Welcome to our monthly column where we share some uniquely evocative recordings that will hopefully touch you in a "special way." As the year comes to a close, here are four more albums worth seeking out and sampling for yourself. Each is receiving airplay on our internationally heard radio program, Musical Starstreams. Next month watch for our top albums of the year!
East coaster Richard Bone travels cross continent to hook up with the west coast based Hypnos label and his first foray into what is best described as minimal ambiance. We've heard and appreciated his more energetic side on his previous self released Quirkworks titles, but with Spectral Ships, Mr. Bone guides us to new musical territories. You'll find yourself floating along, cloud-like, on a consistent mix of soothing, cascading synth washes. Nine original compositions that rival the best of early Eno or Budd. Electronic music in its most minimal sense. We especially appreciate the occasional voice samples on the opening and closing tracks. Also, check out the brooding, underwater feeling of the mysterious "Nocturna" offering. The album's closing "Ephemera" composition, with its spatial, translucent darkness is perhaps the strongest of the entire recording. A spacemusic classic.
As the year comes to a close, this release almost got overlooked and what a mistake that would have been. Pacini and Pacini are a Brazilian father and son team instrumentally hitting all the right chords. An intriguing mix of piano, electronics and guitar with just a taste of sax. Memory is based on the premise that there is a musical past which continues to be present in all of us. The music here somehow touches that past by bringing to heart European composers of the romantic persuasion as it paints an idyllic mood. Pacini & Pacini share subtle expressions here that can only be conveyed by their unique father and son connection. The result is both hauntingly familiar and richly rewarding. This album may be difficult to find, but seek it out.
Another soothing offering that should not escape your notice as the year draws to a close. Gentle yet powerful vocals from the late Singh Kaur whisk us along, almost fairy-like, with the Celtic inspired instrumentation from the genius of Gary Stadler. You can almost feel the sprinkling of fairy dust amongst the trees as you listen. "Darkness" is an especially inspiring piece; close your eyes and drift away. Mystical and magical and every bit as good as the best of Canada's Loreena McKennitt. Skeptics need only hear a few bars of the closing "A Spark in the Night" to be convinced. If you have appreciated Ms. McKennitt's work, then Fairy Nightsongs is a must for your collection.
Attention, guitar fans! If you enjoy crystal clear vibrancy when you listen to guitar performances, you'll want to track down this extremely palatable work from Chicago area guitar master Dominic Gaudious (think audious starting with a "G"). You'll find all the energy that we used to enjoy from the likes of Michael Hedges before he sadly passed on and Dominick captures some flavorful touches of didgeridoo on a couple of the tracks as well. Although you could swear the guitar sounds feature multi-tracks of recordings, the album was made for the most part without any guitar overdubs. Amazing, considering the depth and richness of resonance conveyed here. Obviously the sound quality can be attributed to a corresponding depth of talent from the artist. Acoustic Captivity is a strongly intense effort from an up and coming guitar great. Check it out.
Please always remember that ultimately what constitutes "good" music involves the personal taste of each of us. If we direct you to an album that you didn't know existed and you end up enjoying it, then we both feel a sense of accomplishment. As always, your input is welcome. Feel free to e-mail us at our address below with your comments or questions.
Forest is the producer and host of the internationally syndicated weekly radio program, MUSICAL STARSTREAMS, heard locally every Sunday night from 10pm to midnight on WNUA, FM95.5 and worldwide on the internet. He can be contacted at forest@starstreams.com. Listen to MUSICAL STARSTREAMS right now on the web at: www.starstreams.com.