Recommended track(s) if you like: Terry Riley
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Bridge Underwater [Magnetic Flip] (Excerpt #2)" - Full Length = 5:26
Richly captivating minimalism. Lively, descending piano motif supported by wheezy pump organ riff and a counter-melody from a processed drone guitar. The descending motif then gives way to a slower, more pensive piano figure with mysterious, ethereal swoops and glides from synthesizers.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Bridge Underwater [Magnetic Flip] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 5:26
Minimalism, and a delight. Lively, descending piano motif supported by wheezy pump organ riff and a counter-melody from a processed drone guitar. The descending motif then gives way to a slower, more pensive piano figure with mysterious, ethereal swoops and glides from synthesizers.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Pulse Piece [live; Between Fires] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 4:40
Dynamic, minimalist workout for piano and synths, with spacy electronic treatments adding an element of mystery.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Scenes from a... [Beat of the Mesozoic] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 5:06
Stunningly beautiful minimalist piece. Poignant piano over machine age rhythms, with a pensive, eerie interlude.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Pulse Piece (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 3:17
Driving minimalism. Opens with minimalist figure from synth keyboards, then kicks into rapid, locomotive pulse embellished with repetitive piano chords and contrapuntal lines from synth keyboards.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Final Motif [Magnetic Flip] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 4:02
Breathtakingly beautiful. Redolent with a sense of loss and passing time, a poignant piano motif glides over textured electronic strata.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Terry Riley's House [Magnetic Flip] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 4:03
Minimalism that mesmerizes, keyboard cascades that captivate. Percolating piano and ascending electronic keyboard melodies writhe and intertwine, evoking the sweep of passing eons.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "The Orange Ocean [Birdsongs of the Mesozoic] (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 2:13
Pastoral beauty. A haunting, roiling piano ostinato partakes of equal parts minimalism and Debussy, joined by graceful, uplifting cello melody.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Maybe I Will (Excerpt #2)" - Full Length = 6:08
The piano introduces a tango rhythm while the ensemble joins in with a seductive, minor-key melody. A slow, somber middle section then gives way to a lively reprise of the opening theme, with the two saxophones playfully trading licks.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Maybe I Will (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 6:08
The piano introduces a tango rhythm while the ensemble joins in with a seductive, minor-key melody. A slow, somber middle section then gives way to a lively reprise of the opening theme, with the two saxophones playfully trading licks.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Pulse Piece (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 3:07
Opens with a minimalist figure from synth keyboards, then kicks into a rapid, locomotive pulse embellished with repetitive piano chords and contrapuntal lines from synth keyboards
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Enfield in Winter" - Full Length = 9:09
The repetition of rich, rolling synth chords and the eventual addition of several simple interlocking melodies creates a dreamy but somewhat icy aural landscape with strong intimations of a winter season.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 1 (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 9:31
Rapid-fire sixteenth-note sequences on Moog synthesizers and wordless female vocals are featured in this dramatic piece, which has the inexorable momentum and subtle variation of a serene but fast-moving river.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 1 (Excerpt #2)" - full track = 9:31
Rapid-fire sixteenth-note sequences on Moog synthesizers and wordless female vocals are featured in this dramatic piece, which has the inexorable momentum and subtle variation of a serene but fast-moving river.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 1 (Excerpt #3)" - full track = 9:31
Rapid-fire sixteenth-note sequences on Moog synthesizers and wordless female vocals are featured in this dramatic piece, which has the inexorable momentum and subtle variation of a serene but fast-moving river.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 2 (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 10:33
A dreamy, leisurely adventure in intricate synthesizer counterpoint, repetitive but restless, with a choral element and cathedral organ sound which introduces a questing, spiritual dimension.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 3 (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 13:34
Swirling, hypnotic minimalism, with synthesizers supporting a vocal with lyrics which pay homage to famous Renaissance composers.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 3 (Excerpt #2)" - full track = 13:34
Swirling, hypnotic minimalism, with synthesizers supporting a vocal with lyrics which pay homage to famous Renaissance composers.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 3 (Excerpt #3)" - full track = 13:34
Swirling, hypnotic minimalism, with synthesizers supporting a vocal with lyrics which pay homage to famous Renaissance composers.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 4 (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 19:46
A three-part piece with an opening slow-paced, thoughtful minimalist section, then a dignified but vigorous movement with female vocal counterpoint, and finally, a moody, ethereal, minimalist structure with plaintive interlocking melodies and a deep, sonorous synthesizer bass.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 4 (Excerpt #2)" - full track = 19:46
A three-part piece with an opening slow-paced, thoughtful minimalist section, then a dignified but vigorous movement with female vocal counterpoint, and finally, a moody, ethereal, minimalist structure with plaintive interlocking melodies and a deep, sonorous synthesizer bass.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 2 (Excerpt #2)" -
A dreamy, leisurely adventure in intricate synthesizer counterpoint, repetitive but restless, with a choral element and cathedral organ sound which introduces a questing, spiritual dimension.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 8" - Full Length = 8:42
Bouncy minimalist synth patterns lay the foundation, with complementary melody lines and abrupt key changes adding drama and complexity.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 4 (Excerpt #2)" -
A three-part piece with an opening slow-paced, thoughtful minimalist section, then a dignified but vigorous movement with female vocal counterpoint, and finally, a moody, ethereal, minimalist structure with plaintive interlocking melodies and a deep, sonorous synthesizer bass.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 5 " - Full Length = 8:10
Tinkling, shimmering minimalist riffs on electric keyboards and guitar are supported by a deep ostinato bass counterpoint. Piano keyboards begin to pound as the piece comes to a dynamic close.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 8A" - Full Length = 8:41
Tranquil, floating minimalism, with a languid melody line forming over a staccato, rhythmic foundation. The combined electronic keyboards, classical guitar, and harp generate a marimba-like sound which is almost African in texture.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 6 " - Full Length = 14:22
A chattering, astringent rhythmic pattern on electric guitar is overlaid with a legato melody line and then a deep foghorn bass note. Guitar and sampled brass and tenor saxophone provide intricate counterpoint which weaves in and out of the mix. A restless, sometimes dramatic musical journey.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 8B" - Full Length = 8:33
Clear, bell-like electric pianos establish the minimalist rhythmic foundation, while bright classical guitar and harp add to the shimmering contrapuntal ambience.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part 8C" - Full Length = 9:17
Bright, minimalist patterns for electric piano alternate between single and double time, while intricate counterpoint is supplied by plucked bass, vibraphone, horn, and reed sounds.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part Nine" - Full Length = 15:31
A long, stately, minimalist pattern piece featuring marimba-like electric piano, with legato vocalese (wordless vocals) and deep melodic drones supplying counterpoint.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part Ten" - Full Length = 19:00
This long piece opens with a gentle, classically oriented canon which features unison voice and basset horn in an octave interval, with a keyboard bass ostinato providing the foundation. The piece then adopts a more vigorous double-time rhythm with featured solo excursions for tenor sax and then soprano sax. It then eases back into a relaxed groove which features operatic female vocals and alto flute before ending with staccato patterns from the keyboards and a final improvised solo from the tenor sax.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part Eleven" - Full Length = 13:14
A dramatic, stately chordal sequence introduces lively minimalist patterns on electronic keyboards, with a variety of textures and shifting key signatures. Renaissance classical elements are blended with a gleeful, almost circus-like sense of sonic play.
David Borden/Mother Mallard - "Part Twelve C" - Full Length = 5:53
– Slow, moody interlocking patterns played on electronic keyboards, complemented by a wordless vocal refrain, create an atmosphere of dreamy reverie.
Lars Hollmer - "Dron (Live: Gouveia 2005) (Excerpt #1)" - full track= 4:20
The droning, low notes of an accordion adopt an Eastern sound for a meditative, raga-like feel that’s accentuated by low, wordless vocals following along with the melody. [Tempo: no fixed tempo]
Lars Hollmer - "Dron (Live: Heuwiesse 2005) (Excerpt #1)" - full track= 4:31
The droning, low notes of an accordion adopt an Eastern sound for a meditative, raga-like feel that’s accentuated by low, wordless vocals following along with the melody. [Tempo: no fixed tempo]
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Ceres Motion (1973) (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 14:45
Magical, ethereal music with a decided dream-like quality, regardless of tempo. Deep synthesizer drones provide initial support for crystalline melodic motifs from the RMI electric piano, which gives way to a lively minimalist rhythmic pattern around which the synth keyboards improvise with subtle grace.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Ceres Motion (Excerpt #2)" - Full Track = 14:45
Magical, ethereal music with a decided dream-like quality, regardless of tempo. Deep synthesizer drones provide initial support for crystalline melodic motifs from the RMI electric piano, which gives way to a lively minimalist rhythmic pattern around which the synth keyboards improvise with subtle grace.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Oleo Strut (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 10:37
Lovely, mellow, minimalist pattern music for three electronic keyboards. The first section lopes along mid-tempo, with just enough counterpoint to keep the mind engaged; the second section eases into a super-mellow, twinkling ambiance, with the Moog synths providing a very credible rendition of a sonorous horn ensemble.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "All Set (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 7:26
After a jaunty solo synthesiser opening, a synth bass ostinato is added, along with counterpoint from a third keyboard. A Moog synthesizer provides some effective pitch bending, the electric piano contributes rhythmic, percussive stabs, and with the addition of some electronic chipmunk chatter, the overall effect suggests a chorus of cheerful electronic creatures within a melodious sonic jungle. Highly inventive.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Theme from After the Fall (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 4:49
A slow, minimalist synth rhythm anchors a pure, crystalline melody which deepens over the duration of the piece. A lovely, ethereal dreamscape.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "All Set (Excerpt #2)" - full length = 7:26
After a jaunty solo synthesiser opening, a synth bass ostinato is added, along with counterpoint from a third keyboard. A Moog synthesizer provides some effective pitch bending, the electric piano contributes rhythmic, percussive stabs, and with the addition of some electronic chipmunk chatter, the overall effect suggests a chorus of cheerful electronic creatures within a melodious sonic jungle. Highly inventive.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Waterwheel (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 10:02
Gorgeous, shimmering music that evokes the sonic impression of a waterwheel, with its regular and repetitive motion but also with a playful and random shimmer of cascading water. The opening, jangly, two-note repetitive pattern devolves into a slower motif before hitting overdrive with an extended up-tempo collaboration between three electronic keyboards.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "C-A-G-E Part II (Excerpt #1)" - Full Length = 20:21
A deeply meditative, extended improvisation for three synth keyboards with slowly evolving, interlocking patterns. As a homage to avant garde composer John Cage, the only pitches used in the piece were C, A, G and E - although the result is serene and highly musical and not the least bit "difficult" or academic. In fact, it's a lovely, mesmerizing twenty minutes of mellow bliss.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "C-A-G-E Part II (Excerpt #2)" - full length= 20:21
A deeply meditative, extended improvisation for three synth keyboards with slowly evolving, interlocking patterns. As a homage to avant garde composer John Cage, the only pitches used in the piece were C, A, G and E - although the result is serene and highly musical and not the least bit "difficult" or academic. In fact, it's a lovely, mesmerizing twenty minutes of mellow bliss.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "C-A-G-E Part II (Excerpt #3)" - full length= 20:21
A deeply meditative, extended improvisation for three synth keyboards with slowly evolving, interlocking patterns. As a homage to avant garde composer John Cage, the only pitches used in the piece were C, A, G and E - although the result is serene and highly musical and not the least bit "difficult" or academic. In fact, it's a lovely, mesmerizing twenty minutes of mellow bliss.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Downtown (Excerpt #2)" - Full Length = 6:40
A gentle, minimalist improvisation for synth keyboards with an emphasis on bright, lively rhythms and tones.
Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company - "Downtown (Excerpt #1)" -
A gentle, minimalist improvisation for synth keyboards with an emphasis on bright, lively rhythms and tones.
The Claudia Quintet - "Couch (Excerpt #1)" - Full Tack = 08:59
Drum rolls usher in a slow unison riff on clarinet and accordion, which is repeated with counterpoint and variations until the rhythm gives way to ethereal, extended drones from clarinet, saxophone, accordion and vibraphone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Couch (Excerpt #2)" - Full Track = 08:59
Drum rolls usher in a slow unison riff on clarinet and accordion, which is repeated with counterpoint and variations until the rhythm gives way to ethereal, extended drones from clarinet, saxophone, accordion and vibraphone.
The Claudia Quintet - "American Standard (Excerpt #1)" - Full Track = 06:02
A gentle but firm pulse from bass and drums sets the tone for an opening melodic statement and then some lively collective improvisation from the ensemble, together with a fine solo from the saxophone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Susan (Excerpt #1)" - Full Track = 5:18
An ethereal descending motif is passed back and forth between clarinet, accordion and then vibes, cushioned by a deep, leisurely punctuation from the bass, with drums gradually reinforcing the subtle pulse.
