Mario Schonwalder Close By My Distance (Reissue) Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Close By My Distance') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

I've seen Mario Schonwalder live a couple of times and have been impressed by his musicianship and enthusiasm. However, I don't know a lot about his recorded output (other than rating 'Concerts' – with Detlef Keller - as a superb CD), so I looked forward to playing this one. It's a re-issue from 1992, so it may well be known to you.

'Let the rhythm comin on you' opens with icy pads and vocal washes. Very quickly a simple bass arpeggio builds alongside a more melodic and mid- register sequence. A Schulzian lead, gloriously played on an analogue flute sound with tons of vibrato, guarantees our attention. Simple white noise percussion keeps the foot tapping. A second lead is added, just a heavenly combination. After 4.30 mins the tempo is dramatically raised and the soloing becomes more intense – I really love Mario's soloing so this got the thumbs up from me! This is a great opener.

Abstract effects and sparkling pads open Les Yeux Sans Visage' before we get some very Vangelis-like filter swept sounds. Symphonic pads rise alongside percussion flourishes. Mario allows himself to draw upon deep emotions as he produces a yearning string melody – this is a very heart-felt track, having a similar feel to some of Otarion's sombre moments. Just lovely. The oddly titles 'Sems U Kanar' is up next and the symphonic mood is continued with string pads and timpani rolls. At the 1.55 min mark a heavy guitar solo is unleashed, courtesy of Harald Gleisberg, alongside tom tom rolls and a simple three note sequence – very dramatic! The guitar fades in volume, but remains, and a faintly oriental sounding melody is added. Just time to add a note on the production: the sounds are crisp, the effects perfectly matched to the track – it's a beautiful sounding CD. The track locks into a groove and continues.

'The point of impact' features some glorious sound design during its abstract opening before a pair of dancing, bell-like sequences, creates order. Halo pads flit across the sound stage. A stately, classical feeling melody is played against heavenly choral pads – this is just stunning! A second, more up- front sequence is added at the 4.10 min mark. 'Memories of Oz' is slow-burning mid-tempo number, with sequences, tron choirs and over-driven guitar. It's the first explicit Berlin moment of the CD so far. Often I don't enjoy guitar with my EM, but this player seems to feel the music well, and his 'licks' are perfectly in tune with the electronics.

The title cut is up next and is split into three parts, although there are, strangely, no index points: 'Close by my distance' 'Sortilege' and 'Chapter two'. Glorious pads and abstract effects rise and fall, a vocal drone adding a touch of unease. Occasional analogue bass swells punctuate the mix – this is highly visual, film theme-like EM. At the 4 min mark a pulsing bass sequence and simple percussion begin the process of creating order. Mario rests his right hand above the synth keys and a 'moogy' solo, slow and languid begins. More sequences are added, the track is building nicely, but the solo continues un-checked – just how I like them! The track is de-constructed over the closing minutes but the solo remains to the end.

The original CD closed with 'Farewell from heaven'. The mood is immediately in keeping with the title, relaxed and symphonic. And it just continues to build in emotional intensity. A fitting close. But, we get 2 bonus tracks. 'Test sequence' is up first. A warm pad and bass pulse continue the stately atmosphere of the previous track until a sequence builds in the 3rd minute; it's a simple mid-tempo and high register one. It's a simple track and has the feel of a demo (or test?) really.

The set closes with 'Quiet earth'. Immediately a bass sequence is deployed. Heavenly choirs rise fom the depths (yes, it's decidedly Berlin in feel) and an exquisitely played analogue lead (oscillator sync and vibrato added – for tech heads) is unleashed. The mood is sombre and the track superb, although I think it doesn't quite fit this CD stylistically – it feels closer to 'Concerts' really. Still, it's a great track!