Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts

16 December 2025: Holiday Show #2: A Winter Solstice Celebration: California Guitar Trio; Markus Reuter; Cousin Silas

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp and Spotify.  

You can now listen to the livestream of the show through the KMXT app; it's available through the Mac App Store or Google Play. The stream is also available at www.kmxt.org

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to www.KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites. (links below) 

                    We urge you to support the musicians you hear on FreeForm Radio 


 California Guitar Trio - 10 Christmas Songs

AllMusic Review by 

Not that there is an abundance of progressive rock-tinged acoustic guitar trios among the ranks, but this aggregation stands tall among its peers as the guitarists' inventiveness surges forward with this altogether warmhearted reckoning of Christmas carols and other pleasantries. The guitarists' nimble yet at times forceful approach is wholly evident during their highly rhythmic spin on "Jingle Bells." They perform the classic "Greensleeves" with a sensitive, chamber-like approach while also tackling the Lennon/Ono favorite "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)." However, part of the magic resides within the trio's ability to delve into the inherent frameworks of each song, while also reformulating themes and rhythms into personalized statements. Essentially, the artists have produced a rather poignant Christmas outing, awash with interweaving lines and lilting harmonies, as they complement their superior artisanship and forward-thinking deployments with a cheerfully rendered collection of holiday favorites.

                                            

Winter Solstice EP from Markus Reuter:  Soundscape versions of traditional songs usually associated with this time of year, at least here in Germany. In addition to the meditative soundscapes (which are based on the series of pitches of each tune) I've also overdubbed straight versions of the original melodies. Enjoy this parallel universe... It's strangely hypnotizing. Only available from December 1st to December 31st.

 
5.1 surround mix available here: 
surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/

credits

released December 17, 2018




Cousin Silas - Variations on a Theme of Winter

There are many things that 'inspire' the music I do, but perhaps one of the most endearing is Winter. Apart from the usual cliches of transformation, and the memory echoes from childhood with its association with Christmas. It's also the way in which, at night, sounds are strangely muffled, morphed almost and how the landscape glitters and glows as though we have two full moons.
I guess all that sounds a little pretentious, but as I say, I do have a rather abiding passion for Winter.

My thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover/artwork.

credits

released November 16, 2020

Cover/Artwork by Thomas Mathie 
 

ambient electronic experimental guitar sound alchemy soundscapes thomas mathie cousin silas United Kingdom  


17 December 2024: Jethro Tull Christmas; Cousin Silas "Variations on a Theme of Winter

 

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

You can now listen to the livestream of the show through the KMXT app; it's available through the Mac App Store or Google Play.

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites. (links below) 

We urge you to support the musicians you hear on FreeForm Radio.

 Tuesday, December 17, we continue our series of three very special FreeForm Holiday Shows.

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album is the 21st studio album released by Jethro Tull, on 30 September 2003 (see 2003 in music). The songs are a mix of new material, re-recordings of Tull's own suitably themed material and arrangements of traditional Christmas music. In 2009, the live album Christmas at St Bride's 2008 was included with the original album on CD.

Ian Anderson about the song Birthday Card at Christmas: "My daughter Gael, like millions of other unfortunates, celebrates her birthday within a gnat’s whisker of Christmas. Overshadowed by the Great Occasion, such birthdays can be flat, perfunctory and fleetingly token in their uneventful passing. The daunting party and festive celebration of the Christian calendar overshadows too, some might argue, the humble birthday of one Mr. J. Christ. Funny old 25ths, Decembers…" 

Cousin Silas - Variations on a Theme of Winter

There are many things that 'inspire' the music I do, but perhaps one of the most endearing is Winter. Apart from the usual cliches of transformation, and the memory echoes from childhood with its association with Christmas. It's also the way in which, at night, sounds are strangely muffled, morphed almost and how the landscape glitters and glows as though we have two full moons.
I guess all that sounds a little pretentious, but as I say, I do have a rather abiding passion for Winter.

My thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover/artwork.

credits

released November 16, 2020

Cover/Artwork by Thomas Mathie 
 

ambient electronic experimental guitar sound alchemy soundscapes thomas mathie cousin silas United Kingdom  

22 October 2024: Ragnarok; Cousin Silas and Jonathan Ewald (litmus0001)

 

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to www.KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages, websites, and Spotify

We urge you to support the musicians you hear on FreeForm Radio. 

 
Ragnarök is a Swedish prog-rock band, founded in Kalmar in 1972, by Peter Bryngelsson, Henrik Strindberg and Staffan Strindberg. Their first album was released 1976 by Silence Records
 
Ragnarök biography
Formed in Kalmar, Sweden in 1972 - Recording hiatus from 1992 to 2007 - Reformed in 2003

These Swedes managed four albums on Silence Record and some more (not listed here) in the early 90's. They are a typical example of atmospheric and melancholic prog like only Sweden can produce them. Their first album is a real classic known as a minor classic among progheads and they will participate to another group (KUNG TUNG - much harder) before doing their second album where those influences from that group will leave a mark. It is reputed to be as good as their debut. The later albums listed here remain of a good standard. Among the non-listed albums is "Well"(91) and is rather new age and sometimes industrial - not much to do with the earlier works.

: : : Hugues Chantraine, BELGIUM : : :

NOTE: Not to be confused with the New Zealand symphonic prog group from those very same years (also HERE on PA) or the Heavy Metal unit from the 80-90's.  

Review by siLLy puPPy
Special Collaborator PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic

4 stars RAGNORÖK has been one of Sweden's longest running progressive acts engaging in both progressive rock and progressive folk since its formation in Kalmar in 1972. Founded by Peter Bryngelsson (guitar, bass, vocals), Henrik Strindberg (guitar, flute) and Staffan Strindberg (bass), throughout the band's existence it has seen more than 25 members come and go. Despite this long existence the band has only released a total of six studio albums which all began with this 1976 self-titled debut. While mostly active during the 70s and 80s, the band took a hiatus and then reformed in 2002 but has only released one album "Path" since.

While RAGNORÖK would take a turn towards progressive jazz rock on its sophomore album "Fjärilar i magen," on this eponymous debut the band delivers a lush pastoral form of progressive folk that belies the band name that refers to the great event in Norse mythology that includes a great battle. On the contrary, RAGNORÖK's first album is one of the most mellow and dreamy styles of prog you could possibly experience with slow moving guitar and flute, piano arpeggios and a controlled drum and bass section. Hints of the jazz direction are dropped in some of the percussion moves but otherwise this sounds more like a mix of Bo Hanssen and Camel without any true points where the band rocks out.

A veritable mix of folk, classical guitar, semi-jazzy interludes and the pastoral aspects of prog ranging from Genesis to Anthony Phillips (sans vocals). The music also includes some interesting Swedish folk flavors including a bit of that famous circus music feel on the short "Fjottot" but mostly this is an acoustic guitar, piano and flute dominated album that takes you into prog placidity. While mellow prog such as this can often fall into tedium, RAGNORÖK keeps the album interesting by crafting an excellent instrumental interplay that keeps you in the zone. Too often folky albums will unnecessarily attempt to rock out at inappropriate moments and while that can be effective if done well, often it falls flat. In this case the band simply stays on mellow mode for the entire ride which makes it a beautifully compelling listen. Of course this would all amount to nought if not for the beautiful melodies crafted.

Another strength is the use of varying styles of folk music with even Celtic folk sounds being implemented on "Stiltje-uppbrott." Personally i find these low key prog albums hit or miss but occasionally a band nails it perfectly. This is something like Sweden's equivalent to Italy's Celeste who also went against the grain and delivered a rock-free slice of piano-based mellowness. To my ears this sounds like the prog equivalent of cool jazz and if Miles Davis was Swedish and took on the world of prog folk then perhaps this is the kind of album he would've produced. Any way you slice it, RAGNORÖK's debut is a one of those pleasant surprises that works because of its high quality and consistency throughout its run. The mix of instrumentation is family unique and the album doesn't sound like much else. A nice late to the game addition to the world of prog folk in 1976. 

 


Thanks to Litmus for his contribution.

litmus0001.bandcamp.com
 
This is the second Cousin Silas/litmus0001 collaboration to be featured on FreeForm Radio 

credits

released October 4, 2024

Thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover design 
 

 

26 December 2023: The Very Best of FreeForm Radio 2023

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites. (links below) 

We urge you to support the musicians you hear on FreeForm Radio. 

I will also be hosting "The Best of Country Music 2023" on the Rural Electric show 

right after the Island Messenger at 7 pm until 9 pm.  

Best of FreeForm 2023 Spotify Playlist               The Best of Country Music 2023 Spotify Playlist

 The Very Best of FreeForm Radio 2023

Kurt Michaels 

Album: Stones From the Garden 

"Trouble", "Relax...Nothing's Under Control"

Gayle Ellett & the Electromags 

Album: Friends  

"Viewer Discretion Advised"

Subsignal 

Album: A Poetry of Rain 

"A Poetry of Rain", "The Art of Giving In"

The Fierce & the Dead 

Album: News From the Invisible World 

"Non-Player", "Golden Thread"

Dengue Fever 

Album: Ting Mong 

"Over the Handlebars", "Touch Me Not"

Bruce Soord 

Album: Luminescence 

"Instant Flash of Light", "Never Ending Light"

Tu-Ner 

Album: T-1 Contact Information 

"On the Other Side"

 RPWL 

Album: Crime Scene 

"Life in a Cage"

Jethro Tull 

Album: RokFlote 

"Voluspo"

Yes 

Album: Mirror to the Sky 

"Mirror to the Sky"

Benge 

Album: The View From Vega 

"The View From Vega, Part IV"

Ian Boddy 

Album: Modulations III 

"Boddy Love"

Steven Wilson

Album: The Harmony Codex

"The Harmony Codex"

 Sonologyst

Album: Shortwave Spectrum

"Spectrvm"


04 January 2022: Mythos; Ian Boddy & Nigel Mullaney

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites (links below) and makes a great gift for the holidays as well as brightening the musicians' holidays.


For 25 years, Mythos has been creating timeless, ethereal music fusing electronic beats with vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, synths and sounds from around the world. 2021 marks the 25th Anniversary for the duo of Bob D’Eith (producer and piano) and Paul Schmidt (acoustic guitar) with special guest performances from Jennifer Scott (vocals), Jasmin Parkin (vocals), Rene Worst (bass), Pepe Danza, (percussion), Niko Quintal (percussion) and many others.   

 Bob’s father spent many years trying to convince him to work with his brother’s talented friend Paul. When Bob was trying to create music for film and television, he teamed up with Paul to co-write together. As Bob and Paul started producing music and working with Vancouver session players Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst, it became apparent that they had created something special. Mythos was born. In 1996, Mythos released the “Introspection” EP independently. The first single “November Dance” (in instrumental dance track with no lyrics) was released and much to the surprise of the artists became a commercial radio hit and retail success. “Introspection” went on to win a WCMA Award and was nominated for a JUNO Award. “Introspection” was picked up by a Bay area label entitled XDOT25 and released internationally. 

The second release “Iridescence” was released briefly in Canada, however Max Amadi from XDOT25 pitched Mythos to the Malibu based label Higher Octave (Virgin/EMI0). Max’s suggestion of the pairing of Mythos with the brilliant fine artist Gil Bruvel led Higher Octave to release the 16 track self-titled “Mythos” (1998) that went on to be released in 33 countries and sell in the high five figures. Hot on the heels of the success of “Mythos”, Higher Octave released “Reality of a Dreamer” (2000) and “Eternity” (2002). Mythos spent years in the Billboard charts and was added to many essential compilations in the time. Mythos was also used for “Victoria’s Secret” Cannes runway production during this time. Mythos won a second WCMA award during this period. 

Once Higher Octave merged with their parent label, Mythos moved over to Alula Records/Allegro (Oregon) releasing “Purity” (2006) for the world less Canada that was retained by Adagio Music/Pacific Music/Warner.  For a few years, Paul went to Korea to teach English and Bob developed his career building Music BC (a non-profit music industry association) and his entertainment law practice. In 2012, Bob and Paul re-united for the album “Journey” released through Adagio Music/IODA (2013). In 2014, Adagio Music released a “best of” series of Mythos tracks including a special Vinyl release. A new Album “Journey” (2018) was released on Adagio/The Orchard. 

2021 is Mythos’ 25th Anniversary and this year we are pleased to release “XXV” a 14-track album including 5 new tracks and 9 fully remastered classics. The lead-off single “Legacy” featuring Cam Blake (Bob’s son and Indie Rock artist in his own right), uses progressive rock and electronic elements and was produced with returning performances by Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst. “Fly Away” is going to please many Mythos fans, getting back to Mythos’ musical roots. “Bonum et Malum” explores the dichotomy between good and evil, sadness and joy. “Progression” is a piece that evolves through the addition of ever complex melodies, all woven together into a tapestry of sound.  “Recuerdos de la Alahambra” originally composed by Francisco Tárrega and arranged for guitar and strings by Mythos, features a beautiful classical guitar performance by Paul Schmidt. The balance of the tracks (November Dance, Brazil, Planinata, Alchemy, Ascent, Icarus, Surrender, Eros and Spiritus) are a selection of Mythos’ most enduring tracks from previous albums fully remastered for the digital environment.

 

Mythos continues to have a great following around the world with over 10 Million streams  from over 90 countries.  

 


 Ian Boddy & Nigel Mullaney:  Smoke & Mirrors

Playing live can often be a challenge when using modular synthesisers and one approach that can be taken is to use a lot of equipment on stage. This was certainly the case with this concert recorded at the Capstone Theatre, Liverpool on 18th November 2017. DiN label boss and long time musical collaborator Nigel Mullaney really went for it using several Eurorack modular cases as well as Ian Boddy’s Serge modular system & VCS3 and Mullaney’s Elektron devices & Korg Wavedrum. The duo further complemented this set up with Boddy's French Connection Ondes Martenot style keyboard controller and a Moog keyboard each. Cameras captured their performance live and projected it behind the duo onto a massive screen for a totally immersive live experience.

This concert is now being released on the DDL digital only sub-label of DiN and showcases these two musicians in their natural element improvising a series of musical sections that segue seamlessly together to create a constantly unfolding tapestry of sound. From the haunting, spacey legato atmospheres of the opening track Forever through to Berlin School inspired sequenced sections such as Orthogenesis and Paradigm Shift the music never stays still. More abstract, experimental pieces such as the pair of Noise Lab tracks give way to heavier, rhythmic sections such as Vanguard and the full on encore track Run The Clock Down.

This cross pollination of genres and styles is something central to the core of the DiN ethos. At the end of the day it’s all just music and as such this approach can take the listener on a unique sonic journey.
 

credits

released December 3, 2021

All tracks composed, played and produced by Ian Boddy & Nigel Mullaney.

Recorded live at the Capstone Theatre, Liverpool on 18th November 2017.

Mastered by Ian Boddy November 2021.

Concert promotion Neil Campbell.

Ian Boddy:
Eurorack & Serge modular, VCS3, Analogue Systems French Connection, Moog Voyager, Elektron Analog 4, iPAD running Borderlands, Make Noise 0-Coast

Nigel Mullaney:
Eurorack modular, Elektron Machinedrum, Octatrack, Analog 4, Digitakt & Rytm, Korg Wavedrum, Moog Sub37,
Teenage Engineering OP-1

www.ianboddy.com
www.nigelmullaney.com
 
all rights reserved 
 
ambient em electronic electronic music electronica vcs3 downtempo elektron eurorack modular synth moog serge Sunderland

07 December 2021: An Ambient Winter Evening with Markus Reuter and Cousin Silas


 

Note that tonight's show may begin later than 9 pm Alaska Time due to the live broadcast of a public meeting here in Kodiak.  FreeForm will begin immediately after the meeting if it runs past 9 pm. 

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages (links below) and makes a great gift for the holidays as well as brightening the musicians' holidays.  

 

Markus Reuter Winter Solstice

Bizarre soundscape versions of traditional songs usually associated with this time of year, at least here in Germany. In addition to the meditative soundscapes (which are based on the series of pitches of each tune) I've also overdubbed straight versions of the original melodies. Enjoy this parallel universe... It's strangely hypnotizing. Only available from December 1st to December 31st.
 
5.1 surround mix available here:
surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/

credits

released December 17, 2018

1. Silent (Night) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
2. Chorus of Youths / Tochter Zion
3. Snow (Children Song) / Leise rieselt der Schnee
4. Joy / In Dulci Jubilo
5. Night (Silent) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
 
 
Cousin Silas - Variations on a Theme of Winter
There are many things that 'inspire' the music I do, but perhaps one of the most endearing is Winter. Apart from the usual cliches of transformation, and the memory echoes from childhood with its association with Christmas. It's also the way in which, at night, sounds are strangely muffled, morphed almost and how the landscape glitters and glows as though we have two full moons.
I guess all that sounds a little pretentious, but as I say, I do have a rather abiding passion for Winter.

My thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover/artwork.

credits

released November 16, 2020

Cover/Artwork by Thomas Mathie 
 
ambient electronic experimental guitar sound alchemy soundscapes thomas mathie cousin silas United Kingdom  

31 March 2015: Gordon Giltrap & Daevid Allen

      A live performance for essentially a solo guitarist always raises the question of faithful sound reproduction. For instance, GORDON GILTRAP plays both electric and acoustic guitar very well. Does he go with an additional guitarist to complement or at least not cramp his style? What of other instrumentation like sax which he occasionally hires? Should vocals be introduced for variety?
      On "Live at Oxford" GILTRAP makes several brilliant choices - hiring a competent backing rock band, continuing to play all guitars himself, engaging a female vocalist, and utilizing keyboards and vocals to fill some of the additional guitar and brass sounds. How he implements these decisions results in a show and a resulting album that plays to his strengths while rendering his shortcomings moot.
In some sense this virtuoso's work is best suited to the live setting, since his primary talent is in playing and, to some extent, arranging, as opposed to composition. Luckily his skill is exposed in a measured fashion throughout. The main source of material is "Fear of the Dark", the most recent album at the time of the concert, and it would be hard to imagine that those tracks represented here are not more fully realized than the studio versions. This is especially the case for the epic "Visitation" and the suspenseful "Fear of the Dark", both of which benefit from the sultry expressive vocals of SHIRLEY RODEN. Still, the best example of this adaptive spirit and of Roden's power is in "The Deserter"; originally an instrumental on "Perilous Journey", it is re-invented as a spacey lyrical piece with Roden's vocals replacing sax and some pointed guitar leads. I had never heard of Roden so has to look her up, and found that her limited credits include several prog artists including MICHAEL MOORCOCK, MIKE OLDFIELD and DAVID GILMOUR.
         As is standard for Giltrap, none of the material or the performances are weak but here the energy of the live setting and the commitment to the team concept contribute equally to what could be the most suitable introduction to Gitrap for prog fans. I have not heard the prior three albums in their entirety but "Live at Oxford" seems to be cut from a different cloth.  (from progarchives.com)

We continue our tribute to the late, great Daevid Allen with a selection of some of his greatest (and wackiest) music.

11 Dec 2012: Matt Stevens (Spencer Park Music Sampler)& Organic Space



UK prog guitar virtuoso Matt Stevens offers a grab bag of his solo recordings, Yonks (his collaboration with producer and electronica artist, Lextrical), and his band The Fierce And The Dead on the Spencer Park Music Sampler 2012. Matt is on a roll lately and his talent is being recognised as an important artist by the UK prog press.
Some of the stuff hasn't been released before, making it worthwhile for his longtime followers.
Matt Stevens: Spencer Park Music Sampler 2012 Download it for free from his website.
Tracks:
  1. The Fierce And The Dead - On VHS 04:52
  2. Matt Stevens - Sand (Part 2) Extended Mix 05:29
  3. Yonks - Yonks 8 05:27
  4. Matt Stevens - Frost 02:47
  5. Matt Stevens - Dolls House (Dandelion Radio Sessions Version) 14:01
  6. The Fierce And The Dead - 666...6 04:42
  7. Matt Stevens - Eleven 02:35
  8. The Fierce And The Dead - Andy Fox 06:09
Influences: