Monthly Archive: June 2018

It may surprise many people who listen to this recording but it was all improvised. Yes, both musicians simply sat down, played each instrument, responding, listening closely to each other and themselves, the tones, textures, phrasing, timbre and atmosphere, and thus the music was created. Of course many years of experience performing this way is the success of such an outcome. The compositions are a million miles from piddling, pretending or amateurish hodgepodge.

The fourth release by inventive Swiss instrumental outfit sees a great addition with producer, composer and guitarist extraordinaire David Torn. For those who do not know, the band’s name stands for SONic ARchitecture. There are a small number of bands/artists using tritones as a base for their compositions and all of them sound very different from each other. Sonar master Stephan Thelen (guitar) made the decision to use tritones from his previous experience which allowed him to play otherwise impossible parts.

A warm plentiful collection of songs that bring a solemn face, tears, a smile, a touch of heart, a contact with your soul, and/or an embrace with emotions you may have lost touch with. This is a lovely album that makes you feel at home and comfortable, peaceful, and fully satisfied. The debut release from ex-Stackridge members Andrew Davis (guitar, ukulele, vocals) and Clare Lindley (violin, guitar, ukulele, vocals) and added musician Brian Mullan (cello, vocals), puts  the listener at ease with both original tunes and striking cover tunes.