Solstice

Ralph Towner - Solstice

Solstice
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Music CD Cover

Artist: Ralph Towner
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2000-03-07
Music Label: Ecm Records
Soundtracks:
  1. Oceanus
  2. Visitation
  3. Drifting Petals
  4. Nimbus
  5. Winter Solstice
  6. Piscean Dance
  7. Red And Black
  8. Sand

Free Music Notes for Solstice

Free Music Review: Ah, The Seventies!
Hit: 5 Stars

In 1974 when this cd was recorded, I was a brash confident 21 yr. old. Mildly oblivious to the incredibly adventurous environment in which I breathed and lived, I was, not unlike most twenty-somethings of that decade, under appreciative of the historical significance music of that decade would carry!

Ralph Towner and his cronies did not emerge from the seventies as household names. Indeed, in the United States he was largely unheard! However, from listening to Solstice, I can now see that the music emanating from ECM was music whose significance would outlive much of the popular music of the times. Solstice fits that decription aptly. The music does not date itself. However, I can't remember the last time I listened to a cd recorded in the seventies that does as great a job capturing the spirit of those times. There is a joy and exuberance that comes across on Solstice, owing to the absolute freedom to experiment in the studio musically. Whatever fun and enjoyment was felt by these musicians at the moment of recording spills out into my living room when I put Solstice on. I feel very much a part of the proceedings when listening to the cd.
One musical note I would like to share has to do with the abilities of Jon Christensen (drums). Until this cd, my knowledge of Mr. Christensen extended to his more abstract/avante garde material. Solstice has its' share of that as well. But listen to the opening tune on Solstice (Oceanus) and follow his ride cymbal playing. Of course he has mastered the independence of his four limbs and it is always fun to listen to any jazz drummer for the independence factor. The song is some 10 plus minutes long and this very quick involved ride cymbal pattern never lets up. It is constant and steady and never falters....never! I found it quite impressive as it does not draw attention to itself but one can't help but notice. Being a drummer myself, I can appreciate the technique required to play such a physically demanding part (and we're only talking about his right hand - listen to how he puts the entire song together - uncanny!). The level of musicianship and playing from each member of this unit is flawless.

I highly recommend this cd. Its' appeal will last you til death do you part!
Only one word of warning: if you do not enjoy free playing i.e. avante garde jazz, you may want to avoid the cd altogether! However if you love that kind of playing done correctly, this cd is definitely for you! Very relaxing and meditative to me!

Solstice Poster

Few jazz record companies have achieved so distinctive a sound and characteristic a style as the German label ECM. This 1974 recording by acoustic guitarist Ralph Towner is a classic of the label's early period. Adept at blending jazz with folk and classical elements, Towner is joined here by drummer Jon Christensen and two of the label's essential voices, the sweetly muscular saxophone sound of Jan Garbarek and the springy bass virtuosity of Eberhard Weber. The quartet has both orchestral breadth and varied textures, each enhanced by some discreet overdubbing and fairly extensive doubling--Weber adding electric bass leads and background cello, Towner adding some piano to his classical and 12-string guitars, and Garbarek playing soprano and overdubbing two flutes on "Nimbus." The modal and atmospheric improvisations contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, and the sumptuously beautiful sound seems to embrace the instruments. --Stuart Broomer

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