RUDY ADRIAN Kinetic Flow (Sequencer Sketches Vol. 1) (CD on Groove Unlimited)
This CD from 2000 offers 63 minutes of lively electronic music.
Don't be mislead by the "sketches" part of the title. This release features an extravaganza of sequencing crafted into fully formed tunes.
While the electronics are fairly versatile, the emphasis is on sequencing. Chords are generated and set to loop, producing undulant cycles which are then tweaked to evolve and mutate beyond their original formations. Animated flows surge forth, each with a high appeal quotient. Together, they create intricate melodies that glisten with charm and resonate with captivating structures.
Additional electronics manipulated by keyboards contribute embellishment to the pulsating foundations, resulting in lush streams of often energetic definition. Adrian's nimble-fingered approach delivers a constant stream of fresh melodies, all drenched with shimmering glory by the surrounding rush of sequenced patterns.
Percusives can be found in only a few songs. While the majority of tracks feature no percussion (or e-perc), cyclic sequences frequently achieve a rhythmic presence, supplying the tunes with a non-impact form of propulsion.
These compositions flourish with inventive sounds, all harnessed by Adrian into songs of riveting character. With the exception of a few dreamy tracks toward the end of the album, the pace is generally quite peppy, achieving breathless dispositions with ease and sweeping the listener away with their engaging animation.
DARSHAN AMBIENT Falling Light (CD on Lotuspike)
This CD from 2012 features 61 minutes of jazzy electronic music.
Darshan Ambient is Michael Allison (on synthesizers, percussion, bass, guitar and horns).
This music blends elements of jazz with contemporary electronic music resulting in a tasty dose of engaging tuneage.
The electronics exhibit a subtle pep as they establish a unifying flow for the other instruments. The use of texturals lends an atmospheric edge that is nicely counterpointed by the other instruments' gutsier presence (although "gutsier" can be misleading, for the instruments all restrain their offerings to a somewhat relaxed mode). Meanwhile, more substantial electronics provide a liquid enhancement with their sultry oscillations.
A periodic piano contributes a regal air with noble chords that shimmer with stately influences.
Percussion is vital here, but relegated to a submerged vantage so as not to overwhelm the music. The beats are gentle but softly compelling. The tempos are temperate in their delicate locomotion.
The bass is fairly overt, yet suitably smooth as it provides an amiable rumble to the songs.
There's an amount of lap steel guitar which lends a charming twang to the tuneage. This twang frequently adopts an astral quality in its more ethereal applications.
These compositions notably infuse a soft jazz flair to the contemporary instrumental electronic songs. This fusion produces an appealing sense of bounce immersed in the flow. The tracks glitter with a lively poise that never gets out of hand, remaining tastily smooth and bewitching.
HERBERT DEUTSCH From Moog to Mac (CD on Ravello Records)
This CD from 2012 features 62 minutes of experimental electronic music.
Integral in helping Robert Moog create the original Moog synthesizer, Deutsch has pursued a musical career that spans decades. His music is collected here for the first time.
While somewhat melodic, the electronics tend to be sparse and often quirky in their structure. The pulsations sparkle, grind and bloop away, delineating passages that are quite moody in their invocation.
Most of the tracks feature recitations or spoken word passages accompanying the music. Included is Moog describing one of his early experiments with his invention.
The presence of trumpet, piano, and saxophones in a few tracks boosts their melodic quality.
Concluding the release are two pieces (mainly for theremin and piano) which are completely instrumental.
This release has historic appeal, but is definitely not the type of music one puts on for easy listening. A booklet is included with liner notes explaining the importance of each track.
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