Referring to Arvo Pärt’s music as ‘ambient’ is a bit like swearing in church, I guess.
But still, there are similarities. Listen, for example, to Da pacem Domine, and you’ll probably be remembering some of the earlier ambient works of Brian Eno (Music for Airports 2/1, to be specific).
The Hilliard Ensemble as always guarantee a flawless and heavenly performance.
Daniel Lanois' album Belladonna is as sweet and intimate as the cover art suggests.
In fact, it sounds like 'Apollo' without the Brian Eno treatments…
Listen to 'Sketches' and you'll hear it (provided you know 'Apollo' ofcourse)
Michel Banabila must be one of Hollands best kept secrets. He has released numerous albums, some ambient, some world, some jazz, some experimental, all worth the listen.
Hilarious Expedition is a double album with movie- and theatre music, which he has released himself in a limited independent edition. Because it probably would be too ‘difficult’ for official release.
I regret this album is a bit overlooked – due to it’s independent release – because it should attract a wider, adventurous, audience.
For the ‘pop’ listener, ER is a far more complex album than Molvaer’s earlier work. The arrangements sound like studio improvisations, and the result is more ‘jazz’, less ‘dance. The accompanying background is created with delicate electronic sounds, which make the record very modern.
‘Sober’ is one of the best tracks, in my opinion. And that may very well be because it’s so ….er…..sober.
