417.3 are one of Russia’s best post-rock bands, but they have a very low profile here in the States. Consider supporting their work, and the work of these wonderful post-rock bands which are coming from everywhere these days.
Instrumental
[Music] Janko Nilović – Funky Tramway
One of the 70’s greatest funk albums didn’t come from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, or even Africa, for that matter. This gem came from Montenegro, which was then part of Yugoslavia, and it came from a very fruitful period Janko Nilović had from 1968 to 1978.
[Music] Markus Stockhausen Quartet – A Trumpet For Greece
Mellow, grey-day music from Markus Stockhausen and company.
[Music] Jeffrey Roden – Threads Of A Prayer: Volume 1
A Miscellany of Tasteful… is proud to announce the release today of a record I’ve been waiting to hear for months now. Jeffrey Roden is an old friend from my days working at Aron’s Records and Lumpy Gravy, a restaurant and record shop located in Hollywood, and owned by animator Gábor Csupó. Today is the official release of his latest album, Threads Of A Prayer: Volume 1.
More about the album. Solaire Records out of Germany collaborated with Jeffrey, and the first thing I noticed was the tastefully minimalistic artwork and packaging, which reminded me of something ECM Records would have been proud to release. The notes on the music are copious, but the compositions themselves are the stars of the day.
There is a slow, gently plodding pace to the first disc of this album. Sandro Ivo Bartoli performs the pieces with an understated gentleness that would be comparable to the best of Harold Budd and his collaborations with Brian Eno. I have been fortunate to review a series of truly enveloping music the past few weeks, and this one is the best of the lot.
Disc two is remarkable in a different way. There are elements of the compositions of Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki. This isn’t Holy Minimalism, but it is something akin to it. The music is calming, expertly composed, and is perfect for deep listening and thinking the day away.
If this is only Volume 1, I await Volume 2 with a happy anticipation.
[Music] Hans-Joachim Roedelius & Noël Akchoté – Opus (2013)
To review each and every release by Noël Akchoté would be impossible for this one-man blog to do, but I have the luxury of cherry-picking some real treats. This one, in particular, pairs Noël with Hans-Joachim Roedelius of Cluster fame, as well as a maestro in his own right. The album is a guitar/piano improvisation recorded in Vienna, Austria in 2013. Gentle, plucky sounds which cross into fusion territory at times.
[Music] Andrew Rubin and Jon Anderson – Guitar Concerto
This gem came as a surprise in my email box. Andrew Rubin is a classical guitarist based in Central California. He was apparently discovered by Jon Anderson of yes, and they collaborated on this suite, influenced in part by the work of Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo.
He’s 21 years old, making some of the most joyous music I’ve heard in some time. Imagine what he’s going to be capable of at 40. Andrew is going to be one worth following closely.
[Music] Murkok – My Friend Is Ivan Efremov EP
Something calm, soothing and lovely to relax to after watching people make utter animals out of themselves the last 24 hours. Many thanks to Murkok for this treasure.
[Music] Pahat Kengät – Tanssimusiikkia
I wish to thank my friend Neea for introducing me to one of the most enjoyable pieces of work I’ve heard in some time, allowing me to get lost in my work. Fans of minimalist composers like Steve Reich and the early Berlin Electronic School of Music will enjoy this. Pahat Kengät sit comfortably between Krautrock, contemporary classical music, New Age and a mellow form of techno.
[Music] John Zorn – Arab and Jew
It’s been some time since John Zorn was featured here. Here’s some nice music to chill out to this weekend.
[Music] Oslo Kulturnatt: Øyunn – Full Concert
Norway has a very healthy jazz scene, and it seems to be supported by the state (please correct me if I’m wrong). Siv Øyunn Kjenstad, a drummer and vocalist of this trio bearing her name, has no releases (with her as band leader) that I know of, but judging by this performance, I’m looking forward to hearing what they can do in a studio.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 