Ian Boddy Rare Elements

This release consists of one CD of rare studio tracks, and one of live material taken from EMMA#1, the Derby Guildhall, and KLEM. Disc 1 opens with 'Sequence in Blue', a punchy outing which was originally aired on the 'Ambient Northern Lights' compilation, though this is different mix. The grandiose atmospherics of 'Rising from the Red Sand' (from 'The Mars Project Vol 1' CD) follow, and then we are presented with the first of the unreleased tracks 'Intersections' -and what a fine piece this is with almost 10 minutes of immaculate sequencing and strong melodics. 'Opaque Tonight' was a test piece for the 'Continuum' project and it oozes brooding power. Then follows a trio of pieces originally constructed for the 'Developing Technologies' library CD. 'Amethyst' is a strident offering, while 'Aquamarine' charts the depths and 'Fools Gold' is a finely tuned rhythmic outing. 'Childs Eye' first saw the light of day on the 1991 'Surreality' compilation CD. It also features David Berkeley and Julian Maynard-Smith, the trio going under the name Hi-Q. 'Monolith' is a magnificent combination of spacey effects and symphonic orchestration. Finally we are presented with the 15 minute 'Rare Elements' which opens with more orchestral finesse before bursting into a top notch sequenced section. Onto the live disc - and what more can you say about the opening trio, taken from 'The Deep'? 'Standing at the Edge' and 'Dark Descent' are good enough, but 'Sub-Aquiem is completely awe inspiring and the enthusiastic applause is fully deserved. A quartet taken from his 1993 appearance at the Derby Guildhall follows - 'Drive', 'Ice Horizon', 'Alchemy' and 'Jade'. Then it's back to EMMA#1 for a trio of tracks from 'The Uncertainty Principle', including the sequenced splendour of 'Space Cadet'. Two tracks from Ian's appearance at KLEM 1993 round off the album - 'Re-Emergence' and 'Supernova'. This is a well presented and well compiled collection of choice cuts, and a must for Ian Boddy fans. (GG)

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