Robert Rich Trances/Drones

As the cliché goes, third time's a charm, at least that must be the reasoning behind the latest ambient reissue, the 2-for-1 deal of Robert Rich's early works, recorded and released in various forms between 1981 and 1984. This 2-CD set was originally remastered and reissued in 1993. If the credits are correct, the latest version has not been remastered again, so the only difference this time out is new cover art, and a two-sentence paragraph at the end of Rick Davies liner notes.

So if you already own the 1993 reissue, musically speaking there isn't reason to get it again, but collectors will no doubt want to nab this for the new cover art, which is muted mahogany tones, but otherwise similar to the previous release. Ok, that's way too much digression into minutiae, how does it actually sound for those not already acquainted with this seminal work? 'Cave Paintings' opens with crickets and dark echoes that seem to moan in the distance. It is quietly haunting, but also soothing, even comforting in a dark sort of way. The feel and the texture is more important than the structure. It is easy to see how this formed the basis for Robert Rich's sleep concerts. 'Hayagriva' is a live recording from just such an event. Though relatively tame on my home system, in concert I'm sure the deep, booming drones must have rocked the ground the patrons were attempting to snooze on. 'Sunyata (Emptiness)' adds bamboo flute and tibetan bell for an other worldly feel. Disc two opens with 'Seascape,' a 30-minute muted sonic exploration. Like Michael Stearns on 'Morning Jewel,' here Robert Rich combines nature recordings in Mexico, in this case ocean sounds, with minimal ambient textures, courtesy of the Prophet-5 and lap steel guitar, two of Rich's trademarks. Of the six tracks, only the 12-minute 'Resonance' clocks in at less than 20 minutes, so if you are into smaller sound bites with melody and structure, this obviously isn't the place to be. But if 2+ hours of mind expansion without illicit substances is your idea of a good time, look no further. Totally darkened room optional. (PD)

This page is part of a frame set. If you can't see the information strip to the left of the screen then click on the smd logo above.