[Music] Lalgudi Jayaraman and Amjadh Ali Khan, Jugalbandhi

via lalgudi jayaraman and amjadh ali khan, jugalbandhi — The Hum Blog

From Bandcamp:

Often, when discussing my passion for Indian Classical music – attempting to offer entry into its remarkable traditions for others, I raise instrumentation. Particularly in my early explorations, this was a crucial vehicle for discovery.

By far the most well know instrument in the Indian Classical traditions, thanks in large part to the popularity and fame of Ravi Shankar, is the sitar, but, for this very reason – its presence in pop culture, it was an instrument which I almost exclusively avoided during my first years plumbing the depths. It was my quest for, and response to, other sounds, which illumined the path.

The two primary traditions of Indian Classical music – the Carnatic and the Hindustani, are among the oldest living traditions on the planet. Many of the ragas played today, date back thousands of years. While often difficult to discern – so much time and evolution having transpired, this music lays at the root of countless distinct cultural traditions fingering across the globe. It is the well from which so much springs, making the examination of its instruments a fascinating web.

[Music] Santiago Fradejas – Nila Taurica

Santiago Fradejas’ album came as quite a surprise, not only to me, but to him. He’s a friend to this blog, and in my estimation, is among the most important young composers of the 21st Century, as well as being one hell of a fine guitarist.

This new album came from an explosion of creativity which produced 11 songs of solo guitar tracks, manipulated into a type of horror-movie or noir soundtrack vibe (think the creepier moments of Bernard Herrmann, but with an electric guitar). This is going to be a treat for those of you who like the work of Keiji Haino’s solo endeavors, and even those who like avant-garde and experimental music like Nurse With Wound or Luc Ferrari.

[Music] Olan Mill – Orient

A dream-touched record, Orient‘s music continues to linger long after the Eastern-flavored tones have faded. An unexpected confusion of static opens the record, but a flowing drone soon straightens everything out, ebbing and flowing with its mystical practices and ancient atmospheres. Orient both trembles and echoes. The dreamy notes are always falling, like a loose scattering of cherry blossom dispersed by April winds. […]

via Olan Mill ~ Orient — a closer listen

[Music] James Hill + Santiago Fradejas – Requiem

The Fradejas family is no stranger to this blog. Both Santiago and A.M. have had releases featured here. This one is yet another feast for the ears.

Santiago’s guitar compositions can be explosive at times, but this more subdued, but intense performance couples beautifully with the trumpeting of James Hill, a brand new name for me to explore. ECM Records, or a label of equal quality, really ought to consider re-releasing an album like this in the future.

[Music] Destruktionsanstalt – Swedenborg

Though it must amuse my confessors to no end, I grew up enjoying the bleakest of sounds in early Industrial music and the black ambient music which followed about a decade or so later. The best of the lot seem to be growing out of the calm climes of Scandinavia, and the best of that lot is coming, these days, from Denmark. Per Najbjerg Odderskov, known by aliases like Destruktionsanstalt, Liller_Per, God Cancer, Left Hand Of God, Lidane Livering, and The G.R Orchestra, has a long, storied history in the saga of black ambient music.

As Destruktionsanstalt, Per graces us with one of the most beautifully bleak compositions I’ve heard in quite some time. In a scene where children think they’re being cute by inverting a cross (sorry, St. Andrew beat you to that one) and turning on a vacuum cleaner, and then having the nerve to try to sell this to an unsuspecting sucker, it is good to hear a master craftsman carve the equivalent of a Caravaggio out of pure black matter.

Going through the tracks, one can feel a lot of heavy vibes, deep emotion, and perhaps despair. This isn’t meant to make the CD sound like a gruesome experience, however – far from it, in fact. There’s a beauty even in the darkest of music, as the act of composition itself is a life-bringing experience. The packaging for this CD is also quite exquisite, done more to look like a book or a piece of art rather than a mere jewel-case.

For connoisseurs of black ambient, it’s quite an honor to present to you a crowning jewel for your collection.