as you wait.


name: I Celebrate Life!
sku: seulberg-icelebrate
upc: 847646002704
description:
Steve Eulberg weaves old-timey with blues and contemporary tunes adding original songs into a tapestry of "smile-inducing, toe-tapping folkgrass" that captivates and energizes audiences of all ages. In addition to the treasures of the past, Steve loves to create new traditions with the tunes that flow from the sweet river. Floating along with his dulcimers, his music is enjoyed throughout the US, Europe, the UK, New Zealand and Australia.


name: Soaring
sku: seulberg-soaring
upc: 847646002698
description:
This recording has long been requested by my audiences, who wanted to capture the live music experience at home. It is most like my live shows where I trade instruments and weave together original and traditional songs with instrumental tunes as I share the "sweet music" of dulcimers.


name: 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
sku: seulberg-twasmoon
upc: 847646002711
description:
'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

"I've always loved these minor mode tunes and they are especially suited to dulcimers. May they breathe peace and hope into your soul"
- Steve Eulberg


name: The Enduring and the Ephemeral
sku: stevetyler-ephemeral
upc: 847646010983
description:
This is the first CD by hurdy gurdy player Steve Tyler fully comprising his own compositions. (He has previously played and recorded with medieval bands Daughters of Elvin, Misericordia and Woodwose; also, more in the balfolk style, with The Wendigo, Angles and with Jon Swayne and Becky Price.)

There are a few other musicians playing on the CD, most notably on:-

Tethys (track 7): Katy Marchant sings in her ethereal textless way over a building texture created by hurdy gurdies (including the clacking of keys) and reed organ, inspired by the crashing of waves on the beach. The improvised line is taken over by bass viol played by Mike Edwards. Mike (an enthusiastic player in many local bands and an original member of Electric Light Orchestra) was killed in an unlikely accident just before a gig with us (Daughters of Elvin) in 2010. Katy subsequently dreamt of him as a whale, singing and swimming freely amongst the waves. He would have been perfect for this piece and I was lucky to find a single recording from 2007 of his solo improvisation. It so happened that this fitted almost perfectly, as if he had this future track in mind.

Lullaby (track 9): The original version (cittern, voice and violin) created spontaneously beside a dying fire after a nocturnal music session with Jane Harbour during one of her visits to Brancepeth Castle. Jane plays with the band Spiro and was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 to compose Kynde, premiered by the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC singers in March 2017.


name: Portrait of an English Harpsichord
sku: sdevine-portrait
upc: 876809005535
itunes_buy_url: NONE
description:
Steven Devine plays a wonderful selection of pieces on a 1756 Kirckman Harpsichord, each specifically chosen to highlight the tonal characteristics of this amazing instrument. Devine is a wonderfully lively player, and we really appreciate that he chose music by composers who were appreciated in their lifetime, but who are now largely neglected. A deeply charming album.


name: Dirnix
sku: strojovna-dirnix
upc: 876809000554
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257815614&s=143444
description:
Strojovna 7's best selling Magnatune album, Dirnix brings in a nice kind of subtlety and restraint to the often overly-hyper genre of techno. It's still driving, mind you, but in a thoughtful, light-touch kind of way, and we also appreciate how simple and straight forward this album is. "Dezert" is a particular standout. Great workout music.


name: III
sku: strojovna-iii
upc: 876809000547
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257959587&s=143444
description:
From the upbeat near-disco of the opener "Zabudni na to," to the atmospherically cosmopolitan "Loopatchka," III by Strojovna 7 really shows how they've grown from a more experimental techno act from one that knows how to structure tracks exceptionally well. More rhythmically savvy and detailed than any of their work to date, IIIhas some great tracks on it and is absolutely perfect workout music. Our favorite Strojovna 7 album.


name: Mirnix
sku: strojovna-mirnix
upc: 876809000530
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257959591&s=143444
description:
The follow-up to Strojovna 7's Dirnix, Mirnix is also a simple and straight forward album of their light-touch techno, but this one has a slightly more textured and cosmopolitan feel to it, which we like. There's a nice selection of styles represented here, from the subtly boppy and urbane "Lighting Fly" to the aerodynamically lush "TEXEMPO."


name: Number 1
sku: strojovna-number1
upc: 876809000523
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257960043&s=143444
description:
Strojovna 7's first Magnatune release Number 1 is a an experimental yet groovy techno album, with some great sonic layering and treats in it. "Ambi Crack" is our favorite of these with its pebbly textures, but there are other standouts too including "Bycygel" and the lushly ambient closer "Ambicious." [sic] A straight forward techno album with a light touch.


name: Switch On - Switch Off
sku: strojovna-switch
upc: 876809004781
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257961931&s=143444
description:
This album's highly sapient tech-house features Strojovna 07's perfectly proportioned beats and highly textured auditory treats. Unapologetically repetitive and driving, this is the sort of techno that switches off your monkey mind and switches on the dancing feet. Tracks like "Logistic" and "Lienkey" show off Strojovna 07's ability to bring in softer, bionic-feeling sounds that create a nicely dimensional, futuristic tone.


name: 16-9
sku: ssweeney-169
upc: 876809004606
description:
A one man analogue orchestra producing a soundtrack that needs no film.

What's that? It's the noise of 16 tireless months in the studio. It's like listening to three decades in the music industry.

It's also the sound of homemade, hand-welded percussion instruments, without an audible drum. Impressive then, that it's one man and his Mac in Northamptonshire, with two great ears.

His debut long-player, 16:9, is a soundtrack to the greatest of epics - seamless seconds of breathtaking aural vision. Fleeting sonic supernovas that inspire emotion and command attention, while blending beautifully into the natural world of the listener. Think the exploratory moments of Vangelis' Bladerunner score, here rooted in the instrumentalism so vital to the early 21st Century, and its broad definition of 'popular music'.

Bird songs can be heard, punctuating an almost visible landscape, such is the tangible depth to these compositions. Pianos fall gently into background space, as strings, synths and a host of other, often unexpected musical tools combine to create a tragic, heroic and captivating movie in the mind. A road trip on a mass scale, the sombre closing credits of Cherry Blossom Falls offer up Vienna in violin arrangements, while Kaiyu-Shiki transports you to the eponymous Japanese garden, via a thousand crystalised chimes.

Darker moments abound in Memories Lost, as decomposing tape creates a feeling of faded photography and silent, battle-scorched earth. Meanwhile, The Fire Within recounts a town springing into life on a dark winter's morning, as ambient noise becomes hook and then melody. It might seem lazy to reel off disconnected, imagined instances. But then few films have been this vivid in the landscapes and atmospheres they create.

Stuart Sweeney has spent countless hours exploring the English countryside surrounding his home and the sounds to be found, and more importantly recorded, therein. But, far from abstract, all 12 tracks offer something reminiscent of Yann Tiersen's cinematic power, blended with the electronic-experimentation of The Heritage Orchestra. And there's something wholly new too. Far from field music, this is a sublime one-man symphony.

And that's just what makes this release so inspired. Part contemporary classical, part sound art, all compelling. There's no tunes here, just stories being told, moments getting captured and emotions laid bare. All the while remaining under the control of a technically disciplined musical aficionado. Hear the tracklist individually, or hear it all as one. Either way, from beginning to end, while under Sweeney's spell, you won't be doing much else.


name: Designer Bliss
sku: parte-designer
upc: 876809003999
itunes_buy_url: NONE
description:
Wow. Suchita Parte has an incredibly beautiful voice, and Designer Bliss really brings out the natural softness and femininity of it. The opening track, "Tvamekam Sharannyam" is so deeply pretty, as is "Pandurangashtakam" and "Narayanam,"" but really the entire album is a very successful, subtle pop update of a classical Indian style. Parte's dulcet and delicate voice is at the exact center of things (where it should be), but she never pushes it or tries to dominate the overall sound. Completely sublime, highly recommended.


name: Burgundy Rhymes
sku: suchitralata-burgundyrhymes
upc: 876809004231
description:
Love songs, whimsical lyrics, suave instrumentals and everything falls into perspective. Meditative and yet chill music where different colours come to dwell, Magenta, Burgundy, Tangerine and so on. That is the special tone of this album.

Charming, wistful as the title and the title song. "If there were no space, I could reach the stars, I would weave them into, the streets and the cars" I would be making burgundy rhymes, exotic and impossible, yet so within the reach of a child's imagination. Sit back and relax and tap right into that innocent imagination. Not for mindless chilling.

Moonstone Mandala, Basic Necessity and Night Skies make you contemplate as you sink into a new reality. Seductive, they talk about love from beyond time. Burgundy Rhymes and Amethyst Drive are for the imaginative child within.

Moonstone Mandala had me playing a swarmandal- an Indian harp. Fly away could be talking about the lives of elves or a romantic get away, depends on you, entirely!

The instrumentals each have varied aspects of downtempo, jazzy and chill feel added to them.
These tunes get stuck in your head and will have you repeating the playlist.
A little splash of thought in a hurried day? Check out Burgundy Rhymes.


name: Just You and Me
sku: suchitralata-justyouandme
upc: 847646006634
description:
An album dedicated purely to the acoustically rich and rewarding sound of the veena, a stringed instrument of ancient South Indian history and lore.

Featuring a range of ragas, starting from morning prayerful melodies of Bowli, the straight forward Gowla, on to the unique and awe inspiring dignity of the raga Todi, winding on to the flavor of an Indian afternoon in the monsoon with a rhythmic free flowing exposition of the raga Kirvani, and then over to the beauty and charm of the alluring Karaharapriya, on to the laidback Purvikalyani and a lullaby to end it all.

Some of these are interpretations of classical gems, others are extempore free flowing explorations into the form and characteristics of the raga. A traditional musical offering of pure South Indian Carnatic classical music, from the artist and the instrument, to God.

Imagine Indian temples, religious festivals, spiritual quests, contemplation, introspection and the soul's awakening.


name: Lava Lounge
sku: suchitralata-lavalounge
upc: 847646006658
description:
Stylishly contemplative with a twist of red hot active lava on top! That's the sound of this album. I wanted to reflect on the two constant movements within oneself, one inwards and the other outwards. I have attempted to capture the spirit of those subtle movements in this album.

With Coral Symphony, Sunbrella, Blue Petal Lake and Turquoise Beat, it's the introspective, looking within movement, then on towards an outward swing with Star Filter, French Lounge, Purplesse Oblige, Lava Lounge, Riviera Magenta and ending with a very socially interactive Cocktail Disco. Musical portrait of the self!


name: Mediterranean Cruising
sku: suchitralata-mediterraneancruising
upc: 876809004064
description:
How would it feel to take a drive along the Mediterranean, blues skies, sunshine, the car top down, hair blowing in the breeze and your love beside you? This album is the music for those precious moments of living deep and well. Vibes, guitars, sax, piano, strings, whimsical female scatting, jazz undertones throughout and a sweet nostalgia for the best of times in our lives.

Sophisticated, urban and chic, you can just flow into this jazzy lounge album. While some tracks are slower and are like the reflections of sunlight on water by the pool, (Dappled Sealight and Liquid Reflections), with a heartwarming, contemplative, afternoon mood to them, Rive Gauche, Riviera Drive, Smok-a-Mocha have a very chic French cafe feel to them. Ocean Lilt, Pretty Sunshine and Beach Chic reverberate with Bossa Nova warmth. Love today but in the time of Eastman colour!

Happy Mediterranean Cruising!


name: Mobius Strip
sku: suchitralata-mobiusstrip
upc: 876809004484
description:
Mobius Strip in an album where the veena, a traditional South Indian instrument believed to be over 2000 years old, expresses itself in a variety of contemporary genres such as Dance, Funk, House and Pop. On each of the 13 tracks, the arrangement strives for a different colour and texture. While the veena remains true to the grace-oriented classical style, it reaches out and involves other genres to create new tapestries of sound.

Veena, Vocals, Programming: Suchitra Lata.

Harmonium, Additional vocals and lyrics in Kannada on Prayer and Vachana: S R Ramakrishna

Violin: Deepu Nair

Additional Programming on Colour of the Sky, A Tale Unfolds, Shankara and Vachana, and vocals on Colour of the Sky and Shankara: Narayanan Ravindranathan

Drums on Colour of the Sky, Carousel and Metaphor: Tushar

Additional vocals on Carousel: Gokul Abhishek

Fireflies features the rock band Atma. It also features the vocals of renowned harmonium player Vyasamurti Katti.

Cover design: Sudhakar who plays drums for the band Quasar

Recorded, mixed and mastered at The Music Mint Studios, Bangalore by Gokul Abhishek - 2006


name: Trip Along
sku: suchitralata-tripalong
upc: 847646006641
description:
Sophisticated electronica with sultry vocals; female, male and a choir, eclectic in its choice of languages, from English to French via Latin connected with ancient Indian poems (known as cheez in Hindustani classical music) and the hoary Dravidian tongue of Tamil, electronically filtered samples; this album explores musical textures from every angle and language!

The ambiance also shifts in a pleasant kaleidoscopic array, from a happy monsoon welcoming song, to seductive love songs sung to a lover, some also to God, to metaphysical and linguistic contemplation on silence and words, to the grand Latin phrase "Veritas Vos Liberabit"!

Step into a luxurious resort tucked away under the green fronds in a magical forest, or far out on in deep space, high above the clouds and the mist of a moonlit night, or simply deep inside the recesses of your heart and find yourself wafting peacefully into your zen lounge where you are always welcome! So, trip along!


name: Vaanam Vendum
sku: suchitralata-vaanamvendum
upc: 876809004477
description:
This album of Tamil pop songs combines a touch of classical music - where the songs are based on ragas - and adds all the chords and arrangements typical of a pop song, with dashes of Indian classical instruments as highlights (the sarod in Andadi, the veena in the Jalsa Koothu song). Inspired by Tamil film songs which is a major industry (almost as big as Bollywood which deals with Hindi language films with staunch supporters and fans and larger than life stars), this is just a small dip into the long history of Indian cinema music. The making of this album helped me realize that I could pen lyrics in Tamil too. I think you might have as much enjoyment as I did while making this album.

Male vocals: Andadi and Jalsa Koothu feature the vocals of Harish Sivaramakrishnan, a big star touring with his band.
Thaniye Jeevan features Deepak Lazarus who has been tutoring thousands of youngsters in music.
Marandiduma features Chris Avinash, another busy musician and composer himself.
(He also played the guitar on this track)
Female Vocals: Rithisha Padmanabh, with many playback singing credits to her name in the film industry, features on Sondam Illai and Kaatril Varum Paatae.
I sing on Vaanam Vendum and the duet in Jalsa Koothu.
Background vocals - Gokul Abhishek (a most ardent music fan and composer and devoted audio engineer) and me.
Audio production - Gokul Abhishek and me.
A small note about the lyrics - Most of the songs have romantic lyrics. Thaniye Jeevan is about losing your love. Sondam Illai could be a bhakti or devotional song meant for the Blue God Krishna. Kaatril Varum Paatae, my favourite song on the album, is rather an existentialist, spiritual acknowledgement of the oneness of things as we span lifetimes.
Mike Harrison pitched in with the fantastic, night core sort of remix of Sondam Illai which was, needless to say, an instant hit.


name: Chameleon
sku: sulis-chameleon
upc: 876809001797
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/chameleon/id371414366
description:
"The hidden secret in this music is balm to the soul" writes one of many UK therapists who use the album as an aid to relaxation and meditation. Some of the music on the album was used in a pilot study at Bristol Cancer Help Centre, UK, and results showed listeners experiencing an increased sense of well-being and relaxation and a significant drop in tension. A physiological test also showed significantly increased levels of salivary IgA (which is an indicator of immune status) and measured decreased levels of cortisol (a stress indicator), marking relaxation and improved mood.

Comments from patients included the following:
"The power of the music uplifted the spirit"
"I felt totally at peace"
"Music to feed the soul and fortify the body"
"The power of the music to disarm and enter people, to lift up their spirits and make them whole is amazing."

Try it!


name: The Vision Of Enoch
sku: sulis-enoch
upc: 876809004170
description:
This is an extraordinary meditative piece, and was recorded in Douai Abbey in the UK. This piece is a setting of inspirational words translated from the Gospel of the Essenes by Edmond Bordeaux Szekely and is gloriously sung by the acclaimed counter-tenor Robin Blaze and soprano Jackie Evill, accompanied only by three pitched singing bowls.

The words are reproduced by kind permission of the International Biogenic Society, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada and are available when you download the artwork.


name: Sitting on the windowsill of Heaven - Celia Harper
sku: sulis-windowsill
upc: 876809007591
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sitting-on-windowsill-heaven/id348776666
description:
Sulis encourages the listener to be embraced by the sounds of its unusual instruments and haunting melodies, creating a musical space for personal reflection. Tuneful and touching music with influences of early baroque and Celtic.


name: Into Heaven
sku: sunpalace-heaven
upc: 876809004439
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257959595&s=143444
description:
After releasing Sun Palace's latest album in December 2005, we were lucky enough to get our hands on this band's year 2000 debut CD?Into Heaven?which received four out of five stars from AllMusic.com and shows the more wistful, contemplative side of vocalist Andriette Redmann's talents. Written and recorded after a series of personal tragedies in her life, Into Heaven's palpable sense of melancholy serves as the ideal counterpoint to Redmann's lighter-than-air voice, and we suspect that fans of Sarah McLachlan and The Sundays will love this album.


name: Give Me a Perfect World
sku: sunpalace-perfectworld
upc: 876809004309
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257816600&s=143444
description:
Angel-voiced Andriette Redmann teams up with Smithereens frontman John Rokosny to make a luxuriant yet lighter than air pop-rock creation. Give Me A Perfect World does more than live up to the promise of the first Sun Palace album, Into Heaven?it is, in fact, an even stronger and more impressive demonstration of Redmann's talents. Highlights include the idyllic title track, the courtly and fateful "Round and Round," as well as the deeply dreamy "Familiar Voices." This album features legendary drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel/Paul McCartney/Elvis Costello) and cellist Jane Scarpantoni (Springsteen/Lou Reed/REM). Highly expressive, highly listenable.


name: Sundowner
sku: sundowner-sundowner
upc: 876809006167
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=277102566&s=143444
description:
Straight out of Manchester, a startlingly fantastic first album from Sundowner who have an expertly trippy, drone heavy sound. Relentless walls of sonic heaviness somehow transmogrify into ethereal bliss with vocals that just absolutely _fly_. on tracks like "High on Strife" and "The Morning Won't Wait." One of the most superlative rock offerings we've ever made on Magnatune. Check it out.


name: The Afro Dub EP
sku: superhifi-afrodubdep
upc: 847646004777
description:
The Afro-Dub EP collects the band's first two 45 inch vinyl releases on Electric Cowbell Records, plus some bonus tracks and remixes. Released in 2012, the "Single Payer" single features the band's original plus a three-part re-imagining of the track by dub and ska legend Victor Rice. "We Will Begin Again," also released in 2012, adds a dub version by Brooklyn dub engineer Prince Polo and a hallucinogenic remix by DJ Trainwreck (bassist Ezra Gale's alter ego). Finally, a dub version of the unreleased "March of the Frogs" by Oakland, CA producer Myles Boisin rounds out the EP.


name: Algoriddims
sku: superdirt-algoriddims
upc: 847646005804
description:
This album is a sound explosion! Inspired by classical harmonies and beats that groove to hell, Superdirt2 (Ras Tilo (electro, programming) and Kapt'n Dirt (cello) recorded their first full-length album.

The album is a synergism of what they believe music ought to be: nine tracks consumed by a deep emotional feeling, completed by an ecstatic and overwhelming groove character. All of this is conveyed through their compulsive need to share their passion of music to everyone who is ready to celebrate the party, which is called life.


name: Opus2
sku: superdirt-opus2
upc: 847646003671
description:
Opus2 is the result of four years of musical research, that opens up a whole new genre of music: the perfect mix of past and future, between analog and digital, between virtuoso-played cello and highly-danceable electronic music.

Opus2 is the second album by Superdirt2 and presents 8 tracks full of deep emotions and groovy, dirty beats, ranging from deep house through baroque to drum'n'bass, dubstep, trip hop and beyond.

Superdirt2 themselves say that, in a way, they are coming from the future and had to travel back in time to achieve this masterpiece!


name: Broadwood Grand Pianoforte 1809
sku: susanadams-pianoforte
upc: 847646010969
description:
The resources of the early 19th Century piano provide a refreshing viewpoint on these well-known works. Broadwood's design allowed the dampers to be divided for the upper and lower part of the keyboard, allowing them to be used independently, a feature which Beethoven actually notated in his music. The use of this "split sostenuto" pedal provides a veil of resonance without obscuring the piano's clarity.

Haydn's Sonata No. 60 exhibits a wide range of sonority, from just a few notes to full orchestral texture. It is easy to picture almost any section being played in the strings or on the horn, bassoon or oboe. One passage especially brings a smile as Haydn clearly indicates that the pedal should simply be held down as the tinkling sound of a wind-up music box resonates in the whole instrument. As he often did, Haydn wrote the closing rondo in the style of a village dance, with surprising shifts of register and contrasts between loud and soft. It is a good-humoured and original work, as Haydn makes complex structures from only a few notes.

When Beethoven's first biographer, Schindler, asked him what he intended to convey in the Sonata Op. 31, No. 2, Beethoven replied that Schindler should read Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest". Rather than rendering a literal interpretation, Beethoven stages opposing forces - a magical atmosphere, driving rhythms, and powerful chordal architecture. The sonata echoes more than a few Baroque characteristics, with its arpeggiated chords, dramatic tempo changes, cross-rhythms and recitatives. It is worth remembering that according to Czerny, Beethoven used to start his days by playing from Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier".

Though born in Ireland, John Field spent much of his life outside of his country. While in England he developed a close association with the piano virtuoso and entrepreneur Clementi, and this in turn led him to St. Petersburg where he lived for many years. Near the end of his life, he returned to Britain, and after his departure he wrote the Nocturne in D, perhaps knowing that he would not see his homeland again. The ethereal Nocturne in B flat is exemplary of Field's poetic approach to the piano.

Two arrangements of anonymous Scottish folk songs conclude this recording. The antique mandolin, restored and played by Clive Titmuss, provides a striking complement to the sound of the antique Broadwood pianoforte.

More period instrument recordings played by Susan Adams and Clive Titmuss on the lute, theorbo, mandora, vihuela, harpsichord and Viennese piano are available on CD Baby and other providers. More information, photos and edited music scores are offered on www.earlymusicstudio.com.


name: Among the Lasses, songs of Robert Burns (1759-1796)
sku: susanrmorris-amonglasses
upc: 847646003855
description:
Soprano Susan Rode Morris and harpsichordist Phebe Craig offer a look at one way Burns heard his songs played. Among the Lasses is the second in the trio collection of the beloved songs of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns.

They have gone back to the original tunes and have created their own bass lines and arrangements based on their knowledge of 18th century music. The poetry and tunes are delightful and refreshing. Burns was not a composer, but a great collector of his national music. He took existing songs that were only partly remembered and rewrote the verses to "mend them" as he wrote. He set his poetry to his favorite fiddle or bagpipe tunes.

Reviews include American Record Guide's comments: "Morris sings with wonderful abandon, never losing control of tone or intonation. She has a lovely lilting voice, sometimes changing her tome quality to a surprising degree as she finds the right timbre for a special moment." "Morris and Craig approach the world of 18th century music making in a most profound way."


name: Between Late and Early - Romantic Songs of Robert Burns (1759-1796)
sku: susanrmorris-between
upc: 847646003879
description:
When singer Susan Rode Morris and harpsichordist Phebe Craig met and performed with renowned Scottish fiddle Alasdair Fraser, they discovered the songs of Robert Burns, Scotland's National Poet.

Few people know that Burns collected his native tunes and songs and created poetry to many of the wonderful fiddle tunes he loved.

Featured on National Public Radio on Robert Burns birthday, this album includes the original version of Auld Lang Syne, which has been played on public radio on New Year's Eve. "This wonderful performance engendered more response that just about any recording we can remember, in this or any other year" said Martin Goldsmith of Performance Today of NPR. "Hauntingly beautiful renditions, skilled, loving, exquisite."


name: Ohhh Henry! - Songs of Henry Purcell
sku: susanrmorris-ohhenry
upc: 847646003862
description:
Henry Purcell was one of England's greatest song writers of the 17th century. This recording is a veritable potpourri for the listener with two dozen songs, some rarely recorded, offering a wide range of expression.

Reviews have praised this recording for its beauty:

"Seldom have these songs of Purcell been given such thoughtful renditions by both singer and harpsichordist...a gorgeous voice, extraordinary continuo playing." American Record Guide.

"If you love beautiful soprano voices, communicative singing or great Purcell songs, I recommend this disc." Fanfare Magazine.

"Ohhh Henry! joyfully transcends... Of the three new soprano collections Morris has the richest imagination in both the selection and interpretation of the music." Washington Post


name: Enchanted Wind
sku: teng-enchanted
upc: 876809004965
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258071948&s=143444
description:
We think Enchanted Wind is global flutist Suzanne Teng's best yet: seven long tracks that showcase her sinuous, slowly unfolding melodies on the alto flute, bass flute, and the rare contrabass flute. The mood here is profoundly quiet and serene; there are no beats at all and the accompaniment on harp, dulcimer, harmonium, and zither is delicate and minimal. The approach shows the full scope of Teng's talent too; stripped of adornment, you really hear how masterful her tone and breath control are, and the music itself is timeless. Listen after a stressful day and marvel, as we did, at how completely it dissolves tension.


name: Kingdom of Mountains
sku: teng-kingdom
upc: 847646010471
description:
Ethereal and evocative instrumental world music at its best exotic flutes, strings and percussion from around the world dance together to create an ancient yet modern global groove.


name: Miles Beyond
sku: teng-miles
upc: 876809004026
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257926764&s=143444
description:
The Chinese define "chi" as the circulating life energy inherent in all things, and on Miles Beyond, best-selling Magnatune artist Suzanne Teng's music is absolutely suffused with it. Serene and mysterious, yet also possessing a subtly lively, spirited quality, this album features her gorgeous contemporary instrumental pieces-soundscapes with exquisitely close wooden flute harmonies, fantastic tribal percussion, thoughtful strings and an overall feeling of well being. "A meticulously composed and arranged work that uses traditional sounds for a new pan-global music." -John Diliberto, Public Radio International


name: Autumn Monsoon
sku: teng-monsoon
upc: 847646010952
description:
Suzanne Teng & Gilbert Levy's Autumn Monsoon features 10 tracks of ethereal and evocative instrumental music played on Native American flutes and drums, percussion, and stringed instruments from around the world. These pieces take the listeners on a mystical musical journey to India, the American Southwest, West Africa, the Saharan desert and even to the galaxy Andromeda, all the while honoring the distinct voice of the Native American flute.

Peaceful, healing, exotic and atmospheric, this album is perfect for relaxing, dreaming of exotic lands, and inspiring creativity.


name: Mystic Journey
sku: teng-mystic
upc: 876809004033
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258160688&s=143444
description:
A lithe, fluid, and graceful album of Suzanne Teng's exquisite pan-global instrumental music, Mystic Journey really delivers the goods with its fantastic performance by Suzanne Teng and her band, as well as its great production values. Teng plays with masterful ease, and it's easy to detect her joy in the performance of these beautiful east-meets-west compositions. Al Martinez of the L.A. Times says: "Suzanne Teng plays music for the soul. This music will stay with me for a lifetime."


name: Whisper
sku: teng-whisper
upc: 847646011096
description:
Intimate and ethereal flute journeys with gentle stringed instruments and hand pan drums that dance together to create serene music to calm your body, mind and soul.

Whisper, nine tracks of soothing expressive instrumentals, was written during the pandemic, when times were (and still can be) very lonely and frightening. From the artists: "We wanted to create soothing, gentle, and quiet music that helped comfort those who listened to it. We discovered that within the intimate and serene music that was coming out was a deep emotional expression that was healing for us and we hope will be healing for our listeners as well."

Whisper, the title track, feels so quiet and gentle to us, it feels like a whisper. It inspired us to name the album Whisper - Music that is soft, breathy and gentle, with a message to be heard.

We wrote and recorded one of our favorite tracks, Sweet Jack, a few days after our beloved 13 year old sweet hound dog crossed the rainbow bridge. Our hearts were open and tender when we sat down to record our musical feelings in dedication to our sweet boy. The song came together in one sitting and so accurately reflects not only our missing him but expresses the joy he brought to us with his love, his playful personality and gentle soul. He would always come into the studio when we were recording, settling down with a little groan and the occasional thumping tail. We still feel him with us and dedicate this song to him, Sweet Jack.

Birgitte on the Steps is an expression of love. We watched the Danish series Borgen and were moved by a scene with Birgitte sitting on the steps in her home feeling the love for her family. Spending so much time with just the three of us (the third being our son, Miles) during this past year, we feel our bond stronger than ever.

Watching Us From Other Worlds is a line from a poem that our son wrote when he was eight.

Ode to Dead Animals by Miles Teng-Levy

Still and cold. Furry and soft. Large or small, cute or ugly. No matter which you will be Remembered! Waiting for the day to pass! Bringing tears to eyes̷0; Watching us from Other Worlds!

We always loved that line and when we added Dann's amazing other-worldly ambient guitar work, this seemed like the perfect time to finally use it as a song title.

Winter Prayer was the first song that we recorded for this new album. It was recorded during the challenging winter at the peak of Covid-19. It is a prayer for those who suffered or may still be suffering from the hardships they've experienced with the hopes that their hard times will improve.

She Dances with the Sea features a magnificent Celtic harpist, Bobbie Jo Curley, who lives with her husband on a boat as they travel the seas. They travel with her instruments and his recording studio and recorded her wonderful harp track out on the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian islands.


name: New World
sku: svara-newworld
upc: 847646001653
description:
Svara is an acoustic poly-musical ensemble: we each bring musical ideas and experience from all over the world: India, Bali, Brazil, Europe (Eastern and Western), America. Rock, jazz, classical, contemporary creative music.

Our goal is an innovative foray into unexplored musical spaces. We are 4 musicians who have experienced deep training in a variety of traditional music forms (including western traditions) from renowned and insightful teachers. We have tried to channel that training, that exposure into a unique and organic musical expression. All of our music incorporates improvisation - some pieces are almost completely improvised; others have an open section for spontaneous exploration.


name: Sweet Teen Killing Machine
sku: stkm-stkm
upc: 847646000830
description:
Self-described as "horror-rock," Portland, Oregon-based, hard-hitting, heavy rock act Sweet Teen Killing Machine deliver an exhilarating, self-titled full-length. Comprised of ten tracks, the album delivers melodic, yet hard rock, each song the soundtrack to a fictitious horror movie.

Sweet Teen Killing Machine make guitar-rock that is as frightening as it is heart pounding. From the supernatural horror of album opener, "Curse of the Bloodwolf" and the album's first single, "City of the Shrieking Dead." To the more human terror of "Virgin White" and "New Meat," Sweet Teen Killing Machine can only be described as the sound of an insane rock beast that always seem to be chasing you.

Ideally, Sweet Teen Killing Machine wants to create soundtracks to movies; so, while writing soundtracks to fictitious movies, they take a scenario, a scene from a movie they've made up in their heads, and create the ideal soundtrack for it.

Originally a basement project between friends, jamming and having a good time, Sweet Teen Killing Machine's debut grew out of that. Never meant to release a record, the ten tracks that compile the album came out sounding so powerful; the members of the band couldn't help but release it.

Those that hear their debut full-length will take notice and go, "more please." Again, like the victims and villains in the horror movies they write soundtracks for.


name: Deep Life
sku: swivel-deep
upc: 876809006037
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=277014166&s=143444
description:
Magnatune artist William Brooks aka "Swivel Neck Jones" makes a foray into atmospheric electronica and suceeds admirably at creating a mellow, underwater-ish vibe. Hammond and vibraphone swirl around crisp, mid-tempo beats for a great listen-while-you-work album. Viva the life aqautic!


name: Mix A Small Impact
sku: synchdub-masi
upc: 847646000878
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mix-a-small-impact/id440922986
description:
One of the salient features of electronic music is the ability to communicate without the use of standardized elements like choruses, vocals, or often even melodies. In "Mix A Small Impact" SynchDub communicate with sounds that's not only full of simple emotions but pries out of the soul, the essence of artistry. This album is a diverse work and mix of driving electronic basslines and beats, but also full with nostalgic and melancholic sounds.


name: JS Bach Laboratory
sku: tmatsuishi-bachlab
upc: 847646002407
description:
J. S. Bach Laboratory / the flute ensemble Spark

This all-Bach album features original arrangements that seek to capture the spirit of Johann Sebastian Bach's original ideas. It was recorded in Hakodate City Art Hall in 27 November 2000 and was first released in 2000 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Bach's death.


name: JS Bach Flute Sonatas and Partita
sku: tmatsuishi-bachsonatas
upc: 847646002315
description:
Johann Sebastian Bach's Flute Sonatas and Partita were chosen for this album as they were particularly well suited to capturing the sound and atmosphere of the hall in its pre-renovation state. Sonate h-moll fur Flote und obligates Cembalo BWV 1030 is played here with flute and cembalo without basso continuo. Partita a-moll fur Flote allein BWV 1013, known in the only surviving 18th-century manuscript as 'Solo pour une flote traversiere par J. S. Bach' is for unaccompanied flute. Sonate e-moll fur Flote und Basso Continuo BWV 1034 and Sonate E-dur fur Flote und Basso Continuo BWV 1035 are played with cembalo and basso continuo, and in this album, the basso continuo part is realized with a viola da gamba.

The recording is carefully designed to record not only the sound of the instruments but the ambient sound of the old hall using a highly sensitive one-point stereo microphone system, a specially-tuned tube amp, and a high-precision clock system. The high standard mode (96 kHz, 24 bit) and the folding of full information into CD format enable the listener to appreciate the hi-fidelity sound and precise nuances in performance.

Takashi Matsuishi plays J. S. Bach Flute Sonatas and Partita, recorded at the Hakodate City Community Centre 2011. This album provides a record of Hakodate City Community Centre Hall's unique acoustic qualities. The hall was built in 1933 in the old part of the city and used not only for various lectures and meetings but also as a concert hall. In the later part of the twentieth century, it fell into disrepair, neglect and was sadly used less and less frequently until it was eventually forgotten. Flautist Takashi Matsuishi rediscovered the hall, noting its qualities as worthy of renovation and, since 2007, he has revived its usage by producing a matinee concert series and promoting its unique properties. The hall's renewed popularity with audiences and the media interest in its revival led to a decision by Hakodate City Council to pursue its renovation, bringing its facilities up to modern standards.


name: Selected Duets
sku: tmatsuishi-duets
upc: 847646002414
description:
The music for this album was chosen from the world-famous educational music book for flute beginners: Selected Duets for Flute: Volume II, compiled and edited by H. Voxman in Rubank Educational library. The music, performed by Spark's Yutaka Okawachi and Takashi Matsuishi, was recorded by recording engineer Yasuyuki Nitta in Tazawa-ko Town Hall in Akita Prefecture, Japan on 4-6 August, 2004.

The album is a useful resource for flute beginners and is ideal as background music in a variety of contexts.


name: Omogin
sku: tmatsuishi-omogin
upc: 847646002391
description:
The title of this album Omogin means 'memory is like a silver flute' in Japanese. The album contains a range of attractive ensemble pieces for two to five flutes.

It includes Joseph Bodin de Boismortier's Concerts pour 5 flute-traversieres sans basse Op15 (important repertoire pieces for flute ensembles on the competition circuit), as well as Spark's original arrangements of Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata und Fuge BWV 565.

The music was recorded in Hakodate City Art Hall on 18 August 2001 and in Toyama Art Creation Centre on 14 - 17 August 2002.


name: Preludes
sku: tmatsuishi-preludes
upc: 847646002421
description:
Preludes / the flute ensemble Spark: this album features a wide variety of music from Johann Sebastian Bach to Maurice Ravel. All of the music is arranged by Spark and was recorded live in Hakodate City Art Hall on 22 March 1999. Photographer Hiroji Fukuda received the Grand Prix of the Fuji Film Commercial Photographer Competition in 1999 with the photo of Spark that features on the cover of this album. This album, originally released in 1999, is Spark's first album.


name: Beethoven Piano and Cello Works
sku: tomkins-beethoven
upc: 876809000516
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257927663&s=143444
description:
One of the most beautiful pairings of piano and cello ever written, Beethoven Piano and Cello Works features the seamless musical partnership of Tanya Tomkins and Eric Zivian. Together, they handle the precarious balance between these two instruments beautifully, and even leverage it in order to bring out the intelligent passion and elegant drama that defines Ludwig van Beethoven's music. A wonderful album.


name: The Living Earth
sku: tatyanakalmykova-livingearth
upc: 847646008027
description:
The Living Earth is a mystical flight, fusion, experiment, the combination of Russian, Slavic folklore, presented in an extraordinary way, full of improvisation and the vocals of Tatyana Kalmykova, as well as a variety of folk instruments from Russia and other countries of the world. The main characteristic of the group is total timelessness, magic and natural sound. The band teeter on the amazing facets of professionalism and shamanic trance, ritual music and the new Symphony in the World style.

The musicians gathered in 2010, creating a group of "Live Earth". Recording came after 3 years of cohesion. In the album there are only natural overtone instruments such as whistle-old Russian violin with wire or hair strings, zhaleika-Russian wind instruments made of wood and bark, flute, beat - plate bronze bells, santur - Iranian string instruments, as well as a Russian dulcimer built with natural harmony, harp, bass with Moroccan core strings, didgeridoo, percussion from around the World - Bender, Rick, darbuka and bass drums.


name: Hum
sku: tearssirens-hum
upc: 847646009734
description:
Tears of Sirens bring the album Hum, using piano, guitar, bass, cajon, theremin, theremini, kaossilator and voices.

The theremin has an almost mysterious and magical fascination, because it's played without any contact. With hand movements in the ether, farther and closer to the antennas, the theremin player controls its tuning and volume.

Tears of Sirens create their own soundbanks using everything from the theremin and the theremini. Their attitude in livesets is to play all that is playable captured by looper pedal, for their grooves; acoustic music but with electronic matrix.


name: Telemann Trio Berlin
sku: telemann-telemann
upc: 876809004927
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257927664&s=143444
description:
The largest newspaper in Germany recently described Telemann Trio Berlin's work as "the delicate correspondence of three musicians," and this collection of selected works by Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philip Telemann, and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach perfectly captures the outstanding ensemble playing of these three accomplished artists. Intimate in character even for chamber music, this album is a lovely assortment of quietly graceful selections, from genteel to joyous.


name: Dreamcatcher
sku: terracottablue-dreamcatcher
upc: 847646010037
description:
Terracotta Blues Dreamcatcher is not only a nod to minimalist boom-bap instrumentals (he cites DJ Krushs ultra-dark 1998 album Kakusei as inspiration). Its gritty, bass-heavy melancholic chill vibe was also audiotherapy of sorts for the DC-area producers weeks-long bout of insomnia he experienced towards the end of 2019.


name: Fenton and Ellsworth
sku: terracottablue-fentonellsworth
upc: 847646011133
description:
The intersection of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive is located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, my hometown (right outside of Washington, D.C.). Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I remember the downtown area as being real sleepy, with a few shops here and there, a bus station, and quite a few boarded-up store fronts.

This is not the case today! Downtown Silver Spring experienced crazy growth and development in the early 2000s. In addition to countless new high-rise apartments, a skate park, and a bunch of great restaurants, downtown now hosts major music venues like The Filmore and cultural spots like the American Film Institute Theater.

"Fenton & Ellsworth" is a batch of beats that I started putting together in my head while moonlighting as a food delivery driver in the Silver Spring area. There are a bunch of food spots around that intersection, so I'm always down there. The album cover is actually a photo I took right before running across that intersection to pick up an order!


name: A Future Long Ago
sku: terracottablue-futurelongago
upc: 847646009567
description:
A Future Long Ago is a collection tracks from my archives that are seemingly disparate in sound individually but yet cohesive when played as a whole.

The songs on this project accurately reflect my eclectic tastes in music. You'll hear everything from hip-hop ("Early AM") to chillwave ("Dandylion") to downtempo ("Lightning") to 80s pop-rock ("87"). The result is a musical journey through the various electronic genres that continue to greatly shape my sound.


name: Shores
sku: terracottablue-shores
upc: 847646001882
description:
Terracotta Blue's "Shores" sounds like what the album cover looks like -- a collection of lush, laid back, hazy hip-hop instrumentals inspired by the sights and sounds of south Florida beaches during a recent family getaway (those are his kids playing near the water btw(. From the smooth funk on "Maxell High Bias" to the floaty "White Sands"", the prolific DC-area producer manages to keep a consistent sound on this press-play-and-chillout project(


name: Spectra
sku: terracottablue-spectra
upc: 876809000738
description:
Spectra is another eclectic mix of hip-hop infused instrumental music from prolific DC-area based producer Terracotta Blue. The sounds on this album run the gamut of electronic music, from the melancholy downtempo banger "DreamVintage (part 1)" to the R+B/trapish vibes of "One Question" and the funky electro-pop stylings of "Pastels." A little something for anyone who loves beats!


name: Teslim
sku: teslim-teslim
upc: 847646006696
description:
Teslim (Tes-LEEM) is a Turkish word that means both "commit" and "surrender," It is also a musical term for a "recurring musical theme" in Turkish music. Like a character who appears in a sequel or a repeating line in a poem, the teslim invokes a feeling of returning home. For Flexer and Hegedus, creating this music has given them a deep sense of coming home both personally and musically.

These two composers have been profoundly moved and inspired by the power of traditional Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Jewish and Balkan musics. Flexer and Hegedus listen to, study and perform repertoire from these traditions with reverence and respect. In their work as composers, they are searching for their own voice - one that takes inspiration from tradition and follows where it leads.

They feel fortunate to have found in one another a kindred spirit who shares a common artistic vision. For them, the recurring theme, the teslim, is that the trust they have in one another musically has allowed them to both commit and surrender to their own individual voices, hopefully creating something larger than either one of them. It is their wish that this voice reaches into you and that you are inspired to continue the cycle of beauty and hope.

Musicians featured on Teslim:
Kaila Flexer - violin, viola
Gari Hegedus - lauoto, baglama, bulgari, divan, cura, lavta, oud, tarhu, frame drum, penny whistle
Shira Kammen and Julian Smedley - fiddles
Olov Johansson - nyckelharpa
Liza Wallace - harp


name: The Furious Guitar
sku: alienet-furious
upc: 876809002800
description:
Think..."What if Steve Vai, Metallica, King Crimson, Ozzy, Yes, Sabbath, Nirvana, The Beatles, STP, NIN, Zeppelin, Van Halen and Frank Zappa were all thrown in a blender with some Tequila and strawberries - that just BEGINS to tell the story...

The Furious Guitar was recorded for one reason only... To rearrange the status quo landscape of the last decade of rock and roll. "I am fucking bored to fucking tears by today's bands," is a mike e.t. quote.


name: Psychobabble
sku: alienet-psychobabble
upc: 847646000595
description:
What if you took Steve Vai, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, old Genesis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Nirvana, Black Sabbath and Kelly Clarkson, rolled them into a joint, smoked them and then did a shot of Patron??? You'd KINDA get the Alien, but then again, nobody gets the Alien, he's too f***ed up... Uranus is a crazy place...

Guitar madness and excess of the highest order. A psychedelic yet hard rocking album of gigantic complexity. Just listen to the silky, scintillating, seductive, suicidal, sonorous, sweaty strains of music and let your brain cells melt...


name: Bach arranging and arranged
sku: bachplay-bacharr
upc: 847646001684
description:
Bach arranging and arranged : What happens when great composers arrange each other's works? Johann Sebastian Bach gave Pergolesi's Stabat Mater a new text and a new viola part, making a fresh piece that speaks both of Germany and Italy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave string players the pleasure of playing fugues from the Well-tempered Clavier II: fresh arrangements by The Bach Players complete the set of all the four-part fugues from this work.

J. S. Bach, Fugues from the Well-tempered Clavier II, arranged for string quartet by W.A. Mozart, K 405, c. 1782 G. B. Pergolesi, Stabat Mater in F minor, arranged by J. S. Bach on the text of Psalm 51: 'Tilge, Hochster, meine Sunden', BWV 1083, c. 1746

Rachel Elliott: soprano
Sally Bruce-Payne: alto
Nicolette Moonen: violin
Rodolfo Richter: violin
Huw Daniel: violin
Sophie Barber: violin
Anne Schumann: viola
Alison McGillivray: cello
Elizabeth Bradley: double bass
Pawel Siwczak: organ

"The performance is a delight from start to finish. All too often this music is spoilt by the uneven results and almost invariable rivalry stemming from the partnership of a soprano with a counter-tenor. Neither Rachel Elliott nor Sally Bruce-Payne is over-assertive or over-eager to take centre stage, much preferring to preserve the penitential context of the piece and the ethereal beauty of the music ... In short, no rival version that I have heard on disc, and there are several, matches this one. Well-judged tempos and an ideal recorded sound set the seal on a particularly satisfying issue. To hell with the credit crunch, go and buy it, at once."
Nicholas Anderson, International Record Review, February 2009


name: Every One a Chaconne
sku: bachplay-everyone
upc: 847646001677
description:
Every one a chaconne

This programme is centred on the chaconne: we hear how Henry Purcell and Johann Sebastian Bach join hands in this much-loved dance form of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Of the few works of Philipp Heinrich Erlebach that survive, we perform a suite that concludes with a chaconne. The two Bach cantatas are contrasting: BWV 150 is said to be Bach's earliest surviving cantata, BWV 78 was composed in Leipzig at the height of his career.

Rachel Elliott - soprano
Clare Wilkinson - alto
Nicholas Mulroy - tenor
Matthew Brook - bass
Nicolette Moonen - violin
Rodolfo Richter - -violin
Anne Schumann - violin / viola
Rachel Stott - viola
Alison McGillivray - cello
Elizabeth Bradley - double bass
Marion Moonen - flute
James Eastaway - oboe
Catherine Latham - oboe
Alastair Mitchell - bassoon
Silas Standage - organ / harpsichord

"There's something about the openness of sound, the sheer quality of music-making and the sense of connection between performers and composers that makes this a very special recording. Its contents explore the world of the Baroque chaconne, a secular dance form that became a staple of music for the concert room and chapel. The challenge of creating a piece above a repeated bass line certainly appealed to Bach, Purcell and the little-known Erlebach, each on inspired, inventive form in the works offered here. The Bach Players ... reach the music's emotional heart with tremendous conviction."
AS, Classic FM magazine, January 2010


name: Italy versus France
sku: bachplay-itvfrance
upc: 847646001363
description:
Italian or French? Jean Baptiste Lully and Arcangelo Corelli were the champions of these two musical styles and the main subjects of the many attempts to establish which style was better. Or could the two styles be united? This programme paints a musical picture of the seventeenth century in Europe, through the music of Corelli, Lully, and their contemporaries.

Chief among the reconcilers was the organist and composer Georg Muffat. German but of Scottish ancestry, it was he who introduced both styles to Germany. Also included are Rebel's homage to Lully and Couperin's to Corelli.

"This is the most enjoyable programme of seventeenth-century chamber music I have heard in a long time. The recording manages to capture the strings in gutty rather than silvery detail so we relax and enjoy the music without suffering from steel-string fatigue. Altogether, this is a wonderfully diplomatic programme which brings the best out in everyone - French, Italian, German and performers alike."
- Simon Heighes


name: Nun Komm
sku: bachplay-nunkomm
upc: 847646000458
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nun-komm/id432579622
description:
Nun komm! explores the form of the French overture in two of Johann Sebastian Bach's cantatas and in a piece by a predecessor: Philipp Heinrich Erlebach. The Bach Players gather their fullest forces to perform the two thrilling cantatas. Interspersed is Isaac's 'Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen', sung a capella and in two instrumental settings.

J.S. Bach, Cantata 'Nun komm der heiden Heiland', BWV 61
Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Suite
Heinrich Isaac, 'Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen'
J.S.Bach, Cantata 'In allen meinen Taten', BWV 97

"... this quite magical disc. Intimate, infused with joy and overflowing with genuine affection, this is music-making which combines enthusiasm and craftsmanship to create something both rare and precious. ... these are performances which stand out from the crowd for their freshness, vitality and sense of total commitment to the music"
Marc Rochester - International Record Review, November 2010

"This is an admirable recording: intelligently conceived and well performed. Both cantatas open with a chorus in the shape of a French overture: in no. 61 it's the slow introduction that incorporates phrases of the chorale, whereas in no. 97 the singers don't enter until the Vivace. The Erlebach piece, published in 1693, consists of a French overture followed by the usual suite of dances. The other theme of the disc is Heinrich Isaac's 'Innsbruck ich muss dich lassen', heard as a vocal quartet and as instrumental fantasias by Christian Hollander and Paul Lutkeman; and, lo and behold, it's the very tune that becomes the chorale melody at the beginning and end of 'In allen meinen Taten'. ... Nicolette Moonen plays brilliantly, as she does in the tenor aria of no. 97, with its roulades and double-stopping. Even if you don't like Bach sung one-to-a-part, you can't fail to enjoy these performances."
Richard Lawrence - Gramophone, December 2010

* IRR Outstanding disc (November 2010)
* BBC Radio 3, CD Review Disc of the Week (December 2010)


name: The Bell Hours
sku: bellhours-bellhours
upc: 847646006962
description:
The music on "The Bell Hours" is an eclectic and sentimental take on modern Rock and Roll, taking lyrical themes from more modern times and ideas with our impressions of love, compassion, and mindfulness (not to mention anger and jealousy) and combined it with musical themes stretching from Folk, Rock and Roll, Indie, Hip Hop, and Jazz, culminating in a rich pop music experience with amazing replay value.

The group of talented musicians inspired by the music that came together to tour the album have done an astounding job in translating the dynamics and moods live that the album captured in its recordings.


name: Easy Weather
sku: bellhours-easyweather
upc: 847646007266
description:
The music of The Bell Hours is an eclectic and sentimental take on modern Rock and Roll. Taking lyrical themes from more modern times and ideas with our impressions of love, compassion, and mindfulness (not to mention anger and jealousy) and combining them with musical themes stretching from Folk, Rock and Roll, Indie, Hip Hop, and Jazz, it culminates in a rich pop music experience with amazing replay value.

The group of talented musicians inspired by the music that came together to tour the album have done an astounding job in translating the dynamics and moods live that the album captured in its recordings.


name: Now is The Time
sku: bots-now
upc: 876809000509
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257927668&s=143444
description:
Awesomely nerdy new wave here folks. There's something incredibly great about the lyrics of The Bots' fun, driving techno. Verses that would be super cheesy if delivered by a carbon based life form become delightfully campy and even a little fascinating when sung by "Synthia." When she utters phrases like "You've got to keep on pushing to a higher level" in the first track or "A good groove makes a captive of me" in her clipped, disaffected computer voice, it sounds precisely the way an android band would if they were earnestly trying to imitate club music. Whether it means to or not, this music ends up being a great parody of human beings' attempts to be devastatingly sexy and cool, and it just works somehow. It's also fantastic workout music.


name: Truth_
sku: bots-truth
upc: 876809000493
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=258160699&s=143444
description:
The Bot's brand of awesomely nerdy new wave/techno gets even better with Truth, a driving dance album featuring the world's first virtual band. "Synthia" gets slightly darker with the lyrics on this one, and we really feel the cyber-pathos when she frets that "the world is changing so fast around me" or that she's "trying to make this life worth living." We also particularly love that she says she's "just trying to keep it real," or when she announces that "she's losing control" in her utterly detached tones ("Don't Funk With The Funk Junkie"). Yes, folks, it's true: Synthia's charms go way beyond the cyber-double-Ds that her creator dreamed up for her. Check out The Bots today.


name: Everything Comes to Those Who Wait
sku: celticreggae-everythingcomes
upc: 847646006207
description:
'Everything comes to those who wait' by Celtic Reggae Revolution features a mix of reggae versions of traditional Irish songs and original Celtic/Reggae fusions. Well loved traditional Irish songs 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' and 'Spancil Hill' are reworked in reggae style on, respectively, 'Raggle Taggle Reggae' and 'Spancil Hill/Gordon Wilson is a forgiver'. Original tune compositions include 'reggae reels' - a blend of reggae and traditional reels - 'Gandhi's Triumph' (with its delightfully syncopated rhythms) and 'The Very Hairy Rasta Fairy' and Brian Gilligan singing the laid back 'You Got to Laugh' and 'The United Mistakes of America' (complete with Hillbilly banjo and reggae beat).

The lineup features Northern Irishman Jarlath Henderson, one of the finest exponents of the uilleann pipes in the World, he is a talented and versatile musician who also plays, low whistle, tin Whistle, flute and cittern in addition to having a fine voice. He regularly guests with Scottish bands Capercaille, Salsa Celtica and Phil Cunningham. Martin MacDonald from Lewis also features on guitar and his performances on "Good People" and "Raggle Taggle Reggae" in particular, are highlights of the album. Tom Roche from Cork, (Accordion) also features on some tracks with his "Sliabh Luachra" style and Egyptian Aly Salam features on drums and percussion.


name: Shop Sessions
sku: dimples-shopsessions
upc: 847646006993
description:
HandPans (or "Hang"), are a fairly new instrument. They were Invented in Switzerland in 2000. They're a relative of the Steel Pan and are, as the name implies, designed to be played by hand.

Judith and Colin connected in late 2013 and they've been playing together ever since. Inspired and delighted by an absolute passion for the beauty and resonance of the "singing steel," Colin and Judith are The Dimples.

When starlings flock together, wheeling and darting through the sky in tight, fluid formations, it's called a murmuration. Using basic melodic structures as framework for improvisation, The Dimples create murmurations of harmony and rhythm.


name: Filmscore
sku: dinohaak-filmscore
upc: 876809004620
description:
The Dino Haak Collective's Filmscore was conceived as the musical accompaniment to a tongue-in-cheek, yet grandiose commentary on the obscure side of existence. The band had a unified vision, to create music that transcends the usual and predictable and above all to continue their quest of finding the "perfect groove".

On board this time are German artist Dino Haak on the Mobius Megatar and vocals, DJ James Ho from Taiwan, Seattle's own Artis the Spoonman (Soundgarden, Zappa, Audislave etc.) on spoons and Alex Westcoat (Say Hi!, David Banzan) on the drums. With "A herd of wild Elephants coming right at you", "You guys are so Star Wars", "and a Heavy Nintendo vibe", the music transcends a variety of genres and attracts fans of artists such as System of A Down, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, The Prodigy and George Clinton.


name: Switzerland Your Light Is On
sku: dinohaak-switzerland
upc: 876809008109
description:
With "Switzerland Your Light is On", The Dino Haak Collective is again staying true to their unique style and mission of creating the unusual. Like every DHC album, it has its own idea and conceptual script.

S.Y.L.I.O can be seen as the band's tough and gritty "American" album. It is heavy, it is dark, and in true DHC tradition, ever so focused on the groove. "Switzerland Your Light is On" comes with a healthy, charming dose of controlled anger along with the usual tongue-in-cheek humor the band is known for. On board with Dino Haak and The Collective this time are Troy Glessner on guitars, Sean Siner on drums with guest musicians Marino Corriea (Hammond organ) and Phil Peterson (cello, trumpet).


name: Black and White
sku: thedirtylove-bandw
upc: 847646001295
description:
"The Dirty Love" definitely have Punk sensibilities and attitude, but the music is far more intricate than your average Punk band. There is a clear sound and excellent instrumental passages."

The band writes of this album:
When writing Black and White we wanted to touch on subjects that really provoked us and just let people have it. I think its a diverse record in the way of styles, there is something for everyone on here. Its definitely a more raw album than our previous and has plenty of live feeling energy, which is something else we really wanted to do this time around. All in all its 10 songs of pure bliss, great to drive to and I think people will relate to the messages being said here.


name: Hurricane Tide
sku: thedirtylove-hurricane
upc: 847646004029
description:
Hurricane tide is a stripped back version of "The Dirty Love's" normal hard rocking self. Featuring well written songs from the heart, loads of great melody and some monster guitar solos that make your ears just want to melt. It's raw, and for the most part live: a must have for the classic rock/punk/acoustic music lover.


name: Roulette Romance
sku: thedirtylove-rouletterom
upc: 847646001301
description:
We wrote Roulette Romance in '09 and we were still pretty young. It has got a lot of attitude and speed about it and some really good catchy tracks that people seem to like. It is rock'n roll and it is pop and it even features a slow track with an acoustic guitar.


name: All Directions
sku: donnistrio-alldirections
upc: 847646007426
description:
All Directions is the first album by The Donnis Trio released in 2007. The album's mix of rock, folk, and reggae, clearly showed they had a disregard for marketing and pigeon holing themselves into one specific style. However, the songwriting and feel of the music is top notch.

Fuelled by the songwriting of Nate Donnis and the production of Phil Woodring the music has honesty, simplicity, and complexity. A few of the songs off the album regularly receive over 1 million plays every 3 months on Pandora Radio. If your a Dave Matthews Fan, a Nick Drake Fan, or even Tom Waits your going to love this.


name: Cole Pond
sku: donnistrio-colepond
upc: 847646007464
description:
Most of the tracks on this album are drawn from the lens of nature and childhood memories. Driving in the summer to vacation at Cole Pond with the family or feeling the warmth of a fire lit room in the winter. The music sought to capture the magic of these experiences as they were so fondly recollected.

This is a great album to listen to while driving through the country and small towns or just something to put on at home when you want to have some wine and relax.

"Cole Pond" is collection of folk songs released by The Donnis Trio in 2012.


name: EP One
sku: tee-epone
upc: 847646000939
description:
The Easton Ellises aim to create music for auditoriums as much as for dance floors. The result is a combination of side chained electronic music with a mix of rock n' roll. A synthesizer making love to a Les Paul. A TR808 transgendered into a Ludwig supraphonic.

It's all about sex, love, fantasies and addictions. Painted women, impossible love, liquor and machine guns.


name: Open Sezame
sku: greatmook-sezame
upc: 876809008239
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/open-sezame/id377988847
description:
A darkly pleasing romp through industrial/electronic/hard-rock genres.

The artist (The Great Mooklaa Herashaa) writes: I am attempting to take the listener on a journey, a journey that mirrors my own, in that it follows my own inner search for the music inside to let itself out into reality.

I start with more classic structured songs like Stomp and Discipline which stem from my own past in gothic and industrial music with a hint of BDSM bondage for flare.

Then, add definite parts and arrangements in more experimental pieces with more emotion and unusual sounds and beats of their own such as Multch, Angel and Bloodsong.

Finally, into the realm of trance like ambient states through pieces like Host Of Siafu and an almost psychedelic journey into the underworld itself with Syclicle and The Sterile InsomNiac.

My hope is that the listener when finished will have the feeling of discovering that something special that only music can bring.


name: Apa Ya
sku: headroom-apa
upc: 876809004743
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257927891&s=143444
description:
Full of spice, color, and heat, Apa Ya fuses traditional world music with modern beats and highly advanced audio design to create music in entirely new, never-before-heard dialect of rhythm and sound. This album is a great example of how the world genre is moving into more sophisticated territory without losing any vibrancy. It's one of those albums that simply must be heard to be appreciated.


name: Bereru
sku: headroom-bereru
upc: 847646002179
description:
Bereru is a diversified mixture of fresh and experimental songs between pop, rock and electronica.

Again, Andreas Ecker aka The Headroom Project fuses unusual sound and rhythmic performances with the advanced vocal design using contemporary special software.

Furthermore, Bereru invites the listener to discover sounds never or rarely heard in a musical context, for example the noise of a cappuccino machine which represents the essential element of the beat on "Kiss Someday Babe". Or the crunch of old trees together with a shaman voice on "700 Miles to Nuuk", Watergongs and whispered voices in front of dark machine noises, extremely processed virtual blues guitar solo on "Vanesh da Ginda". Last but not least, the voices of Sigrid Haverkamp on "Funky Star" and "Forever", and Jaqueline Scheider on "I Will Follow" enrich the album with power, personality and charm.


name: Ciri a Doro
sku: headroom-ciri
upc: 876809004903
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257817343&s=143444
description:
Andreas Ecker delivers another batch of his incredibly charismatic, unique take on world music, here conceived as a sleek, futuristic mash-up of imaginary languages layered over mid-tempo electronic beats and jazz-tinged melodies. Artists making this kind of music typically cite bands like Dead Can Dance and Delirium as influences, but Ecker says his run more along the lines of King Crimson, Frank Zappa, and Peter Gabriel. You can really hear the humor and crazy energy of these influences in the music, which sounds like the lost soundtrack to The Fifth Element. A groovy, surprising album-full of exotic flavor and vivid atmospheres. Listen for the fantastic bass performance by Ecker too.


name: COS
sku: headroom-cos
upc: 876809009618
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cos/id422956453
description:
The seventh album of The Headroom Project is a homage of the charismatic and expressive voice of Anna B. who wrote all the lyrics, too. Anna B. was born in South Africa and traveled around the whole world. Today she lives in Munich, Germany. In the 90s she climbed the international charts with some Mainstream pop music hits. On this album, Anna exhibits her talent for a further range of musical expressiveness. Together with the powerful beats and unconventional instrumental arrangements, a very special sound of electronic rock is produced.

All the tracks were recorded in 2005 and have been completely re-mastered for release in 2010. The last song of this mini album is a bonus track in German.


name: Dominus Illuminato Mea
sku: headroom-dominus
upc: 876809007331
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dominus-illuminato-mea/id336082986
description:
"Dominus Illuminato Mea" is the result of an outstanding collaboration between Andreas Ecker (aka "The Headroom Project)" and 5 charismatic artists: Liliana Flores, Jaqueline Schwarz, Peter M. Mahr, Eberhard Geitz and Otto Reiter.

Liliana Flores, Mexico City: Vocals and lyrics for track 10 "Kathrina". Liliana is an actrice, song writer and tv-moderator in Mexico. (She was on the screen for VH1 Latin America during 2004 and 2008.)

Jaqueline Schwarz, Vienna, Austria: Vocals on track 7 "selve amiche" and track 8 "halla hey". Jaqueline is a trained singer (classical and jazz) and earns her money by singing on funerals.

Peter M. Mahr, Vienna, Austria: composition, arrangement, keys, sound programming, mix on track 5 "water meditation", track 6 "blue darkness", track 7 "selve amiche", track 8 "halla heij", composition, arrangement, keys, sound programming, mix and voice on track 9 "2k7". See petermmahr.com (blog).

Eberhard Geitz, Weserbergland, Germany: composition, arrangement, sound programming, keys on track 5 "water meditation", additional keys on track 6 "blue darkness", the incredible virtual guitar solo on track 8 "halla heij", drum programming and virtual guitar on track 9 "2k7".

Otto Reiter: fretless bass on track 8 "halla heij".

Andreas Ecker, Bonn, Germany: drum programming on track 6 "blue darkness", drum programming and voice edition on track 7 "selve amiche", drum programming and keys on track 8 "halla heij". All instruments, arrangement, composition, mix on track 1-4 and 9-14.


name: Haifa
sku: headroom-haifa
upc: 876809004637
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/haifa/id369503474
description:
Do you want to discover a never before heard sound? This album invites you to take a vivid and vibrant journey across the world of music - without borders or limits. Using the latest voodoo-studio-technology Andreas Ecker (aka The Headroom Project) merges hypnotic rhythms with expressive ethno vocals and hyper-real instruments to create extraordinary music beyond all known genres. Alpine Choirs, Polynesian war-shouts, Mongolian overtone-singers, fragile, morbid and heartbreaking guitar-riffs are only a few of the stations you will pass during this totally unique musical journey.


name: Jetuton Andawai
sku: headroom-jetuton
upc: 876809005504
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=267132727&s=143444
description:
Combining amazing sound design with music from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Jetuton Andawai is one of the most vibrant albums we've heard this year. With dazzling vocals, fantastic bass work, and studio voodoo that's just completely off the hook, it doesn't sound like anything else out there. "Linda Morena" is the graceful, near-a cappella intro, and things proceed to get more and more interesting after that. "Jetuton Andawai" sounds like a Bollywood record being played backwards to Peter Gabriel, and "Lost World" is even more trippy, with tumbling, echoey loops and driving bass. "Manu Yu" has a mellow yet infectious groove, and the excellent "Copeuse Concon" combines future-classical Indian vocals with smoky jazz. None of the influences here seem like they should work together (islandy xylophones in a blues track?), but they not only succeed, they succeed wildly for a potent, totally unique sound. "Yesterday" is the most radio friendly track on the album, with pretty vocals by Sigrid Havercamp. But in true Headroom fashion, most of the vocals of Jetuton Andawai are shaped and manipulated to the point where they form new, never before heard languages. It's world pop for the global village.


name: In Kananga
sku: headroom-kananga
upc: 876809006372
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/in-kananga/id371224853
description:
In Kananga transports the heat, pure power and color of West/Central Africa between Tanger (Marocco) and Kananga (Kongo). There we meet the famous medicine man.

The inseparable force of rhythm and harmonies creates floating pictures you never imagined before. The track "How to ride an elephant" explains better that any special elephant-user-guide how to do what it says.

The song "Cutzi" is sung in Purepecha (the language of the Central Mexican Indians) and is an entrance to deeper meditation. Perhaps you will find here even more spiritual power than in the wise words of the medicine man. "Lovedrive" is a rare but at the same time impressive dance somewhere between industrial and trip hop.

Andreas Ecker (aka The Headroom Project), designed new instrument phrases by separating the overtones from existing samples and treating them like independent notes, changing their time-lapses and pitch-curves. You can hear the results on "fragile piano suffering under micro organismas" or on "Gerome" (where the percussion hits in the background).

Andreas Ecker: all instruments, arrangements, mixes. Vocals on "In Kananga"
Liliana Flores: Vocals on "Cutzi" and "Fuimos Cosmos"
Sigrid Haverkamp: Vocals on "Lovedrive" and "Outside"
Coverphoto: Jorn Daberkow (Landscape: Yoshua Tree National Park)
Cover Design: Andreas Ecker


name: Polaris
sku: headroom-polaris
upc: 847646004999
description:
Polaris combines ethno vocals with sometimes smooth, sometimes massive electronic beats and a huge range of wide-ranging instruments. World percussion meets rare and strange tone generators like ancient glass bowls or conch shell horns.

Most of the vocals consist of cutted and recomposed syllables of exotic languages - except "Let there be silence", sung by Sigrid Haverkamp. The tracks 7 to 11 are experimental rhythmic soundscapes including song-like fragments, shaman singer (Polaris) or slow moving trombones over a hypntoic monotone bass (Roll and Roll and Roll).

Andreas Ecker: all instruments, arrangements, mixes
Sigrid Haverkamp: vocals on "Let there be Silence"
Arik Lucian Kami Ecker: baby breath-noises on "Polaris"
Cover Design: Andreas Ecker


name: YA!
sku: headroom-ya
upc: 847646009758
description:
YA! is the 10th album of The Headroom Project, released on Magnatune. It's a colourful journey into sound, a cross-genre kaleidoscope. Andreas Ecker aka The Headroom Project combines powerful african voices with, for example, native peruvian chants and electronica ("YA!" and "Patcha Mama"), Barbershop-chants with a children's music box and jazz/fusion-elements ("Bolebolebu"), noisy textures with poems ("Bereru 2017"), and heavy blues in 7/4 measure with Dark Metal chants. The two most danceable tracks, "I Am Not A Robot" and "Dark Night", are the results of a collaboration with Sigrid Haverkamp.

Andreas Ecker works as a test author of audio software. One consequence of this job is the ability to use new voodoo-software for The Headroom Project. For example, the slightly crazy-sounding female chant of "In der kalten Schachtel" ("in a box so cold") is the result of a transformation of a rather stupid-sounding rap chant from a sample library.

The background-texture of "Bereru 2017" is the result of several sound-destructive plug-ins. Beside technical tricks and unusual combinations of musical elements, humor is one important aspect of The Headroom Project: "I Like That" is a persiflage of traditional German carnival march-music.


name: La Follia Itinerante
sku: hurdy-itinerante
upc: 876809007683
description:
La Follia Itinerante. The itinerant madness. Der Fahrende Wahnsinn.

It is that moment in time and place when the soul catches a slow motion glimpse of itself traveling willy-nilly through the maelstrom of the great vortex. At once noble and base, it is coloured in a chromatic blue melancholy and dry red pathos. There too is the peace that comes with acceptance of one's fate... and the anguished impossibility of not struggling against this same fate... La Follia Itinerante holds up a mirror that we may see ourselves as we really are: beggars before God. And makes us laugh at our own pitiful and ludicrous condition.

A true Follia is unique at each playing. It exists for a moment and then vanishes. This one was caught on a warm and sunny afternoon in a garden house on the southern slopes of the Schwarzwald. It takes as inspiration the Follias of Nicholas Chedeville, Corelli, Vivaldi, Marais and the many other composers, known and unknown, who have added to our treasure store of Follias.


name: Italian Cantatas and Sonatas (GF Handel and Caldara)
sku: kingsbury-italian
upc: 876809004163
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/handel-caldara-italian-cantatas/id370523679
description:
Two of the most dramatic and emotional cantatas of the Baroque period for alto voice share this album with a colorful variety of sonatas from Handel and Caldara. Countertenor Jay Carte joins the Kingsbury Ensemble in this celebration of two of the most successful of Italian opera: George Frideric Handel and Antonio Caldara.


name: Berlin
sku: kokoon-berlin
upc: 876809005177
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=275572148&s=143444
description:
Ok, Berlin is just so damn sexy. Angular, androgynous, pouty?it's a Bowie/Siouxsie-influenced urchin of an album that'll have you strutting around the house like a Milanese model on a Fashion Week catwalk. Highlights include the smouldering opener "Impressions," the world's only New Wave drinking song "We Didn't Go," and the deliciously disaffected "Tap At Floes." Skeptics take note: this is not the trend-hopping New Wave of the last few years; this the direct descendent of New Wave...its legitimate heir.


name: Erase
sku: kokoon-erase
upc: 876809000486
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=280979406&s=143444
description:
For a decidedly new wave album, there's a lot of passion and emotion on Erase. Danyx's brooding, Nico-esque voice has a searching quality about it, and there are some great moments when it breaks out of its stylized discontent to become genuinely melodic and, fleetingly, joyous. Recommended tracks include "Face," "Delicate," the Cure-tinged "Tied," and "Take Me to the World," a bittersweet but ultimately upbeat song that hints at what's to come on The Kokoon's incredible follow-up Berlin.


name: No 3
sku: kokoon-nothree
upc: 847646000885
description:
The tunes on No.3 are catchy, full of hooks and energy while Danyx' voice shows sensitivity and emotions in a way never heard before. The headling song "I'd love to go on" might be the first - yes! - love song they've ever done but without the missing of tragedy and beautiful suffering in a shape of big emotion. "No.3" covers a new step in the music biography of The Kokoon.


name: The Lost Mode
sku: lostmode-lostmode
upc: 876809009168
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-lost-mode/id422908389
description:
Medieval music meets living modal music traditions: The Lost Mode features an eclectic set of music from the Middle Ages, as well as melodies from Sephardic, North African, Armenian, Breton, and Basque modal traditions. Our interpretations are meant to extend, complement, and bridge the gap between written sources and oral transmission.

New compositions based on medieval models stand next to their century-old counterparts. Some melodies are lifted out of their original context, presented in a different meter, or brought to life on instruments that would not have been known in the music's original culture. The result: a multi-layered, time-and boundary-crossing collection of tones, timbres, textures, lovingly held together by the common thread of mode.


name: Crisis
sku: blownaparts-crisis
upc: 847646003596
description:
CRISIS is the brain child of Los Angeles based artist Ajax Garcia and NEWSTED drummer Jesus Mendez Jr.

During The Napoleon Blownaparts US tour stint supporting KISS and WEEZER back in 2001 the band had plans to record their long awaited followup to their 1998 album "Thrill Hype" but due to conflicting schedules plans to record were put on hold as drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. had prior commitments to his other band NEWSTED (see Jason Newsted of METALLICA).

Mendez and Ajax along with new recruit Eric Griffin (MURDER DOLLS) on bass guitar finally entered the studio to begin tracking but because of musical differences the band never got passed the recordings of just two cover tracks with Griffin as part of the line up. The two tracks that were recorded were ultimately released as part of Jetboys Of Babylon (a tribute to The New York Dolls album) which featured David Johansen himself and Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols. Ajax, Mendez and Griffin contributed a blistering version of the Dolls classic Puss In Boots.

Griffin's replacement was bassist Doug Wellmon a young punk rocker from Hollywood California and a former member of the band Pipedown.

When the two musicians finally began tracking they recruited a number of musicians to guest on what would become the CRISIS album including legendary blues musicians John Clifton on Harmonica and the legendary Edward Burke on piano. The 70 year old Edward Burke also played with the Ike and Tina Turner Review in the 1970's. Long time friend and guitarist Jessie Farnsworth also of NEWSTED completed the line up and CRISIS was finally released in 2010. AMERICA'S TIRE company used the opening track HELL YEAH as part of their national advertising campaign and the UK CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE picked up on the second single MY SPACE PICTURES for their tribute to Guns N' Roses insert Sons Of Guns.

Sonically CRISIS is a raw mix of punk rock and garage rock and roll with heavy doses of soul and the blues. Drawing influences from the likes of The Rolling Stones, New York Dolls, The Stooges and heavy tip of the hat to Chuck Berry the CRISIS album takes you on a dark trip down a seedier side of Hollywood California not advertised to tourists.

The classic slash and burn guitars, frantic drumming under the impressive vocal range of guitarist/vocalist Ajax Garcia make up this low-fi gem.

Recognized for his powerful, raw, biting but truthful commentary on our cultural and social condition, Ajax' work on the song "Hedonistic Babies" resonates on every level! Garcia is a post postmodern rarity of authentic swagger and angst, continually serving up his Fresno-born and Hollywood-bred artistry on his own terms. Crisis Starts Now!
Music and street art photographer Karin Lindberg Freda, 2013


name: Thrill Hype
sku: blownaparts-thrillhype
upc: 876809000479
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257818533&s=143444
description:
Biting guitars and gritty, pissed off rock vocals anyone? Yes please. Napoleon Blown Aparts are like a punked up Guns 'N Roses with a dash of The Dolls (See "Unlucky Star"). Ajax Garcia's voice sounds absolutely great on this album, and we can't get enough of his crystal clear, spot-on guitar work either. These guys are clearly rock purists. We like-y. Oh and check out "Sonny" for a totally unexpected combination of bongo drums and "motherfucker" references.


name: Keep Your Head Up
sku: oldrecruits-keepheadup
upc: 847646007150
description:
This album is packed with gritty grooves, sensual female vocals, funky bass and drums and old style keys. A combination of vocal tracks and purely instrumental tunes inspired by 70's cop show soundtracks and Funk Club music take the listener back to a time of car chases through litter strewn alleys, Afro haircuts, purple flairs and smoky bars. So, kick back and enjoy...


name: Lookin' Fly
sku: oldrecruits-lookinfly
upc: 847646008270
description:
Packed full of driving beats, funky bass and electric guitars, dusty keyboards and Disco Diva vocals, Lookin' Fly is a party on your hard drive.

Building on the success of "Keep Your Head Up", the new songs continue the band's tradition of mixing old and new funky disco styles that sound equally at home in any of the last 4 decades.

With The Old Recruits back in the studio after six months on the road, "Lookin' Fly" is a collection of new songs written during sessions held in the first months of 2015.


name: Off the Rails
sku: oldrecruits-offtherails
upc: 847646011201
description:
These are a collection of previously unreleased old songs that have been re-recorded, remixed and remastered, plus a couple of new tracks all recorded during the COVID lockdown period. It was a challenging time for a lot of people for a lot of reasons and so I looked to some old projects for some upbeat inspiration. They were pretty rough tracks that I had put together when I was just starting out in production. I stripped them out, re-recorded most parts, got my son to play bass to help give a more live feel to the music and before I knew it, I had a group of tracks that sounded like a series of 70s Cop Show soundtracks. It provided the spark for some great memories of simpler, happier times. Hope you enjoy.


name: Public Service Announcement
sku: properauthorities-psa
upc: 876809007218
itunes_buy_url: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/public-service-announcement/id128883091
description:
John writes: Keith Adams is a professional drummer who--on the side--writes really perfect pop rock that make me smile.


name: Public Service Announcement (Instrumental)
sku: properauthorities-psainst
upc: 876809009496
description:
This instrumental version of the Proper Authorities' 2009 Magnatune release "Public Service Announcement" provides a modern pop rock bed of groove, drama, intensity, and fun. With the exception of the opening track, the originally lyric-free track "The Supermachine Looks Much Bigger on TV," this collection of songs focuses on a non-vocal soundscape of various moods and timbres. Sometimes playful, sometimes serene, sometimes epic, sometimes melancholic, these tracks are always interesting.

When discussing the approach to writing the original album, Proper Authorities' brainchild Keith Adams described its primary theme as "how time affects our approaches to living... a song about 'You can accomplish anything you want' has more weight and realism to it when you add 'But you'd better step up to the task before it's too late.'"

Though the words are absent, the urgency and attitude of these songs is still very much present. The hard-edged guitar work and no-holds-barred drums of the track "Losing The Now" evokes a feel of a military march with victorious and timely purpose. The electro-rock synth stylings and slinky bass work of "Make A Choice For Me" suggest a cold, urban environment and an immediacy of action required. And songs like "The Ninth Life Jitters" and "Whodunit" are just plain fun rock songs! Enjoy "Public Service Announcement: Instrumental"!


