Afleveringen
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Episode 132
The 2024 US Open Sound Experiment
Playlist
Note: The starting times indicate at which time during the podcast a sound begins. The tracks often overlap based on the given length of each track.
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
03:36
00:00
1. Chair Umpires
01:19
05:24
2. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Granular effect, Classic.
03:46
05:40
3. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Quick Sampler, Bent Guitar.
06:16
07:20
4. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Blur
01:50
09:08
5. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Low/High Cut.
02:58
10:56
6. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Meta-Synth, Inertia setting
25:16
11:26
7. Grandstand Stadium, Meta-Synth, Inertia setting,
08:36
12:16
8. Grandstand Stadium, Auto-Filter, Constant Rise Four Bars.
08:33
29:48
9. Grandstand Stadium, Arturia MiniFilter V, Beatchopper.
08:33
31:02
10. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Delay Designer, Buzz Pattern.
26:05
34:40
11. Louis Armstrong Stadium, Delay Designer, Pulse Groove.
24:42
54:36
12. Grandstand Stadium, AutoFilter, Volume Gate Filter.
22:31
01:16:38
13. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pedlboard, Blue Echo, Squash Compressor.
30:28
01:36:28
14. East Village Neighborhood, AutoFilter, Resonant High Pass; Delay Designer, Ring and Roll.
27:28
01:37:56
15. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Granular effect, Classic.
07:56
02:02:48
16. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Quick Sampler, Bent Guitar.
08:02
02:03:56
17. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Blur
03:46
02:06:59
18. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Low/High Cut.
02:54
02:09:44
Recording equipment used: Zoom Hn4 Pro digital recorder; Shure CVB-B/O Boundary Condenser Microphone; Boya Omnidirectional Cardioid XLR Lavalier Microphone.
Opening background music: Opening background music: A mix of tennis recordings set to a track called “Make It Good” by DJ Tennis (2012 Life and Death). The tennis recordings include excerpts from Arthur Ashe, Learn Tennis (For Beginners & Advanced Players) (1974 Manhattan Recording Company), John Newcombe, Tennis With John Newcombe (1974 K-Tel), and Evonne Goolagong, Tennis Tips By Evonne Goolagong (1975 Fleetwood Records), narrated with questions by Bud Collins.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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Episode 131
Shortwave Particulates—A Soundscape
Playlist
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
03:36
00:00
Thom Holmes, Shortwave Particulates (2024 Private Release). A sequence composed of a variety of vintage sounds collected from shortwave radios. Interval signals, Identification signals, programs in many languages from the around the globe. Interlaced with electronic sounds and drones.
01:38:18
03:36
Thom Holmes, Shortwave Particulates Loops (2024 Private Release). A sequence of drones and synthesized sounds that repeats as a long loop, to which I added improvised electronic sounds. This plays simultaneously with the last third of the Shortwave Particulates soundscape.
30:40
01:19:21
Opening background music: Thom Holmes, extracts from shortwave mixes.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Episode 130
Recent Finds for the Electronic Music Archives
Playlist
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
04:18
00:00
Esplendor Geometrico, “Estación Katowice” and “Signos De Energía” from Kosmos Kino (1987 Discos Esplendor Geometrico). Percussion, Drum Machine, Vocals, Gabriel Riaza; Synthesizer, Drum Machine, Vocals, Noises, Arturo Lanz. Industrial music from Spain.
10:08
04:42
KG, “My Magic Guitar,””Harry Escaped!,” “Die Sauberen Flöten,” “À L'enterrement De Kraftwerk,” “Fish And Chips Sugar Free,” “The Shotgun Gallery Drum School,” “The End Of The World” from Baraka (1997 Antimatière). French industrial band. Limited to 300 copies. Comes in a plain white cardboard cover with die-cut hole on center front. Back cover has two stamps: "ANTIMATIERE" and "MARRAKECH WVIII".
11:55
14:46
Mystic Moods Orchestra, “The Look of Love” from The Mystic Moods Of Love (1968 Philips). Lushly weird arrangements with a silky vocal chorus and environmental sounds recorded by Brad Miller. This record came before the Mystic Moods Orchestra used a Moog synthesizer. Originally included a fragrance card affixed to the cover with the writing "A Romantic Fragrance has been added to this album to enhance your Mystic Moods of Love" (actual capitalization).
03:30
26:37
Chris and Cosey, “Re-education Thru Labour” from Trance (1982 Rough Trade). Composed and Acoustic And Electronic Instrumentation by Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti.
07:07
30:06
Chris and Cosey, “Put Yourself In Los Angeles” from Heartbeat (1981 Rough Trade). Produced, composed and Acoustic And Electronic Instrumentation by Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti. Synth, Cornet, Casio MT30, Tapes, Vocals, Cosey F. Tutti; Synth, Electronic Drums, Guitar, Casio MT30, Taped Voices, Vocals, Chris Carter.
03:37
37:09
Skyliner Flight 35, side A, from Skyliner Flight 35 (Authentic Plane Sounds) (1952 Columbia). Directed by Hecky Krasno, Text by Leo Paris. 78 RPM. "Ride with the pilot as he flies a 4-engine Constellation from New York to California." Part of a series of children’s records from Columbia.
03:25
40:56
Reynold Weidenaar, side A, tracks 1-5, “Neptune Two-Step #1,” “Neptune Two-Step #2,” “Neptune Two-Step #3,” “Computer Clip-Clop,” “Cosmic Capers” from Electronic Effects (1968 A Sam Fox Production). Composed by Reynold Weidenaar. Historically significant recording of the early Moog Modular Synthesizer by this collaborator of Moog, student Reynold Weidenaar. Around this time (1967-68), Weidenaar edited the journal that originated with Bob Moog, the short-lived Electronic Music Review. This recording was made in the electronic music studio of R.A. Moog Co. studio in Trumansburg, New York. Not many recordings were made there. It was distributed by a company specializing in broadcast library music, Sam Fox Productions. You can hear the raw power and versatility of the Moog Modular components in these short compositions.
03:19
44:22
Reynold Weidenaar, side B, tracks 1-5, “Milky Wail #5,” “Milky Wail #6,” “Milky Wail #7,” “Venus Exposed,” “Cosmic Crackle #1” from Electronic Effects (1968 A Sam Fox Production). Composed by Reynold Weidenaar.
04:13
47:40
Ralph Lundsten, The Paradise of Heroes” from Paradissymfonin (1980 Harvest). Produced, composed, Synthesizer, Keyboards, Arranged By, Voice, Effects, Ralph Lundsten; Choir, Annelie Sköld, Annica Risberg, Kai Kjäll-Andersson, Kerstin Bagge, Liza Öhman-Kling; Conductor, Lars Bagge; Drums, Peter Sundell; Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Georg Wadenius; Flute, Keyboards, Björn J:Son Lindh; Harp, Gloria Lundell, Marie Eriksson; Keyboards, Wlodek Gulgowski; Pipe Organ, Birgit Lindkvist; Percussion, Björn Liljequist, Pétur Östlund; Percussion, Arranged By, Gunnar Lundqvist. Mr. Lundsten was a little like the Rick Wakeman of Sweden. He worked in his private studio and produced many thematic compostions and over 40 albums in his long career in music.
05:46
51:52
Hiroshi Yoshimura, “Time Forest” from Soundscape 1: Surround (1986 Misawa Home). Composed, arranged, and performed by, Hiroshi Yoshimura. Hiroshi Yoshimura was a Japanese musician and composer, a pioneer of Japanese ongaku or environnemental music. Interestingly, this music was originally commissioned by a home builder to provide music to complement their newly built homes. Yoshimura described his music as being transparent, adding “Not all interiors are visual by nature; music as interior is none other than the interior of the heart.”
10:38
57:36
Mamman Sani, “Dangay Kotyo” from Taaritt (2022 Sahel Sounds). Recorded 1985 to 1988 at Studio Samira in Niamey, Niger and Studio Kham Mai in Paris, France. This wonderful music was not released until recently. Composed, recorded by, Crumar Bit 99 v, Yamaha RX5 synthesizer, Roland TR-505 Drum Machine, Mammane Sani Abdoulaye. Sani is an early pioneer of synth music in Niger. Sani found unlikely fame in Denmark, regularly appearing in the playlist of Copenhagen bars. "In Niger we have sweet melodies. When the music is good, it's a positive vibration. When someone can cry because of a melody, there is something humane in them. If you are stressed, you can take this music like a tablet. It's music to cool down. It's not music for dancing, but maybe it can make you dream."
04:11
01:08:11
Opening background music: Unknown Artist, side A, Ambient Battle Samples: Phase One: Enter The Stargate Manifold...(2003 The Crypticon Media Cartel). Produced, Controlled & Bankrolled by AL9000 Motherbrain (Alexandre Delmaere). From A side label : "These sounds are of intergalactic sonic property and available for any manipulations and outputs you so desire. Welcome to the Crypticon Media Cartel 2003. Original transmissions from sector 9.41 of Sirius-V during the last sonic cruise of the outer rings." Essentially, this is a list of electronic sound effects to be sampled and played by DJs. (15:05)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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Episode 129
Women Synthesists
Playlist
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
04:36
00:00
Eliane Radigue, “Transamorem – Transmortem” (excerpt) from Transamorem – Transmortem (2011 Important Records). Composed in 1973 for ARP 2500 modular synthesizer. Music of slowly changing drones using the marvelous ARP synthesizer, which was Radigue’s key instrument for years after having experimented with Moog and Buchla modulars.
39:29
04:40
Caroline K, “The Happening World” from Now Wait For Last Year (1987 Earthly Delights). Caroline was a co-founder of Nocturnal Emissions, together with Nigel Ayers, in 1980. Arranged By, Recorded By, Producer, Composed By, Performer, Caroline K. Executive-Producer, Nigel Ayers. Drones of a different ilk. Noisy sounds, steady articulation, interesting timbres popping in and out. Sonically articulate.
20:49
44:03
Pauline Anna Strom, “Organized Confusion” from Plot Zero (1987 Trans-Millenia Consort Recordings). Pauline Anna Strom was a decades-long composer, musician and healer who lived and worked in San Francisco, CA. Pioneering blind synthesist. Music composed, synthesized, electronic treatments by Pauline Anna Strom. Strom taught herself to compose intuitively, practicing sounds with her various synthesizers, which included a Yamaha DX7, Prophet 10, two Yamaha CS1X portable keyboards and an E-mu Emulator. When she was ready to record, she laid it down using a Tascam four-track recorder and assembled her albums using a computer workstation. Early days for both the sampler and workstation.
06:04
1:04:48
Pauline Anna Strom, “Spacial Spectre” from Spectre (1984 Trans-Millenia Consort Recordings). Composed, synthesized, and electronic treatments by Pauline Anna Strom. From her vampire-inspired album.
06:58
1:10:51
Pauline Anna Strom, “Blood Thirst” from Spectre (1984 Trans-Millenia Consort Recordings). Composed, synthesized, and electronic treatments by Pauline Anna Strom. From her vampire-inspired album.
07:23
1:17:40
Maryanne Amacher, “"Head Rhythm 1" And "Plaything 2" from Sound Characters (Making The Third Ear) (1999 Tzadik). Electroacoustic composer of sound installations, best known for her incorporation of otoacoustic emissions -- sounds that seem to be emanating from inside one's own head. This track plays with that concept and sets your brain up to experience itself, so to speak.
10:04
1:25:04
Caterina Barbieri. “This Causes Consciousness To Fracture” from Patterns Of Consciousness (2017 Important Records). Italian composer and musician from Bologna. This album was created using analog synthesis. Barbieri has said, “In Patterns of Consciousness I was interested in exploring the power of sound on our consciousness. I wanted to explore how a pattern creates a certain state of consciousness and how the gradual transformation of that pattern can affect that state of consciousness. I believe that sound is a tool for the exploration, reconfiguration and expansion of human perceptions.” I find this to be in a similar psychological vein as the Amacher work also heard in this episode.
22:44
1:34:56
QOA (Nina Corti), “Sauco” (04:22), “Liquen” (02:50), “Yatei” (03:04), “Muitu” (03:16) from SAUCO (2024 Leaving Records). Side 1 of the newest release from this composer-performer from Argentina. “Sonic journey crafted to cultivate poetic gestures amidst Fauna, Flora, Fungi, Mineral Waters, Wind, and Earth. Each track is an exploration of sound's constant transformation, akin to dragonfly particles swimming in the air. Like waves occupying a space in the spectrum, the compositions work with the movement, condensation, and lightness of the air.”
13:33
1:57:38
Opening background music: Pauline Anna Strom, “The Unveiling” from Trans-Millenia Consort (1982 Ether Ship Records). Her first cassette release from 1982. Composed and performed on synthesizer by Pauline Anna Strom. (06:04)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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Episode 128
Terry Riley—Part 2, Solo Organ and Synthesizer Works
Playlist
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
05:28
00:00
Terry Riley, “The Last Camel in Paris” from The Last Camel In Paris (2008 Elision Fields). Composed and performed on a Yamaha YC-45D combo organ custom-tuned to just intonation and outfitted with a digital delay system, Terry Riley. Concert recorded by Radio France for a France Culture program by Daniel Caux broadcast May 13, 1979, in the Atelier de Création Radiophonique series. The delay circuit was created by Chester Wood, Riley road technician. It fed stereo signals to the digital delay. The YC-45D was modified so that it had separate mono outputs for each of its two keyboards, resulting in 4-channel live performances comprising two live channels and two delayed. Riley improvised these concerts around given themes and patterns. Wood created the delay, which they called “the shadow,” out of “an ancient computer he had procured from Don Buchla and this tour was the maiden voyage to try it out,” (Riley). Previously, the analog delay Riley used on works such as the Dervishes (see previous episode) created a fixed-length delay based on the physical head gap of the tape recorders used, which consisted only of two delays of 7.5 inches per secod and 3.75 inches per second, the speeds available on his Revox tape machine. The digital delay allowed Riley to fine tune the pause before a sound would repeat, finding tape delays that worked well with the tempos he was using in his compositions. This concert came after the release of Shri Camel album on CBS, a widely known release. I thought hearing these live variations on that work would be of interest.
50:58
05:34
Terry Riley, “Eastern Man” from Songs For The Ten Voices Of The Two Prophets (1983 Kuckuck). Composed, Voice, two Prophet 5 synthesizers by Terry Riley. Recorded in concert on May 10, 1982, at Amerika-Haus in Munich. Recorded digitally on Sony PCM-100 and PCM-1610 equipment.
11:19
56:39
Terry Riley, “Aleph Part 1” from Aleph (2012 Tzadik). Composed, Korg Triton Studio 88 synthesizer, Recorded, Liner Notes, and Produced by Terry Riley. Recorded in 2008, Aleph was originally created for the Aleph-Bet sound project organized by John Zorn for the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.
45:46
01:07:56
Opening background music: Terry Riley, “Anthem of the Trinity” from Shri Camel (1980 CBS). Produced, Composed, Performed in real-time on a modified dual-manual, Yamaha YC-45-D Electronic Organ with just intonation and digital delay, by Terry Riley.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found in iTunes and on Bandcamp.
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Episode 127
Terry Riley—Analog Organ Works
Playlist
Time
Track Time
Start
Introduction –Thom Holmes
08:08
00:00
1. Terry Riley, “Journey From The Death Of A Friend” and “Happy Ending” from Happy Ending (1972 Warner Brothers Records). Music composed for the film "Les Yeux Fermes," a film by Joel Santoni. made at the "Strawberry Studio" Château d'Hérouville-France. This is a studio recording. “Journey From The Death Of A Friend” was recorded in real time with the tape delay system timed for a shorter delay, expressly for the Yamaha YC-45D combo organ. The track called “Happy Ending” features Terry on saxophone and uses a longer delay sequence than the organ piece, plus electric piano and organ. Recorded March-April 72.
36:53
08:10
2. Terry Riley, “Performance Two,” sides 3 and 4, from Persian Surgery Dervishes (1972 Shanti). Composer, performer, Yamaha YC-45D combo organ, Tape Feedback, Terry Riley. Riley plays a modified Yamaha electric organ tuned in just intonation and using a tape delay system. Performance Two performed May 24, 1972, Théâtre de la Musique, Paris.
47:46
45:01
3. Terry Riley, “Parts 1 and 2,” sides 1 and 2, from Descending Moonshine Dervishes (1982 Kuckuck). Composer, performer, Yamaha YC-45D combo organ, Tape Feedback, Terry Riley. Riley plays a modified Yamaha electric organ tuned in just intonation and using a tape delay system. Recorded in concert November 29, 1975, at Metamusik Festival in Berlin.
52:00
01:32:54
Opening background music: Terry Riley, “A Rainbow In Curved Air” from A Rainbow In Curved Air (1968 Columbia). Electric Organ, Electric Harpsichord, Rocksichord, Dumbec, Tambourine, Terry Riley.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
Original music by Thom Holmes can be found in iTunes and on Bandcamp.
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Episode 126
The Japanese Shigin Vocal Tradition—and Electronics
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
04:46
00:00
1. Mix of Susumu Yokota, “Saku” from Sakura (1999 Skintone) plus Abe Shũfu II, “Mount Fuji” from Music Of The Shigin: Chanting To Chinese Poetry (1975 Folkways). Album of electronic music from the late composer Susumu Yokota and a track from Folkways of Japanese shingin folk music.
05:42
04:54
2. Mix of Shiro Michi,“マドンナの宝石 (Intermezzo From "The Jewels Of The Madonna)” from エレクトーン 名曲アルバム (Electone Masterpiece Album)(1965 Polydor). Plus a female shigin performer accompanied by koto from a Japanese collection of shigin singers (1973 Toshiba TY-40077), side 2, track 6. Shiro Michi, Shiro Michi, was a popular Japanese Hammond organist in the 1950s, and Electone artist from the 1950s-2000s since 1958. This track was performed on the Yamaha Electone.
03:02
10:34
3. Mix of Shiro Michi, “ドナウ川の漣 (Danube Waves Waltz)” from エレクトーン 名曲アルバム (Electone Masterpiece Album)(1965 Polydor). Plus a male shigin performer accompanied by bamboo flute and koto from a Japanese collection of shigin singers (1973 Toshiba TY-40077), side 1, track 2.
04:46
13:34
4. Mix of a fragment of Shiro Michi and shigin, which I have called “Shigin Skip Organ” because of the prominence of the LP skip throughout. “ドナウ川の漣 (Danube Waves Waltz)” from エレクトーン 名曲アルバム(Electone Masterpiece Album)(1965 Polydor) plus a skipping record of a male shigin performer with koto.
04:08
18:17
5. Omoide Hatoba, “Alternative Funkaholic” from Kinsei (1995 Earthnoise).
02:30
22:24
6. Omoide Hatoba, “Satellite Groove” from Kinsei (1995 Earthnoise).
03:53
24:52
7. Neohachi, “Dog More Than Cat” from Lovecadio Hearn (2013 White Paddy Mountain). Neohachi is a Japanese female duo, formed in 2005 and featuring Lily (Shigin Vocals) and Elly (Synthesizers).
06:09
28:40
8. Neohachi, “Eternal, Eternal, Eternal” from Lovecadio Hearn (2013 White Paddy Mountain).
02:31
34:36
9. 和楽器バンド (Wagakki Band), “Akatsuki no Ito”from 八奏絵巻(Wildflowers Scroll). Bass, 亜沙 (Asa); Drums, 山葵 (Wasabi); Guitar, 町屋 (Machiya); Koto, [箏], いぶくろ聖志(Ibukuro Masashi); Shakuhachi, [尺八], 神永大輔 (Kaminaga Daisuke); Shamisen, [津軽三味線], 蜷川べに(Ninagawa Beni); Taiko, [和太鼓], 黒流 (Kurona); Shigin Vocals, 鈴華ゆう子 (Suzuhana Yuko). Suzuhana Yuko provides the shigin vocals in this convergence of hard rock and traditional Japanese music. The whole outfit is outstanding but I like the pre-eminence of female musicians. For example, check out this Japanese video of Ninagawa Beni shredding the Shamisen. Here’s a 2023 performance by Wagakki Band featuring a vocal by Yuko.
03:28
37:22
10. 和楽器バンド (Wagakki Band), “Nadeshiko Zakura” from 八奏絵巻(Wildflowers Scroll). Bass, 亜沙 (Asa); Drums, 山葵 (Wasabi); Guitar, 町屋 (Machiya); Koto, [箏], いぶくろ聖志(Ibukuro Masashi); Shakuhachi, [尺八], 神永大輔 (Kaminaga Daisuke); Shamisen, [津軽三味線], 蜷川べに(Ninagawa Beni); Taiko, [和太鼓], 黒流 (Kurona); Shigin Vocals, 鈴華ゆう子 (Suzuhana Yuko).
04:44
40:48
11. Shigenori Kamiya(神谷重徳), “ファラオの墓 (Farao (Pharaoh) No Haka)” from Digital Trip ファラオの墓 シンセサイザ ファンタジ (Digital Trip Pharaoh's Tomb Synthesizer Fantasy). Composed By, Synthesizer, Shigenori Kamiya (神谷重徳).
03:12
45:28
12. Gagaku Shigenkai, Ryōō from Unesco Collection, A Musical Anthology of the Orient: Japan II (1962 Musicaphon). "Ryōō" was recorded in Tokyo in 1962. Shigenkai, was a traditional Japanese music ensemble attached to the Imperial Household Agency, playing flutes, drums, and string instruments. I did a remix of this, adding delay and some droning tones and then double-tracking the whole piece as a way to transforms these lovely, acoustic tonalities into an electronic mélange.
07:18
48:38
13. Otomo Yoshihide (大友良英), “Film Maker From Kreuzberg,” from We Insist? (1992 Sound Factory). Turntables, Sampler, Tapes, Guitar, Otomo Yoshihide.
02:55
55:50
14. After Dinner, “An Accelerating Etude” from After Dinner (1984 Recommended Records). Engineer, Producer, Voice, Synthesizer, Tape, Koto (Miniature 13 String, Taisho-goto), Plastic Flute, Percussion, Haco. Vocalist/lyricist-composer/multi-instrumentalist/sound-artist. Album compiled for the UK release from the original Japan records known as the Glass Tube LP and an After Dinner 7.”
04:11
58:42
15. After Dinner, “Sepia-Ture II” from After Dinner (1984 Recommended Records). Alto Saxophone, Kaname Nakagawa; Arranged by, Y. Utsunomia; Bass, Drum, Miyuki Komori; Bass, Violin, Tadahiko Yokokawa; Koto (Taisho-goto), Yasushi Utsunomia; Snare, Masaaki Kawaguchi; Soprano Saxophone, Masaharu Ito; Tenor Saxophone, Seiichi Kuroda; Voice, Haco.
02:25
01:02:50
16. Wha Ha Ha, “Keiro No Hibi” and “On The Floor” from 死ぬ時は別 (It’s Different When You Die) (1981 Better Days). The second part of this combination track is a different of “On the Floor” that is sung by Mishio Ogawa. The version I am most familiar with was sung by a man so this is a refreshing variation. Computer, Takafumi Fuse; Effects [Sound Effects], Fujio Akatsuka; Engineer, Kazuhiro Tokieda, Takafumi Fuse; Guitar, Shigenori Kamiya; Keyboards, Shuichi Chino; Percussion, Kiyohiko Senba; Saxophone, Voice, Akira Sakata; Voice, Mishio Ogawa.
11:57
01:05:09
Opening background music: Ryuichi Sakamoto, “Nuages” from Heartbeat (1991 Virgin Japan). Written by Sakamoto, the vocal is delivered by the remarkable Algerian singer Houria Aichi (2:15).
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 125
Trippy Trance Music Origins, Part 2
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
05:01
00:00
1. Pete Namlook, “Power Supply II” from Namlook IV (1994 Fax +49-69/450464). “The music originated instinctively whilst being played live. There was no concept for the composition before, only a kaleidoscope of sounds stemming from the given instruments. The music of this CD is “dedicated” to the missing 220V power supply, the broken EMS Synthi which I dropped during the setting-up of my equipment, the SE-1 which instantly created its own sounds during the live recording and the Studio 440 with 2 faulty pads and a disk drive which had to be convinced to cooperate.”
5:00
05:16
2. Pete Namlook, “Power Supply III” from Namlook IV (1994 Fax +49-69/450464). See explanation for part II above.
5:00
10:15
3. Pete Namlook, “Power Supply IV” from Namlook IV (1994 Fax +49-69/450464). See explanation for part II above.
5:00
15:16
4. Bill Laswell and Pete Namlook, “Psychic And UFO Revelations In The Last Days” from Psychonavigation (1994 Subharmonic). Written, arranged, and played by Bill Laswell, Pete Namlook; Axiom ambient, Bill Murphy, Peter Wetherbee; Material, Inc., Tracy McKnight; Subharmonic, Robert Soares.
38:46
20:13
5. Pete Namlook, Klaus Schulze and Bill Laswell, “Obscured by Klaus, Part III” from The Dark Side Of The Moog 7 (1998 Fax +49-69/450464). Performers, Bill Laswell, Klaus Schulze, Pete Namlook; Written-by Bill Laswell .
19:01
58:54
6. Pete Namlook, Klaus Schulze and Bill Laswell, “Obscured by Klaus, Part IV” from The Dark Side Of The Moog 7 (1998 Fax +49-69/450464). Written and performed by Bill Laswell, Klaus Schulze, Pete Namlook.
06:37
01:17:54
7. Tetsu Inoue and Pete Namlook (2350 Broadway), “Ethereal Being” from 2350 Broadway 4 (2007 Fax +49-69/450464). Produced by Peter Kuhlmann (Pete Namlook); written and performed by Tetsu Inoue and Pete Nambook. Recorded at Bretton Hall, New York and Klanglobor Hödeshof, Germany. Linited to 500 discs.
7:00
01:24:28
8. Tetsu Inoue and Pete Namlook (2350 Broadway), “Sustained Energy” from 2350 Broadway 4 (2007 Fax +49-69/450464). Produced by Peter Kuhlmann (Pete Namlook); written and performed by Tetsu Inoue and Pete Nambook. Recorded at Bretton Hall, New York and Klanglobor Hödeshof, Germany. Linited to 500 discs.
9:35
01:31:21
Opening background music: Bill Laswell and Pete Namlook, “Black Dawn” from Psychonavigation (1994 Subharmonic). Written, arranged, and played by Bill Laswell, Pete Namlook; Axiom ambient, Bill Murphy, Peter Wetherbee; Material, Inc., Tracy McKnight; Subharmonic, Robert Soares. (21:22)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 124
Trippy Trance Music Origins
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
07:14
00:00
The KLF, “What Time Is Love?” from What Time Is Love? (Pure Trance 1) (1988 KLF Communications). Kopyright Liberation Front (KLF), a duo comprised of Jimmy Cauty and Bill Drummond. Cauty was born in Devon, England; Drummond was born in South Africa but grew up in the Dumfries & Galloway area of Scotland.
07:06
07:14
Sven Väth, “Ritual of Life” from Accident In Paradise (1992 Eye Q Records). Music by Sven Väth. Internationally known DJ / producer from Germany.
13:13
14:17
Sven Väth, “Caravan of Emotions” from Accident In Paradise (1992 Eye Q Records). Music by Sven Väth. Internationally known DJ / producer from Germany.
12:22
27:24
Oliver Lieb, “Dimension X” from Constellation (1993 Recycle or Die). Frankfurt based DJ & producer Oliver Lieb is involved in the production of electronic music since 1988.
16:35
39:36
Pete Namlook & Dr. Atmo, “Trip“ from Silence (1993 Rising High Records).
20:09
56:14
Pete Namlook and Tetsu Inoue, “Liquid Shade” from Shades Of Orion (1993 Fax +49-69/450464).
20:43
01:16:17
Pete Namlook and Tetsu Inoue, “Biotrip” from Shades Of Orion (1993 Fax +49-69/450464).
24:09
01:36:56
Opening background music: Pete Namlook and Tetsu Inoue, “Ethereal Being” from 2350 Broadway 4 (2007 Fax +49-69/450464). Composed, programmed, and played by Pete Namlook and Tetsu Inoue. (07:00)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 123
Love Spells in Electronic Sound
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
06:48
00:00
1. Mystic Moods Orchestra, “Love Token” from Love Token (1969 Philips). Sound Effects, producer, sound director, Brad Miller; Vocals and vocal effects, The Mystic Moods.
04:33
06:48
2. Four Tet, “Love Cry” from There Is Love In You (2010 Domino). Written, produced, and performed by Kieran Hebden.
09:06
11:14
3. Deborah de Luca, “Love is a Losing Game (Mix Raw)” from Nina (2015 Sola_mente Records). Written, produced, and performed by Deborah de Luca.
07:14
20:16
4. Steven Halpern, “Hot Chakra” from Enhancing Sensual Pleasure (1993 Sound Rx). Bass, Marc Vanwaginengen; Silver Flutes, Emerald Web; Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Producer, Trumpet, Steven Halpern; Harp, Susan Mazer; Lyricon, Dallas Smith; Percussion, Kenneth Nash.
06:48
27:26
5. Steven Halpern, “Thigh Chi” from Enhancing Sensual Pleasure (1993 Sound Rx). Bass, Marc Vanwaginengen; Flute, Paul Horn; Silver Flutes, Emerald Web; Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Producer, Trumpet, Steven Halpern; Harp, Susan Mazer; Lyricon, Dallas Smith; Percussion, Kenneth Nash.
05:31
34:08
6. Klaus Schulze, “Moogetique” from Body Love, Vol. 2 (1977 Island). Producer, Composer, instruments, Klaus Schulze; Drums, Harald Grosskopf. Original electronic music for a film by Lasse Braun.
13:12
39:34
7. Klaus Schulze, “Stardancer II” from Body Love, Vol. 2 (1977 Island). Producer, Composer, instruments, Klaus Schulze; Drums, Harald Grosskopf. Original electronic music for a film by Lasse Braun.
14:13
52:44
8. Eberhard Schoener, “Events - A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu” from Events (1980 Harvest). Mellotron, Violin, Piano, Moog, Oberheim, Fairlight CMI, Liner Notes, Eberhard Schoener; Fairlight CMI, Morris Pert; Fender Rhodes, Roger Munnis; Tenor Saxophone, Olaf Kübler; Vocals, Clare Torry.
10:56
01:06:50
9. Nora En Pure, “Norma Jean” from Come With Me (2013 Enormous Tunes). Written, produced, and performed by Nora En Pure.
05:48
01:17:45
10. Art Linkletter, “Narrates The Story Of Where Did You Come From?” (side 1) from Narrates The Story Of Where Did You Come From? (1963 20th Century Fox). This was an early 60s sex-education LP. Linkletter was a Canadian-American radio and television personality. I’ve intermixed this disc with tracks of rolling white sound (by me) and a track by Kazumoto Endo, “Falling In and Out of Love” from Never Gonna Make You Cry (1999 Kling Film-Records). Written, produced, and performed by Kazumoto Endo. All to present a slightly odd view of love.
19:12
01:23:32
11. Donna Summer, “Summer Fever” from Four Seasons Of Love (1976 Casablanca). Written-By Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte; accompanied by The Munich Machine; recorded in MusicLand Studios, Munich; mixed and produced by Giorgio Moroder.
08:12
01:42:44
Opening background music: The Love Symphony Orchestra, “Let’s Make Love in Public Spaces” from Penthouse Presents The Love Symphony Orchestra (1978 Talpro). Keyboards, Synthesizer, Clifford Carter. (03:12)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 122
Electronic Music for Babies
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
09:56
00:00
1. Raymond Scott, “Lullaby” (14:06) and “Sleepy Time” (4:25) from Soothing Sounds For Baby Volume I: 1 To 6 Months (1964 Epic). Monophonic recording. Mine includes the insert.
18:30
09:56
2. Raymond Scott, “Tempo Block” (3:15) and “The Happy Whistler” (10:45) from Soothing Sounds For Baby Volume II: 6 To 12 Months (1964 Epic). Monophonic recording. Mine includes the insert.
14:12
28:22
3. Raymond Scott, “Little Tin Soldier” (9:24) and “Little Miss Echo” (7:23) from Soothing Sounds For Baby Volume III: 12 To 18 Months (1964 Epic). Monophonic recording. Insert is missing.
17:10
42:17
4. Rosemary, “Undiscovered Island” from Rosemary And Little Andy, Lullaby From "Rosemary's Baby" (Sleep Safe And Warm) (45 RPM) (1968 Columbia). Written by, arranged and conducted by Stan Applebaum; Producer, Wally Gold. This single was not from the movie soundtrack to Rosemary’s Baby, but was inspired by the movie and featured an alternative version of the lullaby from the film. I found that track to be a little too unsettling for a podcast about music for babies, but I did find that the B side, “Undiscovered Island” had a much more calming effect. I believe the instrument heard is a Moog Modular keyboard with the glide feature. Wally Gold, who produced this album, is known to have use the Moog Modular on other recordings. Monophonic recording.
02:57
59:17
5. Steven Halpern, “Brahams Lullaby Part 3” from Lullabies & Sweet Dreams (1984 Halpern Sounds). Grand Piano, String Synthesizer, Steven Halpern; Violin, Daniel Kobialka. I couldn’t help but include a track from Steven Halpern, one of the founding fathers of new age music. As for electronics on this one, there is a string synthesizer.
02:25
01:02:21
6. Luke Slater, “Dreams of Children” from X-Tront Vol. 2 (1993 Peacefrog Records). This track is a little bit manic for relaxing babies, but it has a minimalist repetition that becomes trance-inducing. And one could find solace in that sound.
07:50
01:04:44
7. Howie B., “Music for Babies” from Music For Babies (1996 Polydor). Keyboards and treatments, Howie B.
05:27
01:12:24
8. N., Tracks 12, 19, 22, 23” from Memories From Before Being Born (2005 + Belligeranza). This is a solo work of one Davide Tozzoli, who lives in Italy. An unusual disc of glitch sounds, processed two empty tape recorders an echo machine, and minimal synthetic filters. I selected four of the more mesmerizing tracks and strung them together. “Two empty tape-recorders, one connected to the other, no sound if not the distortion produced by the tape-recorders themselves in play/rec. On this recording of Nothing the modulations of vintage analogic effects: emptied frequencies, prenatal sounds without any sonic grain, audio for a flat electroencephalogram. Memories from before being born," a possible conceptual-noize manifesto.”
05:41
01:17:41
9. Pete Namlook, Music for Babies (excerpt) from Music for Babies (2009 Fax +49-69/450464). On Christmas 2011 "Music For Babies" CD release without cover or catalog# was sent out as a give-away with orders directly from the label. All tracks written, mixed, and produced by Pete Namlook. We have hear prenatal heartbeats mixed with electronic music. Perfect!
15:39
01:23:18
10. Chris Kimbell, “Sleepwave” from Ultrasound / Sleep (2007 Pause). A mellow ambient tune but without any detectable prenatal ultrasounds, as the title might indicate to some.
11:04
01:38:50
11. Lee Rosevere, “Dreaming” from The Ambient Baby (2009 Kazoomzoom). Composed, performed, produced by Lee Rosevere. All original material designed specifically for infants from birth to about two years of age. “Little ones are engaged early on by rhythmic sounds at the start. The sounds then weave into a gentle and soothing environment to help babies fall asleep.”
05:59
01:49:50
12. Lullaby Movement, “Ru-Ru (Sleep Little Baby)” from David Holmes – LateNightTales (2016 LateNightTales). An eclectic mix of tracks from DJ David Holmes, includes this muted little lullaby with a haunting vocal.
03:55
01:55:42
13. Dana Falconberry, “Sea Stones” from Dreamland (Songs For Lulling) (2017 Not on label). Falconberry explains why she created the private recording: “Years ago, I made an album of lullabies for a friend of mine who had just had her first baby. She encouraged me to release a lullaby album to the public, since it helped her with her child so much, which was the main inspiration for this album (thanks Lisa!!). . . . People have been telling me for as long as I can remember that my voice puts them to sleep. Even more common has been fans approaching me at the merch table after a show and telling me that they use my albums to put their babies to sleep. Now, I can say that is a complicated thing for a songwriter to digest, but ok babies, I hear you, let's go. Here's a full album of songs to take you off to Dreamland.”
04:39
01:59:30
Opening background music: Pete Namlook, “Attracting Attention” and “The Womb” from Music for Babies (2009 Fax +49-69/450464). Excerpt (12:57)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 121
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 2
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Introduction –Thom Holmes
04:32
00:00
1. John Mills-Cockell, “On The Heath” from A Third Testament (1974 True North). John Mills-Cockell is a Canadian composer from Toronto who was a very early adopter of the original Moog Synthesizer. He was part of the multi-faceted and ground-breaking work with the avant garde/poetry group Intersystems in the late 1960s and then the group Syrinx. I became acquainted with John more recently and he told me that his original Moog modules, used for Intersystems, burned up in a fire and so he turned to the use of ARP instruments around 1971. I am featuring his synthesizer work from a couple of solo albums as a representative of the independent stream of electronic music artists from Canada. John has continued to produce works for and for his numerous works for radio, television, film, ballet, and stage, and he is still active.
02:30
04:32
2. John Mills-Cockell, “North African Gladiator” from A Third Testament (1974 True North). Produced, played, engineered, organ and synthesizer, John Mills Cockell.
04:08
07:00
3. John Mills-Cockell, “Collision” from Gateway (1977 Anubis Records ). Produced, played, engineered, organ and synthesizer, John Mills Cockell.
03:32
11:03
4. Alcides Lanza, “Eidesis IV For Wind Ensemble And Electronic Sounds” (1977) from McGill Wind Ensemble (1980 McGill University Records). This collection of contemporary Canadian works was released by McGill University’s own label. This track is the only work with electronic sounds on the album, by Argentinean-born composer Lanza. Lanza studied music in Buena Aires, moved to Canada in 1971, and became Director of the Electronic Music Studio of McGill University in 1976.
11:20
14:34
5. Dennis Patrick, “Phantasy III (Excerpt)” (1977-78) from Dennis Patrick--Musical Portrait (1982 CAPAC). Another one of the 7” vinyl Musical Portrait series of Canadian artists, released by the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada, Limited (CAPAC). Completed in the Electronic Music Studio of the University of Toronto, where he was Director of the studio beginning around 1976.
04:53
25:48
6. Barry Truax, “Arras” (1980) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). Truax represented the left coast of Canada, and worked with R. Murray Schafer beginning in 1973 on the World Soundscape Project. Several of the composers in this episode came from that same environment, mixing natural acoustic sounds with electroacoustic treatments. This work was made using four computer synthesized tracks. Truax became known for his computer compositions as well as soundscapes.
10:08
30:38
7. Canadian Electronic Ensemble, “Chaconne À Son Goût” from Canadian Electronic Ensemble (1981 Centrediscs). Performers, David Grimes, David Jaeger, James Montgomery, Larry Lake. Composed by David Grimes. The ensemble was founded in Toronto in 1971 by David Grimes, David Jaeger, Jim Montgomery and Larry Lake, "to promote the live performance of electronic music and thereby the composition of new repertoire for this medium." This is another nice example of music by independent artists working in Canada.
17:21
40:34
8. Dennis Patrick, “Metasuite” (1982) from Dennis Patrick--Musical Portrait (1982 CAPAC). Another one of the 7” vinyl Musical Portrait series of Canadian artists, released by the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada, Limited (CAPAC). Completed in the Electronic Music Studio of the University of Toronto, where he was Director of the studio beginning around 1976.
07:55
57:54
9. David Keane, “Aurora” (1985) from Aurora (1985 Cambridge Street Records). A work from a fellow author, David Keane who wrote a book called Tape Music Composition in 1981 (Oxford University Press). He was born in America but became a Canadian citizen in 1974. At the time of “Aurora” Keane was a professor of music theory and director of the electronic music studio at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, which I think he founded in 1970. The music was created to be played during a dance performance in which movement was seen through colored images projected on the dancers. The work was realized in the Queen’s University Electroacoustic Music Facility.
10:17
1:05:48
10. Claude Schryer, “A Kindred Spirit” (1985) from Group Of The Electronic Music Studio - McGill University (1986 McGill University Records). Bass Clarinet, Yves Adam; Cello, Andras Weber; Composed and conducted by, Claude Schryer; Flute, Jill Rothberg; Guitar Daniel Desjardins; Percussion, Helen Barclay; Piano, Laurie Radford. Recorded at McGill University Recording Studios. This work is notable for its use of the Synclavier, a high-end digital synthesizer/sampler/workstation from the mid-1980s.
16:02
1:16:04
11. Bruno Degazio, “Heatnoise” (1987) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). Degazio is a composer, researcher and film sound designer based in Ontario, Canada. “Heatnoise is one of a series of algorithmic compositions applying principles of fractal geometry to music.” It uses digital synthesis.
11:24
1:32:04
12. Hildegard Westerkamp, “Cricket Voice” (1987) from from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). A super accomplished sound ecologist, Westerhamp is best known today as the creator of many works of sound art that use natural acoustic environments. She also composed many tape works. This work is a “musical exploration of the cricket,” with a cricket sound recorded in Mexico. If you know crickets, you will note that this one is not Canadian. But the composer is and this work was produced at the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver where Westerkamp was teaching at the time.
11:09
1:43:18
13. Ann Southam, “Fluke Sound” (1989) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). Southam is another female Canadian composer of note. Much of her career has been spent composing works for dance. She is from the Toronto area. This work is from a period when she was immersed in electroacoustic music.
10:22
1:54:13
14. Norma Beecroft, “Evocations: Images Of Canada (1992) (2003 Ovation Volume 3). In contrast to the earlier tape works of Beecroft featured in part 1 of this series, this is a purely digital composition. She used an Apple Macintosh, the program/sequencer Performer and a Roland D-70 synthesizer. Commissioned by the Music Department in Toronto of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. with the purpose of utilizing their then new digital mixing facilities. The materials for this composition represent the many aspects of Canadian culture and was a statement around her concern for the “future of Canada as a unfied country.”
16:01
2:04:22
Opening background music: David Keane, “Lumina” (1988) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). For tenor voice and “digital tape recorder” to sample and manipulate the sound. Created in Keane’s studio in Scarborough, Ontario. Voice, Richard Margison. 11:46
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
-
Episode 120
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 1
Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Opening and Introduction (Thom Holmes)
10:36
00:00
1. Hugh LeCaine, “Dripsody: An Etude For Variable Speed Recorder” (1955) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). One of the earliest pieces of tape music by the inventor and composer Hugh Le Caine. Also, one of the most available works from the early years when it was used to demonstrate simple techniques of tape composition. It is probably the most-played work of electronic music other than “Poeme Electronique” by Varese. Every sound in this work is based on a recording of of a single drop of water falling into a bucket, which then underwent various speed adjustments and edits to create this composition. I chose a recording from a CD compilation spanning the first 45 years of electroacoustic music in Canada. The original version of Dripsody was monophonic. Le Caine produced this stereophonic version in 1967 for Folkways records.
2:12
10:36
2. Maurice Blackburn / Norman McLaren, “Blinkity Blank” (1955) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (1990 Radio Canada International). Another early work of tape music from Canada, produced around the same time as “Dripsody.” As a member of the National Film Board of Canada, Blackburn created this soundtrack with Norman McLaren by hand drawing on the optical soundtrack of a short film.
5:07
12:36
3. Hugh LeCaine, “Ninety-Nine Generators” (1956) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). The title refers to the 99 tones of the touch sensitive organ. Each note had a separate generator and they could all sounds at the same time.
1:42
17:34
4. Hugh LeCaine, “Arcane Presents Lulu” (1956) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). Le Caine composed this using his Special Purpose Tape Recorder using individual tape playback heads for six tapes, activated by keys.
1:50
19:14
5. Hugh LeCaine, “This Thing Called Key” (1956) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). Le Caine composed this using his Special Purpose Tape Recorder using individual tape playback heads for six tapes, activated by keys.
1:53
21:04
6. Hugh LeCaine, “Invocation” (1957) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). Le Caine composed this using his Special Purpose Tape Recorder using individual tape playback heads for six tapes, activated by keys.
2:21
22:56
7. Anhalt, “Electronic Composition No. 2” (1959) from Electronic Composition No. 2 ("Sine Nomine II") (1985 Radio Canada International).
8:47
25:18
8. Hugh LeCaine, “Nocturne” (1957) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). This piece was played on a conductive keyboard using printed circuit keys (designed by Rene Farley) and tape delay. Notes are sounded by the pressing of a finger on the conductive surface of the keys.
3:08
34:04
9. Norma Beecroft, “From Dreams of Brass” (1964) from Music And Musicians Of Canada Centennial Edition Vol. II / Musique Et Musiciens Du Canada Edition Du Centenaire Vol. II (1967 CBC Radio Canada). Norma Beecroft is a Canadian composer, producer, broadcaster, and arts administrator. Among the pioneering academic electronic music composers, she worked independently in the Electronic Music Studio of the University of Toronto. As a professional composer, she was one of the first non-students to be able to experiment in the new facility. There she focused on multitrack recording and looping as an extension of existing instrumental or vocal sounds. This particular work contrasts tape sounds with sung and spoken word sounds.
15:59
37:12
10.Paul Pedersen, “Themes From The Old Testament” (1966) consisting of 1) Saul And David; 2) David And Bathsheba; 3) Lot's Wife; 4) Parable Of Trees” (1966) from Paul Pedersen – Portrait Musical – Portrait No.1 (1976 CAPAC). Excerpts of a larger work. Produced in the Electronic Music Studios of McGill University and the University of Toronto. Paul Pedersen is a Canadian composer, arts administrator, and music educator. He was head of the McGill University Electronic Music Studios from 1971-1974. Concordia University in Montreal created 'The Paul Award in Electroacoustics' to celebrate Paul Pedersen's contribution to the development of electroacoustics in Canada.
5:47
53:10
11.Anhalt, “Cento” (1967) from Istvan Anhalt (1972 Radio Canada International). “CENTO was composed in 1966 under a grant from the Centennial Commission, and its premiere performance took place in 1967, Canada's Centennial Year. The composer describes his work thus: ‘It is a work for a twelve-part mixed choir and two channels of tape-recorded sounds. Most of the sounds on the tape are also vocal, and it was my intention to blend, as much as possible, the live and the recorded voices. The effect I was seeking is that of a single choir performing in an acoustical space the character of which is partly real, partly unreal. "Much of the electronic equipment in both works was invented and built by Dr. Hugh Le Caine at the National Research Council of Canada.”
11:23
59:02
12.Norma Beecroft, “Two Went to Sleep” from Norma Beecroft – CAPAC Musical Portraits (circa 1976 CAPAC). Excerpt from a larger work, released on the Musical Portraits series of extended play 7-inch discs. This piece was written for soprano, flute, percussion, and tape with words by poet Leonard Cohen. It is a great example of the kind of work that combined instruments with tape.
2:49
1:10:24
13.Hugh LeCaine, “Music for Expo” (1967) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). Produced using Le Caine’s Serial Sound Structure Generator, a device intended to provide controls for making twelve tone serial music. Tones and other parameters were created using rotary dials on the control panel. Created for Expo ’67 World Exposition in Montreal.
2:34
1:13:12
14.Peter Huse, “Space Play” (1969) from Carrefour (Musique Electro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). Fraser was a west coast person and composed this work while at Simon Fraser University. He was assistant director of the World Soundscape Project.
3:46
1:15:46
15.Hugh LeCaine, “Mobile” (1970) from Carrefour (Musique Electro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). One of the first pieces of music to be composed on the NRC Computer Music System.
1:19:28
16.Micheline Coulombe Saint-Marcoux, “Trakadie (3 Excerpts), For Percussion And Tape” (1970) from Micheline Coulombe Saint-Marcoux: Musical Portrait (1976 CAPAC). This series of composer's Musical Portraits was initiated and sponsored by the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada. Micheline Coulombe Saint-Marcoux was a Canadian composer and music educator who played an important role in the contemporary classical music scene of Canada and France from the late 1960s through the mid-1980s. Primarily a composer of contemporary classical music, she experimented with electroacoustic music from time to time with some amazingly original and fresh results. From 1968 to 1971 she studied musique concrete with Pierre Schafer in Paris, and from this period comes this work.
4:17
1:21:20
17.Michel Longtin, “La Mort Du Pierrot” (1971) from Carrefour (Musique Electro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). Produced in the electronic music studio of McGill University.
5:21
1:25:34
18.David Paul, “Eruption” (1971) from Carrefour (Musique Electro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). Produced at the University of Toronto, using Le Caine’s equipment, this work explores sound densities and glissandi.
6:07
1:30:56
19.Paul Pedersen, “For Margaret, Motherhood And Mendelssohn” (1971) from Carrefour (Musique, Électro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). Composed at McGill University where Pedersen was director of the electronic music studio. The electroacoustic work uses fragments of speeches such as prime minister Pierre Trudeau’s and the electronic sounds were composed using Le Caine’s Polyphonic Synthesizer.
4:21
1:37:02
20.Hugh LeCaine, “Paulution” (1972) from Pioneer In Electronic Music Instrument Design: Compositions And Demonstrations 1948-1972 (1985 JWD Music). Uses Le Caine’s Polyphonic Synthesizer, a new device created by the scientist around this time. Much of this was created in real-time with little tape manipulation.
4:09
1:41:18
21.Micheline Coulombe Saint-Marcoux, “Zones” (1972) from Carrefour (Musique, Électro-Acoustique = Electroacoustic Music). Musique électroacoustique réalisée au Sonic Research Studio, Université Simon Fraser, Vancouver. An exploration of different instrumental timbres using electroacoustic music.
9:02
1:45:22
Opening background music: Hugh Le Caine, Rhapsody in Blue, performed on the Electronic Sackbut (1953) from Compositions Demonstrations 1946-1974 (1999 Electronic Music Foundation)00:58; Hugh Le Caine, Safari: Eine Kleine Klangfarbenmelodie (1964) from Compositions Demonstrations 1946-1974 (1999 Electronic Music Foundation). Played on the Sonde, a Le Caine instrument that could generate 200 sine tones separated by intervals of 5 Hertz, as a demonstration of textures and densities. 3:10 (then repeated).
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 119
Phonographic Education—a Sound Collage
Playlist
Because this episode is a collage of recorded sounds, there are no start times for individual selections. Enjoy the collisions, densities, and words combined with music.
Start time for collage: 03:55
Some of the musical selections heard in this collage:
The London Philharmonic Orchestra – A Sound Spectacular Stereo Space Odyssey (1973 Stereo Gold Award). UK disc. “A Speaker to Speaker Trip in Thrilling Spacial Stereo.” The London Philharmonic Orchestra with Pipe Organ and Electronic Synthesiser Effects.Charles Albertine – McDonnell Douglas Physician Systems Company Presents In Concert Charles Albertine (1985 Concert). Piano, Synthesizer, Composed By, Producer, Charles Albertine. “Postage-paid card ("For information on how Concert systems can help you manage the business aspects of patient care") enclosed.”Various – Rumanian Folk Songs And Dances (1958 Monitor). Song And Dance Ensemble ''The Lark.''The Original Deutshmeisterband – The Most Beloved Marches From Austria (1978 Summit).Soviet Army Chorus & Band Conducted By Boris Alexandrov – Soviet Army Chorus & Band (1956 Angel).Jack Wilson – The Jazz Organs (1964 Vault). Bass, Leroy Vinnegar; Drums, Philly Joe Jones, Donald Bailey; Guitar, Gene Edwards, John Gray; Organ, Genghis Kyle, Henry Cain, Jack Wilson.Trombones Unlimited – Holiday For Trombones (1967 Libertty). Trombones, Frank Rosolino, Mike Barone.Костадин Варимезов – Bagpipe (1979 Балкантон). Bulgarian Bagpipe with orchestral accompaniment.Lightning – Lightning (1970 P.I.P. Records). Additional String Arrangement ARP Synthesizer, Herb Pilhofer.Enoch Light – 4 Channel Stereo (1971 Project 3 Total Sound). Compilation made specifically for Sylvania as a giveaway with their phonos.Terry Snyder And The All Stars – Persuasive Percussion (1959 Command). Featuring, Artie Marotti, Dick Hyman, Dominic Cortese, Jack Lesberg, Stanley Webb, Teddy Sommer, Tony Mottola, Willie Rodriguez,Terry Snyder. Producer, Enoch Light.Some of the spoken word educational recordings heard in this collage:
Parakeet Training Record (1951? Hartz Mountain Products). “Your parakeet can teach itself to talk!” Presented in a carefully tested, scientific manner.
Gertrude Behanna – God Isn't Dead! (1964 Word). “This is the story of my life . . . what occurred . . . and what life is now.”Lee B. Steiner – Sounds Of Self-Hypnosis Through Relaxation (1959 Folkways). Voice, Liner Notes – Lee R. Steiner. Subtitled: "a documentary recording with Mrs. Lee B. Steiner, Certified Psychologist.” "The content and timing of this recording have been validated with novices who learned the method in the process of making this recording."Improve Your Eyesight Without Glasses (1977 Wolf). “These techniques must be practiced daily until perfect vision is attained. The daily practice often becomes a tedious chore, thus defeating its goal: relaxation. The tedium is avoided by using this record album which combines contemporary music specially written for relaxation, with a narrative that takes the listener through the daily drills in a pleasant, relaxed way.”Domineau – Détente Avec Domineau (no date, no label). Concept By [Conception], Producer [Réalisation] – Domineau. Relaxation by a levitation expert.Michio Kushi – Spirals of Everlasting Change (1975 Inyo International). Lecture by macrobiotic expert.Jimmy Nelson With Comments By Danny O'Day And Farfel – Jimmy Nelson's "Instant Ventriloquism" And "Ventriloquism For The Beginner" (1964 Juro Celebrity).Professor J. J. Higgins, S.J., M.A., S.T.L. – Study Techniques: Relax & Concentrate (1964 Saint Louis University).Richard Carl Spurney – Bowl-A-Record (1961 Life Records). Relaxation And Successful Bowling Attitudes.Joe Wilman – Joe Wilman Shows You How To Bowl Your Best (1960 Epic).Park Richards – A Double-Barrel Blast (1962 Cook). “Unrehearsed Phone Conversation With Undertaker On Subject Of How Much It Costs To Get (Deceased) Uncle Willie Buried.”Steno Booster: Dictation Speed and Accuracy Training Course (1961 Conversa-Phone). Sample letters to dictate at various speed.Les Journalistes De R.T.L. / Jean-Pierre Farkas – Les Journées De Mai 68 (1968 Philips). Made in France. Recorded adaptation of a print publication highlights major events of the year.Adventures In Negro History Vol. 1 (1963 Highlight Radio Productions). Produced By Pepsi-Cola Co.John Charles Daly – The Space Age: The Age Of Reliability (1962 Raybestos-Manhattan).Is There A Place For Respiratory Stimulants In Anesthesiology? (1965 Excerta Medica Foundation). Professional Seminar: Advanced Investigations In Anesthesiology.Stephen Ettinger, D.V.M. – Canine Heart Sounds (1970? EVSCO Pharmaceutical Corp.)B. Barlow & W. A. Pocock – Auscultation Of The Heart (1966 London Records).Colette Maher – Détente (Le Sommeil Éveillé - Yoga Nidra) (1973 Select). French Canadian release.Russ Farnsworth – Revolutionary New Word Method To Learn Radio Code (1959 Epsilon Records).Russ Farnsworth – Learn Code With The AMECO Code Course (1965? AMECO Publishing Corp.)John P. Sykes – Sleep-Relaxation (1972 Folkways).Maharishi Mahesh Yogi – The Master Speaks (1967 World Pacific Recods). Narrator, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.Instrument Flight (1960 Jeppesen & Co.)Daniel Akers, Phillip Masline – Listening & Concentration (1978 Automated Learning).Norman Singere – Instant Memory Power (1975 Automated Learning).Arthur Ashe, Learn Tennis (For Beginners & Advanced Players) (1974 Manhattan Recording Company). Vinyl, 12 ." Arthur Ashe teaches you Tennis. Comes with 8-page black/white instructional booklet.John Newcombe, Tennis With John Newcombe (1974 K-Tel). Limited Collectors Edition. Vinyl, 12 ." Narrator, unidentified. 12-Page Tennis tips Booklet Enclosed. Promotional item for Rawlings tennis products.Art by Telephone, complete transcript, Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (1969). An exhibition organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art under the sponsorship of the American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago. November 1 to December 14, 1969. I have excerpted 10 minutes of the artist proposals. I couldn’t help but notice that the only contributors to the exhibit were male artists, so I apologize in advance for this slice of chauvinism from the late 1960s. Still, the conversations are interesting.Excerpt from an 1940s recording of the radio horror drama, Lights Out, "The Coffin in Studio B," in which actors rehearsing an episode of Lights Out are interrupted by a mysterious coffin salesman peddling his wares. I have a test pressing of the program.Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Playlist
Track Time
Start Time
Opening and Introduction (Thom Holmes)
11:57
00:00
1. Herbie Hancock, Herbie Hancock Demonstrates The Rhodes Piano (1973 Rhodes). A terrific flexi-disc produced by Rhodes and narrated by Hancock who tells an interesting story about his first encounter with the instrument on a Miles Davis session and then he walks the keyboard through a series of effects. He speaks with the authority of a proud electronics tinkerer who understands the nuances that make this instrument so beloved by jazz musicians. This flexi-disc was originally delivered in the November 8, 1973 issue of Down Beat magazine. I provide both sides of the disc, in entirety. Tunes included during the demonstration include parts of Watermelon Man, Maiden Voyage, and The Spook. Soloist, Rhodes Electric Piano, Voice, Herbie Hancock. I thought it would be wisest to lead off this podcast with an overview of the Rhodes even though it is out of chronological sequence, being from 1973. We then go back a few years to hear tracks in proper time order.
12:48
11:57
2. The Don Ellis Orchestra, “Open Beauty” from Electric Bath (1967 Columbia). Alto Saxophone, Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Joe Roccisano, Ruben Leon; Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet, John Magruder; Bass, Dave Parlato, Frank De La Rosa; Bass, Sitar, Ray Neapolitan; Congas, Bongos, Chino Valdes; Drums, Steve Bohannon; Leader, Trumpet, Don Ellis; Percussion, Alan Estes; Piano, Clavinet, Fender Electric Piano Fender, Mike Lang; Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Ron Starr; Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute, Clarinet, Ira Schulman; Timbales, Vibraphone, Percussion , Mark Stevens; Trombone, Dave Sanchez, Ron Myers, Terry Woodson; Trumpet, Alan Weight, Bob Harmon, Ed Warren, Glenn Stuart.
5:33
24:44
3. Miles Davis, “Stuff” from Miles In The Sky (1968 Columbia). I think this was Miles’ first album recorded using the Fender Rhodes, played by Herbie Hancock. See the opening tracks from this podcast for a story about this session from Hancock. Bass, Ron Carter; Drums, Tony Williams; Piano, Fender Electric Piano, Herbie Hancock; Tenor Saxophone, Wayne Shorter; Trumpet, Miles Davis.
16:59
30:14
4. Joe Zawinul, “The Soul Of A Village (Part II)” from The Rise & Fall Of The Third Stream (1968 Vortex). Zawinul, along with Hancock, was an early adopter of the Fender Rhodes. Cello, Kermit Moore; Double Bass, Richard Davis; Drums, Freddie Waits, Roy McCurdy; Percussion, Warren Smith; Piano, Fender Electric Piano, Joe Zawinul; Tenor Saxophone, Arranged by, William Fischer; Trumpet, Jimmy Owens; Viola, Alfred Brown, Selwart Clarke, Theodore Israel.
4:16
47:10
5. Oliver Nelson and Steve Allen, “Go Fly a Kite” from Soulful Brass (1968 Impulse). Another Steve Allen record, whom we heard from in part 1 playing the Wurlitzer Electric Piano. Here is a selection from an album on which he plays the Rock-Si-Chord and occasional piano. Arranged by Oliver Nelson; Rock-Si-Chord, piano, Steve Allen; Drums, Jimmy Gordon; session musicians, Barney Kessel, Bobby Bryant, Larry Bunker, Roger Kellaway, Tom Scott; Produced by Bob Thiele.
2:30
51:24
6. J & K “Mojave” from Betwixt & Between (1969 A&M, CTI). “J” is J.J. Johnson (trombonist) and “K” is Kai Winding (trombonist). Their ensemble included Roger Kellaway playing the electric clavinette. An example of using the clavinet in jazz. This was most likely a Hohner Clavinet Model C which had just been introduced in 1968. Recorded at Van Gelder Studios during late 1968.
2:31
53:54
7. Albert Ayler, “New Generation” from New Grass (1969 Impulse). An electric harpsichord played by Call Cobbs adds some subtle comping to this buoyant tune written by Ayler, Mary Parks, Rose Marie McCoy. Baritone Saxophone, Buddy Lucas; Design Cover And Liner, Byron Goto, Henry Epstein; Drums, Pretty Purdie; Electric Bass, Bill Folwell; Piano, Electric Harpsichord, Organ, Call Cobbs; Producer, Bob Thiele; Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Seldon Powell; Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Albert Ayler; Trombone, Garnett Brown; Trumpet, Burt Collins, Joe Newman; Vocals, The Soul Singers.
5:06
56:22
8. Bill Evans, “I’m All Smiles” from From Left To Right (1970 MGM). Piano, Rhodes Electric Piano, Bill Evans; Bass, John Beal; Conducted, arranged by Michael Leonard; Double Bass, Eddie Gomez; Drums,Marty Morell; Guitar, Sam Brown; Liner Notes, Harold Rhodes, Helen Keane, Michael Leonard; Produced by Helen Keane. For his 24th solo album, the long-established jazz pianist Evans took his turn playing both the Fender Rhodes and Steinway acoustic piano on this album, as two-handed duets no less. Liner notes were written by Harold Rhodes, inventor of the Rhodes Electric Piano.
5:42
1:01:24
9. Sun Ra And His Intergalactic Research Arkestra, “Black Forest Myth” from It's After The End Of The World - Live At The Donaueschingen And Berlin Festivals (1971 MPS Records). You can hear Sun Ra enticing other-worldly sounds from a Farfisa organ beginning at about 1:35. Recorded in 1970. Of the many electronic keyboards heard elsewhere on this album (and occasionally on this track), here the Farfisa is heard the most. Farfisa organ, Hohner Electra, Hohner Clavinet, Piano, Performer, Rock-Si-Chord, Spacemaster, Minimoog, Voice, composed by, arranged by, Sun Ra; ; Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Abshlom Ben Shlomo; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Danny Davis; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Piccolo Flute, Drums, Marshall Allen; Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Danny Thompson; Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Drums, Pat Patrick; Bass, Alejandro Blake Fearon; Bass Clarinet, Robert Cummings; Drums, Lex Humphries; Drums, Oboe, Flute, James Jackson; English Horn, Augustus Browning; Mellophone, Trumpet, Ahk Tal Ebah; Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Leroy Taylor; Percussion African, Other Fireeater, Dancer , Hazoume; Percussion Hand Drums, Nimrod Hunt; Percussion, Other Dancer, Ife Tayo, Math Samba; Photography By, Hans Harzheim; Producer, Liner Notes, Joachim E. Berendt; Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, John Gilmore; Trumpet, Kwame Hadi; Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Alan Silva; Voice, June Tyson.
9:07
1:07:05
10.Joe Scott And His Orchestra, “Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head” from Motion Pictures - The NOW Generation (1970 Mainstream). Listen for the Rock-Si-Chord in electric harpsichord mode. Bass, Charles Rainey; Cello, Charles McCracken, Gene Orloff, George Ricci, Maurice Bialkin; Drums, Alvin Rogers, Joe Cass; Flute, Alto Flute, Bassoon, Tenor Flute, George Dessinger, Joe Soldo, Joseph Palmer, Philip Bodner; Flute, Flute Tenor, Alto Flute, Bassoon, Walt Levinsky; French Horn, Donald Corrado; Guitar, Jay Berliner, Stuart Scharf; Keyboards Rock-Si-Chord, Frank Owens; Mastered By Mastering, Dave Crawford (2); Percussion, Joseph Venuto; Piano, Frank Owens; Producer, Bob Shad; Trombone, Buddy Morrow, Tony Studd, Warren Covington, Wayne Andre; Trumpet, Bernie Glow, James Sedlar, John Bello, Mel Davis; Viola, Emanuel Vardi, Harold Coletta, John DiJanni, Theodore Israel; Violin, Aaron Rosand, Arnold Eidus, Emanuel Green, Frederick Buldrini, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Joseph Malignaggi, Jules Brand, Leo Kahn, Lewis Eley, Mac Ceppos, Max Pollikoff, Paul Gershman, Peter Buonoconsiglio, Raymond Gniewek, Rocco Pesile, Winston Collymore.
2:28
1:16:12
11.The Phoenix Authority, “One” from Blood, Sweat & Brass (1970 Mainstream). Note the Rock-Si-Chord. Arranged by Ernie Wilkins; Bass, Charles Rainey; Drums, Grady Tate, Herbie Lovelle; Flute, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Chris Woods, Hubert Laws; Guitar, David Spinosa, Kenneth Burrell; Organ, Piano, Rock-Si-Chord, Frank Anderson, Frank Owen; Producer, Bob Shad; Trombone, Benny Powell, George Jeffers; Trumpet, Joseph Newman, Lloyd Michaels, Ray Copeland, Woody Shaw.
2:43
1:18:38
12.The Phoenix Authority, “Sugar, Sugar” from Blood, Sweat & Brass (1970 Mainstream). Listen for the Rock-Si-Chord. Arranged by Ernie Wilkins; Bass, Charles Rainey; Drums, Grady Tate, Herbie Lovelle; Flute, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Chris Woods, Hubert Laws; Guitar, David Spinosa, Kenneth Burrell; Organ, Piano, Rock-Si-Chord, Frank Anderson, Frank Owen; Producer, Bob Shad; Trombone, Benny Powell, George Jeffers; Trumpet, Joseph Newman, Lloyd Michaels, Ray Copeland, Woody Shaw.
3:34
1:21:20
Sun Ra’s flare for electronic sound in performance is demonstrated in the following three tracks that make excellent use of the several keyboards, the Farfisa organ, Minimoog, and Rock-Si-Chord.
13.Sun Ra And His Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity-Arkestra,’ “Discipline No. 11” from Nidhamu (Live In Egypt Vol. II) (1974 El Saturn Records). Recorded at Ballon Theater, Cairo, Egypt December 17, 1971. Sun Ra playing several electronic keyboards in turn, the organ, Minimoog, and Rock-si-Chord. What I hear is some organ (Farfisa?) in the opening, then Sun Ra turns to a wild exchange between the Minimoog (monophonic) and Rock-Si-chord (polyphonic) during the second half of the track. Alto Saxophone, Congas, Larry Northington; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Danny Davis, Hakim Rahim; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Marshall Allen; Baritone Saxophone, Pat Patrick; Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Danny Thompson; Bass Clarinet, Elo Omoe; Composed By, Arranged By, Piano, Organ, Minimoog, Rock-Si-Chord, Sun Ra; Engineer Recording Engineer, Tam Fiofori; Percussion, Lex Humphries, Tommy Hunter; Photography By, Sam Bankhead; Photography Liner Photo, Mike Evans; Producer, Infinity Inc. And The East; Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, John Gilmore; Trumpet, Congas, Kwame Hadi; Vocals, June Tyson.
9:31
1:24:52
14.Sun Ra And His Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity-Arkestra,’ “Cosmo-Darkness” from Live In Egypt Vol. I (Nature's God) (Dark Myth Equation Visitation) (1972 Thoth Intergalactic). Beginning around 0:26, you get an example of Sun Ra’s rhythmic, trace-like playing of the Rock-Si-Chord. Alto Saxophone, Congas, Larry Northington; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Danny Davis, Hakim Rahim; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Marshall Allen; Baritone Saxophone, Pat Patrick; Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Danny Thompson; Bass Clarinet, Elo Omoe; Composed By, Arranged by, Piano, Organ, Minimoog, Rock-Si-Chord, Sun Ra; Engineer Recording Engineer, Tam Fiofori; Percussion, Lex Humphries, Tommy Hunter; Photography By, Sam Bankhead; Photography Liner Photo, Mike Evans; Producer, Infinity Inc. And The East; Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, John Gilmore; Trumpet, Congas, Kwame Hadi; Vocals, June Tyson.
2:05
1:34:25
15.Sun Ra And His Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity-Arkestra,’ “Solar Ship Voyage” from Live In Egypt Vol. I (Nature's God) (Dark Myth Equation Visitation) (1972 Thoth Intergalactic). This track features Sun Ra and the Minimoog in an extended solo. Alto Saxophone, Congas, Larry Northington; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Danny Davis, Hakim Rahim; Alto Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Marshall Allen; Baritone Saxophone, Pat Patrick; Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Danny Thompson; Bass Clarinet, Elo Omoe; Composed By, Arranged by, Piano, Organ, Minimoog, Rock-Si-Chord, Sun Ra; Engineer Recording Engineer, Tam Fiofori; Percussion, Lex Humphries, Tommy Hunter; Photography By, Sam Bankhead; Photography Liner Photo, Mike Evans; Producer, Infinity Inc. And The East; Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, John Gilmore; Trumpet, Congas, Kwame Hadi; Vocals, June Tyson.
2:40
1:36:30
Herbie Hancock mastered an array of keyboards, including the Fender Rhodes and several ARP models in the next three tracks tracing only two years in his musical journey.
16.Herbie Hancock, “Rain Dance” from Sextant (1973 Columbia). Patrick Gleason provides beats and beeps using the ARP 2600 and ARP Soloist. Bass Trombone, Tenor Trombone, Trombone Alto Trombone, Cowbell, Pepo (Julian Priester); Congas, Bongos, Buck Clarke; Drums, Jabali (Billy Hart); Effects Random Resonator, Fundi Electric Bass Fender Electric Bass With Wah-Wah And Fuzz, Double Bass, Mchezaji (Buster Williams); Electric Piano Fender Rhodes, Clavinet Hohner D-6 With Fender Fuzz-Wah And Echoplex, Percussion Dakka-Di-Bello, Mellotron, Piano Steinway, Handclaps, Songs by Mwandishi (Herbie Hancock); Synthesizer, Mellotron, John Vieira; Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Piccolo Flute, Afoxé Afuche, Kazoo Hum-A-Zoo, Mwile (Benny Maupin); ARP 2600, ARP Soloist, Dr. Patrick Gleeson; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Mganga (Dr. Eddie Henderson).
9:19
1:39:08
17. Herbie Hancock, “Palm Grease” from Thrust (1974 Columbia). Hancock himself plays all the keyboards and synthesizers on this album. Drums, Mike Clark; Electric Bass, Paul Jackson; Electric Piano Fender Rhodes, Clavinet Hohner D-6, Synthesizer Arp Odyssey, Arp Soloist, Arp 2600, Arp String, written by Herbie Hancock; Percussion, Bill Summers; Producers, David Rubinson, Herbie Hancock; Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Alto Flute, Bennie Maupin.
10:36
1:48:18
18.Herbie Hancock, “Nobu” = ノブ from Dedication = デディケーショ(1974 CBS/Sony). Fascinating recording because it is Hancock solo with an assortment of keyboards, including the Fender Rhodes and multiple ARP models. Piano, Fender Rhodes, Arp Pro Soloist, Arp Odyssey, Arp 3604, Arp 2600, Arp PE-IV String Ensemble, composed by Herbie Hancock; Engineer, Tomoo Suzuki; Producer, David Rubinson.
7:33
1:58:46
The analog synthesizer became a regular companion of the Fender Rhodes in jazz, leading up to the end of the 1970s.
19.Bobbi Humphrey, “My Little Girl” from Satin Doll (1974 Blue Note). The great jazz funk flutist Bobbi Humphrey released a series of albums around this time that often-featured fantastic synthesizer players. Here you can pick out the Minimoog by Don Preston and the ARP (Odyssey?) by Larry Mizell. The synths included here are in contrast to the more experimental sounds that Herbie Hancock was issuing at the same time. Flute, Vocals, Bobbi Humphrey; ARP Synthesizer, Larry Mizell; Minimoog, Don Preston; Bass, Chuck Rainey; Congas, King Errison; Drums, Harvey Mason; Electric Piano Fender Rhodes, Fonce Mizell, Larry Mizell; Guitar, John Rowin, Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin; Percussion, Roger Sainte, Stephany Spruill; Piano, Jerry Peters; Produced by Chuck Davis, Larry Mizell; Trumpet, Fonce Mizell.
6:39
2:06:19
20.Ramsey Lewis, “Jungle Strut” from Sun Goddess (1974 Columbia). Another mainstream jazz artist who found many interesting sounds to accompany his electric piano. ARP, ARP Ensemble, Piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer electric piano, Ramsey Lewis; Congas, Drums, Derf Rehlew Raheem, Maurice Jennings; Electric Upright Bass Fender, Cleveland Eaton; Guitar, Byron Gregory; Synthesizer Freeman String, Ramsey Lewis; Tambura, Percussion, Maurice Jennings; Vocals, Derf Rehlew Raheem; Written by, R. Lewis.
4:40
2:12:54
21. Ramsey Lewis, “Tambura” from Sun Goddess (1974 Columbia). ARP, ARP Ensemble, Piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer electric piano, Ramsey Lewis; Drums, Tambura, Congas, Percussion, Maurice Jennings; Electric Upright Bass Fender, Cleveland Eaton; Guitar, Byron Gregory; Written by R. Lewis.
2:52
2:17:32
22.Clark Ferguson, “Jazz Flute” from RMI Harmonic Synthesizer And Keyboard Computer (1974 Rocky Mount Instruments, Inc.). Not an instrument often used in jazz, so I turn to the company’s demonstration album for a sample of this more advanced in the RMI keyboard family. RMI Harmonic Synthesizer, Clark Ferguson.
2:43
2:20:24
23. Fernando Gelbard, “Sombrero De Flores” from Didi (1974 Discos Redonde). A straight-up jazz track from Argentine musicial Gelbard that features both the Fender Rhodes and the Minimoog. Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, Fernando Gelbard; Bass, Ricardo Salas; Congas, Vocals, Ruben Rada; Drums, Norberto Minichillo; Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, Fernando Gelbard; Percussion, Effects, Miguel "Chino" Rossi; Producer, Alberto M. Tsalpakian, Juan Carlos Maquieira; Tenor Saxophone, Horacio "Chivo" Borraro.
7:25
2:23:04
24. Fernando Gelbard, “Mojo Uno” from Didi (1974 Discos Redonde). This track features an outrageously unique Minimoog part that is akin to something you would hear from Sun Ra. Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, Fernando Gelbard; Bass, Ricardo Salas; Congas, Vocals, Ruben Rada; Drums, Norberto Minichillo; Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, Fernando Gelbard; Percussion, Effects, Miguel "Chino" Rossi; Producer, Alberto M. Tsalpakian, Juan Carlos Maquieira; Tenor Saxophone, Horacio "Chivo" Borraro.
2:00
2:30:28
25.Jan Hammer “Darkness / Earth In Search Of A Sun” from The First Seven Days (1975 Atlantic). On this track you get to hear (I think) three different synthesizers all fit for Hammer’s purpose, the solo Moog, Oberheim fills, and Freeman strings. Producer, Engineer, Piano, Electric Piano, Moog, Oberheim, and the Freeman string synthesizer; digital sequencer, Drums, Percussion, Composed by, Jan Hammer.
4:29
2:32:26
26.Larry Young's Fuel, “Moonwalk” from Spaceball (1976 Arista). CDX-0652 Portable Moog Organ, Minimoog , FRM-S810 Freeman String Symphonizer, Organ Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes, Piano, Larry Young Jr.; Bass Rickenbacker, Dave Eubanks; Hohner Clavinet , Piano, Minimoog, Julius Brockington; Drums Ludwig Drums, Zildgian Cymbals, Percussion, Jim Allington; Guest Special Guest Star, Larry Coryell; Guitar, Danny Toan, Ray Gomez; Percussion, Abdoul Hakim, Barrett Young, Clifford Brown, Farouk; Producer, Terry Philips; Tenor Saxophone Selmer, Soprano Saxophone Selmer, Flute Armstrong, Vocals, Al Lockett; Vocals, Paula West.
5:32
2:36:52
27.Larry Young's Fuel, “Startripper” from Spaceball (1976 Arista). CDX-0652 Portable Moog Organ, Minimoog , FRM-S810 Freeman String Symphonizer, Organ Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes, Piano, Larry Young Jr.; Bass Rickenbacker, Dave Eubanks; Hohner Clavinet , Piano, Minimoog, Julius Brockington; Drums Ludwig Drums, Zildgian Cymbals, Percussion, Jim Allington; Guest Special Guest Star, Larry Coryell; Guitar, Danny Toan, Ray Gomez; Percussion, Abdoul Hakim, Barrett Young, Clifford Brown, Farouk; Producer, Terry Philips; Tenor Saxophone Selmer, Soprano Saxophone Selmer, Flute Armstrong, Vocals, Al Lockett; Vocals, Paula West.
4:44
2:42:22
28.Wolfgang Dauner, “Stück Für Piano Und Synthesizer Op. 1” from Changes (1978 Mood Records). Dauner is one of the only jazz players to utilize the massive EMS Synthi 100. Written, produced, recorded, Steinway C-Flügel piano, EMS Synthi 100, Oberheim 4 Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer, Wolfgang Dauner.
9:51
2:47:04
29.Wolfgang Dauner, “War Was, Carl?” from Grandison - Musik Für Einen Film (1979 Zweitausendeins). More analog synthesizer jazz from Germany. C-flute, Alt-flute, Baß-flute, Manfred Hoffbauer; Oboe, English Horn, Hanspeter Weber; Percussion, Drums, Jörg Gebhard; Piano, Synthesizer, Percussion, Conductor, Wolfgang Dauner.
1:12
2:56:54
30.Wolfgang Dauner, “Intellektuelles Skalpell” from Grandison - Musik Für Einen Film (1979 Zweitausendeins). C-flute, Alt-flute, Baß-flute, Manfred Hoffbauer; Oboe, English Horn, Hanspeter Weber; Percussion, Drums, Jörg Gebhard; Piano, Synthesizer, Percussion, Conductor, Wolfgang Dauner.
1:26
2:58:06
Opening background music: 1) Sun Ra And His Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity-Arkestra,’ “The Light Thereof” from Live In Egypt Vol. I (Nature's God) (Dark Myth Equation Visitation) (1972 Thoth Intergalactic) (5:14). Farfisa organ playing from Sun Ra. 2) Oliver Nelson and Steve Allen, “Green Tambourine” from Soulful Brass (1968 Impulse) (2:28). Steve Allen plays the Rock-Si-Chord. 3) Oliver Nelson and Steve Allen, “Torino” from Soulful Brass (1968 Impulse) (2:02). Steve Allen plays the Rock-Si-Chord.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
I created an illustrated chart of all of the instruments included in this podcast, paying special attention to the expressive features that could be easily adopted by jazz musicians. You can view it on my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 117
Electronic Keyboards in Jazz, A Recorded History,
Part 1 of 2
Playlist
Length
Start Time
Introduction
05:42
00:00
1. Vernon Geyer, “Day After Day” from All Ashore / Day After Day (1938 Bluebird). Soloist, Hammond Electric Organ, Vernon Geyer.
02:22
05:42
2. Milt Herth Quartet / Milt Herth Trio, “Minuet in Jazz” from Home-Cookin' Mama With The Fryin' Pan / Minuet In Jazz (1938 Decca). Milt Herth was one of the first to record with the Hammond Organ Model A. His playing was more focused on melody and counterpoint and not so much on creating a lush progression of chords. This was recorded a few years before the availability of the Leslie rotating speaker, which added a special tone quality to later Hammonds, such as the model B3.
02:44
08:04
3. Milt Herth Quartet / Milt Herth Trio, “Looney Little Tooney” from Flat Foot Floojie / Looney Little Tooney (1938 Decca). Vocals, O'Neil Spencer; Drums, O'Neil Spencer; Guitar, Teddy Bunn; Hammond Organ, Milt Herth; Piano, Willie Smith (The Lion).
02:50
10:46
4. "Fats" Waller And His Rhythm, “Come Down to Earth, My Angel” from Come Down To Earth, My Angel / Liver Lip Jones (1941 Bluebird). Waller was an extremely popular ragtime and stride piano player and vocalist. In this number, he takes a rare turn on an electric organ, presumably an early model Hammond. Vocals, Piano, Electric Organ, "Fats" Waller; Bass, Cedric Wallace; Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Gene Sedric; Drums, Slick Jones; Guitar, Al Casey; Trumpet, John Hamilton.
03:10
13:36
5. Collins H. Driggs, “When Day is Done” from The Magic Of The Novachord (1941 Victor). Soloist, Hammond Novachord, Collins H. Driggs. This was an early polyphonic keyboard that generated its sounds using valve, or vacuum tube, oscillators. Made by Hammond, the Novachord was an entirely different electronic instrument than its tone-wheel organs. The Novachord had unique, synthesizer-like controls over envelope generation, band pass filtering and vibrato controlled by a series of flip switches, offering the keyboardist a unique suite of sounds.
03:11
16:45
6. The Four Clefs, “It's Heavenly” from It's Heavenly / Dig These Blues (1943 Bluebird). Hammond Electric Organ, James Marshall. Another organ recording and a nice duet with a guitarist Johnny "Happy" Green.
02:41
19:54
7. Ethel Smith And The Bando Carioca, “Tico-Tico” from Tico-Tico / Lero Lero / Bem Te Vi Atrevido (1944 Decca). Another was a popular and skilled organist using a pre-B3 Hammond.
02:45
22:36
8. Slim Gaillard Quartette, “Novachord Boogie” from Tee Say Malee / Novachord Boogie (1946 Atomic Records). Bass, Tiny Brown; Drums, Oscar Bradley; Guitar, Slim Gaillard; Piano, Dodo Marmarosa. While the Hammond Novachord plays a prominent role in this recording, the player is not credited.
02:57
25:20
9. Milt Herth And His Trio,” Twelfth Street Rag” from Herthquake Boogie / Twelfth Street Rag (1948 Decca). Recorded in New York, NY, September 5, 1947. Described on the recording as a “Boogie Woogie Instrumental.” Hammond Organ, Milt Herth; Drums, Piano, Uncredited. Herth had been recording with the Hammond organ since 1937.
03:10
28:16
10. Ben Light With Herb Kern And Lloyd Sloop, “Benny's Boogie” from Benny's Boogie / Whispering (1949 Tempo). This track includes the triple keyboard combination of piano, organ, and Novachord. Hammond Electric Organ , Herb Kern; Piano, Ben Light; Hammond Novachord, Lloyd Sloop.
02:37
31:27
11. Johnny Meyer Met Het Kwartet Jan Corduwener, “There's Yes! Yes! in your Eyes” from Little White Lies / Thereʼs Yes! Yes! In Your Eyes (1949 Decca). Accordion player Johnny Meyer added a Hammond Solovox organ to his musical arrangements. The Solovox was monophonic and it added a solo voice to his performances. This recording is from the Netherlands.
03:22
34:04
12. E. Robert Scott, R.E. Wolke, “Instructions For Playing Lowrey Organo” (excerpt) from Instructions For Playing Lowrey Organo (circa 1950 No Label). Promotional disc produced by piano and organ distributor Janssen, presumably with the cooperation of Lowrey. This is a 12-inch 78 RPM disc, but is undated, so I believe that picking 1950 as the release year is safe because the Organo was introduced in 1949 and 78 RPM records were already beginning to be replaced in 1950 by the 33-1/3 RPM disc. Recordings of this instrument are extremely rare. I have no such examples within a jazz context, but being a competitor of the Hammond Solovox, I thought this was worth including.
03:23
37:26
13. Ethel Smith, “Toca Tu Samba” from Souvenir Album (1950 Decca). One of the great female masters of the Hammond Electric Organ was Ethel Smith. Her performances were mostly considered as pop music, but she had the knack for creating Latin jazz tracks such as this. Featuring The Bando Carioca; Hammond Electric Organ soloist, Ethel Smith.
02:25
40:48
14. The Harmonicats, “The Little Red Monkey” from The Little Red Monkey / Pachuko Hop (1953 Mercury). Jerry Murad's Harmonicats were an American harmonica-based group. On this number, they included the electronic instrument known as the Clavioline. The Clavioline produced a fuzzy square wave that could be filtered to roughly imitate many other instruments. The record is inscribed with the message, “Introducing the Clavioline,” but the player is not mentioned.
01:56
43:12
15. Djalma Ferreira E Seus Milionarios Do Ritmo, “Solovox Blues” from Parada De Dança N. 2 (1953 Musidisc). From Brazil comes a jazz group that included the Hammond Solovox Organ as part of its ensemble. Invented in 1940, the Solovox was a monophonic keyboard intended as an add-on to a piano for playing organ-flavored solos. It had a 3-octave mini keyboard and controls over vibrato and attack time, and tone settings for deep, full, and brilliant. Piano, Hammond Solovox Organ, Djalma Ferreira; Bass, Egidio Bocanera; Bongos, Amaury Rodrigues; Drums, Cecy Machado; Guitar, Nestor Campos.
02:31
45:08
16. Eddie Baxter, “Jalousie” from Temptation (1957 Rendezvous Records). Piano, Hammond Organ, Celesta (Electronic Celeste), Krueger Percussion Bass, Eddie Baxter; rhythm section, uncredited. Like Ethel Smith, Baxter was pushing the limits of popular music with his virtuosity on the organ and other instruments. In this track you can hear the electronic celesta with its chime-like sounds near the beginning before the electric organ and guitar dominate the rest of the piece.
02:33
47:38
17. Eddie Baxter, “Temptation” from Temptation (1957 Rendezvous Records). Hammond Electric Organ, Eddie Baxter. Piano, Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Krueger Percussion Bass, Eddie Baxter. In this track, you can clearly hear the Wurlitzer electric piano in several sections.
02:08
50:10
18. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra, “Advice to Medics” from Super-Sonic Jazz (1957 El Saturn Records). This excursion into one of the first records released by Sun Ra as a bandleader of the Arkestra was recorded in 1956 at RCA Studios, Chicago. This track is a solo for the Wurlitzer Electric Piano, an instrument invented in 1954 and that was quickly adopted by many jazz and popular music players.
02:02
52:17
19. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra, “India” from Super-Sonic Jazz (1957 El Saturn Records). A work featuring the Wurlitzer Electric Piano played by Sun Ra, miscellaneous percussion; electric bass, Wilburn Green; Drums, Robert Barry and William Cochran; Timpani, Timbales, Jim Herndon; and trumpet, Art Hoyle.
04:48
54:18
20. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra, “Springtime in Chicago” from Super-Sonic Jazz (1957 El Saturn Records). This work features Sun Ra playing the acoustic and electric pianos. Wurlitzer Electric Piano, piano Sun Ra; bass, Victor Sproles; Tenor Saxophone, John Gilmore; Drums, Robert Barry and William Cochran.
03:50
59:14
21. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra, “Sunology” from Super-Sonic Jazz (1957 El Saturn Records). Another number with both the acoustic and electric pianos. Of interest is how Sun Ra moves deftly from one keyboard to the other (these recordings were made in real time), often mid-phrase. This was a style of playing that Sun Ra would continue to perfect throughout his long career and many electronic keyboards. Wurlitzer Electric Piano, piano Sun Ra; bass, Victor Sproles; Tenor Saxophone, John Gilmore; Drums, Robert Barry and William Cochran; Alto Saxophone, James Scales; Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Pat Patrick.
12:47
01:02:54
22. Steve Allen, “Electronic Boogie” from Electrified Favorites (1958 Coral). From Steve Allen, who played the Wurlitzer Electric Piano on this track. This track has the characteristic brashness that was typical of the Wurlitzer sound.
02:23
01:15:40
23. Steve Allen, “Steverino Swings” from Electrified Favorites (1958 Coral). From Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Steve Allen. Unlike many tracks featuring the Wurlitzer Electric, which make use of its distortion and emphasize its sharp attack, it was possible to closely mimic an acoustic piano as well, as Allen does here. I had to listen to this several times before I believed that it was the Wurlitzer, as the liner notes state. But you can hear certain tell-tale sounds all along the way—such as the slight electrified reverb after a phrase concludes and the occasional thump of the bass notes played by the left hand.
02:54
01:18:02
24. Michel Magne, “Larmes En Sol Pleureur (Extrait D'un Chagrin Emmitouflé)” from Musique Tachiste (1959 Paris). Jazz expression in a third-stream jazz setting by French composer Michel Magne. Third-stream was a music genre that fused jazz and classical music. The term was coined in 1957 by composer Gunther Schuller after which there was a surge of activity around this idea. In this example, the Ondes Martenot and vocalist add jazz nuances to a chamber music setting, the interpretation being very jazz-like. Ondes Martenot, Janine De Waleine; Piano, Paul Castagnier; Violin, Lionel Gali; Voice, Christiane Legrand.
02:38
01:20:54
25. Ray Charles, “What'd I Say” from What'd I Say (1959 Atlantic). This might be the most famous track ever recorded using a Wurlitzer Electric Piano. The fuzzy, sharp tone added depth and feeling to the playing. The opening bars were imitated far and wide for radio advertising of drag races during the 1960s.
05:05
01:23:30
26. Lew Davies And His Orchestra, “Spellbound” from Strange Interlude (1961 Command). This was one of Enoch Light’s productions from the early 1960s, when stereo separation was still an experiment. This is the theme from the Hitchcock movie with a melody played on the Ondioline, a monophonic organ and an otherwise jazzy arrangement with a rhythm section, reeds, and horns. Arrangement, Lew Davies; Ondioline, Sy Mann; Bass, Bob Haggart, Jack Lesberg; Cymbalum, Michael Szittai; Drums, George Devens, Phil Kraus; French Horn,Paul Faulise, Tony Miranda; Guitar, Tony Mottola; Reeds, Al Klink, Ezelle Watson, Phil Bodner, Stanley Webb; Trombone, Bobby Byrne, Dick Hixon, Urbie Green; Produced by, Enoch Light.
03:29
01:28:34
27. Sy Mann and Nick Tagg, “Sweet and Lovely” from 2 Organs & Percussion (1961 Grand Award). Duets on the Hammond B3 and Lowrey Organs “propelled by the urgent percussive drive of a brilliant rhythm section.” This is a unique opportunity to contract and compare the sounds of the Hammond and Lowrey organs with percussion. Hammond B3 Organ, Sy Mann, Nick Tagg. The track begins with the Lowrey and demonstrates the sliding tone effects made possible by its Glide foot switch.
02:58
01:32:02
28. Enoch Light And The Light Brigade, “Green Eyes” from Vibrations (1962 Command). More stereo separation hijinks from Enoch Light. This tune features the Ondioline in an exchange of lines with the guitar and other instruments. The Ondioline is first heard at about 35 seconds. Ondioline, Milton Kraus; Bass, Bob Haggart; Guitar, Tony Mottola; Percussion, Bobby Rosengarden, Dan Lamond, Ed Shaughnessy, Phil Kraus; Piano, Moe Wechsler; Trumpet – Doc Severinsen; Woodwind – Phil Bodner, Stanley Webb; Produced by, Enoch Light.
02:50
01:34:59
29. Jimmy Smith, “Begger for the Blues” from The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith--Bashin' (1962 Verve). Jimmy Smith was a great jazz soloist on the Hammond B3 organ. This stripped-down arrangement shows his nuanced expression skills with the organ.
07:26
01:37:49
30. Jimmy Smith, “Walk On The Wild Side” from The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith--Bashin' (1962 Verve). This big band arrangement of a theme from the movie Walk on the Wild Side features the Hammond B3 of Smith in the context of a full jazz orchestration.
05:54
01:45:12
31. Dick Hyman And His Orchestra, “Stompin' At The Savoy” from Electrodynamics (1963 Command). Arranged, Lowrey Organ, Dick Hyman; Bass, Bob Haggart; Drums, Osie Johnson; Guitar, Al Casamenti, Tony Mottola; Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Bongos, Congas, Bass Drum, Bells, Cowbell, Bob Rosengarden, Phil Kraus; Produced by Enoch Light. Hyman shows off the steady, smooth tonalities of the Lowrey and also makes use of the Glide foot switch right from the beginning with that little whistling glissando that he repeats five times in the first 30 seconds.
02:50
01:51:06
32. Sun Ra, “The Cosmos” from The Heliocentric Worlds Of Sun Ra, Vol. I (1965 ESP Disc). The instrumentation on this entire album is quite experimental, especially the dominance of the bass marimba, Electronic Celesta, and timpani of Sun Ra. The celesta is seldom heard on jazz records, but it is the only electronic keyboard found on this track. Marimba, Electronic Celesta, timpani, Sun Ra; Percussion, Jimhmi (sp Jimmy) Johnson; Performer, Sun Ra And His Solar Arkestra; Baritone Saxophone, Percussion, Pat Patrick; Bass, Ronnie Boykins; Bass Clarinet, Wood Block, Robert Cummings; Bass Trombone, Bernard Pettaway; Flute, Alto Saxophone, Danny Davis; Percussion, timpani, Jimmi Johnson; Piccolo Flute, Alto Saxophone, Bells, Spiral Cymbal, Marshall Allen.
07:31
01:53:54
33. Sun Ra And His Solar Arkestra, “The Magic City” from The Magic City (1966 Saturn Research). You won’t be disappointed to know that Sun Ra gave the Clavioline a turn on this album. This was prior to his experimenting with synthesizers, which we will cover in Part 2 of this exploration of early electronic keyboards in jazz. He incorporated the Clavioline in many of his mid-1960s recordings. Clavioline, Piano, Sun Ra; Alto Saxophone, Danny Davis, Harry Spencer; Percussion, Roger Blank; Trombone, Ali Hassan; Trumpet, Walter Miller.
27:24
02:01:22
34. Clyde Borly & His Percussions, “Taboo” from Music In 5 Dimensions (1965 Atco). Vocals, Ondes Martenot, Janine De Waleyne. Yes, Ms. De Waleyne was a French vocalist and Ondes Martenot player.
03:33
02:28:44
35. Jeanne Loriod, Stève Laurent and Pierre Duclos, ''Ordinateur X Y Z” from Ondes Martenot (1966 SONOROP). Album of broadcast library music from France that happened to feature the Ondes Martenot played Jeanne Loriod; drums, uncredited. The dynamic expression features of the monophonic electronic instrument can be clearly experienced on this track.
02:05
02:32:16
36. Roger Roger, “Running with the Wind” from Chappell Mood Music Vol. 21 (1969 Chappell). Broadcast library recording with various themes played using the Ondes Martenot. This track features a solo Ondes Martenot and is backed by an electric harpsichord. The Ondes Martenot used the same electronic principle to create smooth, flowing tones as the Theremin, only that it was controlled by a keyboard. In this piece, the articulation of the Ondes Martenot is quite apart from that of the Theremin, including its double-tracked tones and the quick pacing which is rather un-Theremin-like.
01:28
02:34:20
37. Roger Roger, “Night Ride” from Chappell Mood Music Vol. 21 (1969 Chappell). Broadcast library recording with various themes played using the Ondes Martenot. While this track features a flute solo, you can hear the Ondes Martenot from time to time, especially in the middle break. Other uncredited musician play drums, harp, and perhaps a celesta on this track.
01:35
02:35:45
Opening background music: Dick Hyman And His Orchestra, “Mack the Knife,” “Satin Doll” and “Shadowland” from Electrodynamics (1963 Command). Dick Hyman playing the Lowrey organ. Arranged, Lowrey Organ, Dick Hyman; Bass, Bob Haggart; Drums, Osie Johnson; Guitar, Al Casamenti, Tony Mottola; Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Bongos, Congas, Bass Drum, Bells, Cowbell, Bob Rosengarden, Phil Kraus; Produced by Enoch Light.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
I created an illustrated chart of all of the instruments included in this podcast, paying special attention to the expressive features that could be easily adopted by jazz musicians. You can download the PDF, for free, on my blog, Noise and Notations at thomholmes.com
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Episode 116
The Sounds of Motoring
Track Start Times
Introduction
00:00:00
Motoring Soundscape
00:04:33
Closing
01:47:48
Playlist
For this episode, I created a soundscape based mostly on vintage recordings from the Archive of automobiles, trucks, construction equipment, mopeds and motorcycles, buses, street sounds and a variety of police and ambulance sirens. The work flows from sound to sound, often in tandem, and sometimes embellished with an effect drawn from the electronic music toolbox. This edition’s playlist includes recordings from all of the following, from which I extracted and remixed hours of audio material.
Street Traffic Noises (Recorded at a London Street Junction) (circa 1927 Columbia). 78 RPM.Motor Car Noises (1931 His Masters Voice). 78 RPM.Sound Effects, “Taxi Cab Leaving,” “Ambulance Bell (with Traffic)” (circa 1932 Columbia). 78 RPM.Cuban Corners: More Sports Cars in Stereo (1957 Riverside).Tony Schwartz, “Outdoor Sounds” from Sound Effects, Volume One, City Sounds (1958 Folkways).The Sound of Sounds (1961 Directional Sound).Documentary Sounds, Volume One (1962 Folkways).The Exciting Racing Sounds of Grand Prix, Challenge of Champions (1962 MGM).Sound Effects, Volume 5 (1963 Audio Fidelity).Live Mechanical Sound Effects in Stereo (1971 Realistic/Audio Fidelity).De Wolfe Sound Effects DWFX LP No. 9: Motorway Construction (1973 Music De Wolfe).De Wolfe Sound Effects DWFX LP No. 1: Rally Cars (1973 Music De Wolfe).SFX Sound Effects Vol. 6 (1979 Gateway Recordings).De Wolfe Sound Effects DWFX LP No. 21: Transport Part 2 (1982 Music De Wolfe).Thom Holmes, field recordings of city streets and traffic noise, including Paris traffic horns (2015), Paris, from the top of the Arc De Triomphe, “overhearing” the intersection of twelve streets (2015), Paris, backstreet from window (2017), Paris, street traffic (2017), New York, East Village, 6th (2021); and a Toronto, interior of bus ride (2016).Opening background music: Thom Holmes, “Paris street traffic” (2017).
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 115
Radio Spirits in the Night
Introduction
Track Start Times
Onda, “Part 1”
10:06
Onda, “Part 2”
28:22
Onda, "Seoul"
47:26
Onda, “Köln”
1:08:03
Onda, Lewisburg”
1:11:35
Onda, “Wroclaw"
1:19:47
Holmes. “3 Open Windows, 1 Small Antenna”
1:27:36
Playlist
Aki Onda, “Part 1” (18:16) and “Part 2” (19:04) from “Transmissions From The Radio Midnight (2023 Dinzu Artefacts). Limited Edition 12" Black Vinyl. Limited to 200 copies. “for this album, I selected some of my favorite segments from the recordings made in ten-or-so countries over the span of roughly a decade, beginning in 2008. All of the fragments are presented just as they were captured. Since frequency behavior is often unpredictable, and since the act of catching waves was done manually, the recordings capture all sorts of incidental sounds, including various kinds of static noise and radio interference.” (Aki Onda).Aki Onda, “Seoul” (2010, 20:37), “Köln” (2012, 3:32), “Lewisburg” (2014, 8:12), “Wroclaw” (2013, 7:49) from “Nam June's Spirit Was Speaking To Me” (2020 Recital). Includes 20-page art booklet including rare photographs of Nam June Paik from the set of Michael Snow’s film Rameau’s Nephew (1974), two essays on radio-wave phenomenon (by Onda and Marcus Gammel), and a remembrance of Paik by Yuji Agematsu from an interview conducted by Aki Onda.Thom Holmes. “3 Open Windows, 1 Small Antenna” (1973 Private recording). I realized this piece in the electronic music studios of Temple University in 1972-73. I recorded various shortwave radio sounds at my apartment in Philadelphia, then edited and embellished it with synthesis and modulation using the Moog Modular III synthesizer at in the Temple Music School. I was a student of Paul Epstein at the time, and he asked several of us to join him for a performance on the WBAI Free Music Store, a program radio in NYC. I developed and sketched-out some vocal parts to sing along to the tape and Paul and my friend Ed Cohen joined me for the performance in NY. The lights were dim, the mood was quiet, and we soared along on the sounds on this piece over the airwaves. A recording of that radio broadcast exists somewhere in my storage but for this instance I present the tape piece alone. 24:53.Opening background music: Thom Holmes, “Signatures Revisited” (2023), an extended version of a piece from my album Intervals (2017), based on the experience of listening to shortwave radio. 01:07:40. Listen to the complete work on my Soundcloud channel.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 114
Refined Noise
Playlist
Claus Böhmler, “Klangundkrach, Part 1” from Klangundkrach (1996) (2014 Slowscan). Recorded in Hamburg 1996. Edition of 270 copies. Böhmler was a German visual artist, video maker, and sometimes music artist. His website contains a great sampling of his visual work, texts, and writing about his work. There are not many clues as to how he made this recording except for a cover photo of several Walkman style cassette players with output cables attached. (12:46)David Cunningham, “Guitar Systemised” and “Water Systemised” from Grey Scale (1977 Piano). For tape recorder and guitar sounds or water sounds. These two works mimic a process used in some of his other compositions where, “The players play a repeating phrase. As soon as one player makes a mistake that mistake is made the basis of his repetition unless it is modified by a further mistake. Thus each player proceeds at his own rate to change the sound in an uncontrollable manner.” Except for in the case of these two works, the water piece and the guitar piece, the process is “analogous” to those works but “the process is automatic here, an inherent quality in the machinery used.” (03:10) and (04:06)Luke Fowler, “GOLD Side” from Fowl Tapes II (2013 Dekorder). Keyboards, Richard Youngs; Piano and synthesizer, Luke Fowler. Source material performed by Luke Fowler between 2009 and 2011. (17:43)Merzbow / Genesis P-Orridge, “Source Are Rare” from A Perfect Pain (1999 Cold Spring). Noise Electronics, BIAS Electric Drum Unit, TR606, Filters, Ring modulation, Masami Akita (Merzbow); vocals, producer, Genesis P-Orridge. Genesis P-Orridge: master DAT edited at The Armadillo Studio, Northampton, England, May 1998. Masami Akita: recorded & mixed at Bed Room, August 1998. (23:06)Emory Cook, “Untitled track 1” from Microfusion White Sound: Popular Combo (circa 1960 Cook). Emory Cook was known for making high fidelity location recordings and musical records from the mid-1950s to the1960s. He patented a special vinyl pressing technique called Microfusion to produce high quality records. When he wasn’t releasing sound effects such as Mexican Firecrackers or location recordings of calypso music, steel bands or a Creole Christmas, Cook managed to slip a few strange experiments into his catalog. This record, number 40850, comes from a series of five albums he produced around 1960 that combined musical tracks from his other albums with a track of pure white noise. The music would play on the left, the white sound would play at the same time on the right. I have several of these discs plus a demo album that Cook produced. The tag line for the “White Sound Series” was “analgesic sound for control of tensions.” The cover stated boldly that the album was “The new analgesic white sound to help in control of Tension, Headaches, Insomnia, Appetite, Smoking. A natural relaxant.” You be the judge as you listen to a track of a popular “cocktail combo” (called a “popular combo” on the record label, combined with white sound. “Not to be played at more than ordinary room volume level.” (03:15)Narwhalz Of Sound / Mincemeat Or Tenspeed, “Untitled” (3 tracks, side 2) from Doonesbury Dropout, Frasier Freedom / A Rave New World (2010 Isle of Man). This is a test pressing of what I think is this album. Side 2 is by Mincemeat Or Tenspeed, an electronic musician from Rhode Island (currently). (14:15)Pod Blotz, “Giving,” “Future Romance From The Past,” “Crests And Reflections,” and “Black Glass Monolith” from Glass Tears (2013 Clan Destine Records). Music project of experimental artist and musician Suzy Poling. (18:05)Opening background music: Mika Vainio, “Lydspor (Part I)” from Lydspor One & Two (2018 Moog Recordings Library). Producer, curator, Paul Smith; Moog Technical Support, Recording Engineering, Finlay Shakespeare. Part of a limited series of Moog albums produced at Surrey University when they were home to a set of Moog Modular synthesizers and components, on arrangement with Moog Music USA. Mika Vainio was born in Helsinki, Finland and died in 2017 in France at aged 53. He was an electronic musician, composer, and producer. (19:26)
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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Episode 113
More Electronic Music for Astral Tripping
Playlist
Earthstar, “Part 1, Sirens” from French Skyline (1979 Sky records). Recorded at Klaus Schulze Studio, Hambühren, W. Germany in 1978 and 1979. Bass, Electronics, Norm Peach; Choir, Craig Wuest, Joan N., Marla T., Phil N.; Electric Guitar, Treated Guitar, Electronics (Tonewall), Dennis Rea; Flute, Woodwind, Tim Finnegan; French Horn, Flute, Marla Thomson; Producers, Craig Wuest, Klaus Schulze; Moog Modular System Programming, Technical Advice, Klaus Schulze; Sitar, Dirk Schmalenbach, Synthesizer, Sequencer, Mellotron, Biotron, Piano, Sitar, Harp, Effects, Voice, Vocoder, Bells , Percussion, Tape loops, Electronic Treatments, Craig Wuest; Violin, Phil Novak; Violin, Viola, Electronics, Louis Deponté; Violin, Electronics, Daryl Trivieri. (06:18)Edgar Froese, “PA 701” from Macula Transfer (1976 Brain). The material was composed during different flights during '75 and '76 while on tour with Tangerine Dream. Instruments, Composed By, Produced by, Edgar Froese. I’m not certain, but all of the tracks are named after airline flight numbers. I think this one was on Pan American. Recorded in June 1976 at Amber Studio, Berlin. (07:33)Beaver and Krause, “Gandharva” and “By Your Grace,” from Gandharva (1971 Warner Brothers). The Moog Modular is played by Bernie Krause, the pipe organ by Paul Beaver. Baritone Saxophone, Gerry Mulligan. Recorded at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, February 10-11, 1971. This recording came at the height of the Moog craze (for which Beaver and Krause were largely responsible) and this music took a decidedly thoughtful turn with its jazz guests and spacious live sound recorded in a church. Having the Moog Modular in a live performance was a challenge and its presence is only apparent in the opening and several moments on this side of the album. But the organ and baritone saxophone alone provide a beautiful sonic experience. (06:29)イノヤマランド = Inoyama Land, “Mizue” from ダンジンダン・ポジドン = Danzindan-Pojidon (1983 Yen). Inoyama Land is Yasushi Yamashita and Makoto Inoue. Roland Jupiter 8, System-100M, MC-4, Makoto Inoue. Recorded at Private Studio, Kichijōgi & Yugawara from Jan '82 to '83. This track was made by Inoue which he described as him “playing with repetitive octave, machine-like signal sounds.” (02:31)Arp, “Nzuku” from Ensemble—Live! (2019 Mexican Summer). Arp is Alexis Georgopoulos, an American electronic musician, composer, and music producer based in New York. Includes music from his LP, Zebra, as well as four original tracks. Zebra saw the diverse, New York-based artist exploring Fourth World, Japanese avant-garde, minimalism, kosmische, dub, cosmic jazz and more. This album was recorded live in the studio. Limited edition of 500 copies. (06:36)Ariel Kalma, “Reternelle” from Ariel Kalma (1975 Astral Muse). A spacey work for dual saxophones and tape echo, played by Kalma. (12:08)Masuko Shinji, “Woven Music for Silver Ocean” from Woven Music (2011 Jagjaguwar). Japanese singer and guitarist. Some soothing guitar electronics bordering on noise. Let your thoughts wander. (13:50)イノヤマランド = Inoyama Land, “Apple Star” from ダンジンダン・ポジドン = Danzindan-Pojidon (1983 Yen). Inoyama Land is Yasushi Yamashita and Makoto Inoue. Roland Jupiter 8, System-100M, MC-4, Makoto Inoue. Recorded at Private Studio, Kichijōgi & Yugawara from Jan '82 to '83. This track by Inoue came about by his “synchronizing the Jupiter 8 auto arpeggio with the System100M analogue sequencer with the sequencer VC (voltage control), which generates a curious phrase automatically.” (05:57)White Gourd, “La Lune” from Hermit / La Lune (2013 Psychic Sounds). “White Gourd is the solo work of Suzanne Stone. In addition to being a visual artist, herbalist, teacher, master gardener, and beekeeper, she is well known for involvement as vocalist & saxophonist in the experimental ensemble Million Brazilians.” This recording illustrates the dreamy nature of Stone’s sound material used in her live performances; found objects, gongs, 78 player, piano and audio cassette loops. (18:10)Somei Satoh, “Echoes” from Emerald Tablet / Echoes (2020 WRWTFWW). Echoes taken from Somei Satoh's Echoes, Edition Omega Point (2003). It was composed for the "Mist, Sound, and Light Festival", held on May 20-19, 1981 at Kawaji, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Composed and performed by Somei Satoh. For this event, Satoh composed music for the 10-day event organized by the hot spring tourist association of Kawaji. The work was played at the Kawaji hot spring's Ojika river valley using 8 gigantic loudspeakers set-up on hills surrounding the stream, with music played through an 8-channel-tape system. The echoes created by the work were accentuated as they reverberated through the outdoor location. (30:27)Less Bells, “Bird in Hand” and “Forest Ghosts” from Solifuge (2018 Kranky). Less Bells is Julie Carpenter. All Songs by, Violin, Cello, Synthesizers, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Omnichord, Julie Carpenter; Optigan Electric Organ, Buchla Music Box, Moog Modular Synthesizer, Dain Luscombe; Synthesizer, mixed by, Kenneth James Gibson; Vocals, Leah Harmon. Violinist/composer Julie Carpenter “. . . weaves orchestral and electronic textures to inhabit that boundary between storm and sun.” Can you say happy astral tripping? (08:39)Opening background music: Ariel Kalma and Richard Tinti, “Forest Ballad” from Osmose(1978 SFP). Organ, Flute, Ariel Kalma; sound effects, Richard Tinti.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
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