Album Notes

MUSIC FOR PLANETARIUM OPERATORS consists of 14 pieces for acoustic guitar and one composition for electric guitar. The inspiration for most of the music on this cd came from places of scenic, historic, or geological interest in the state of Texas. The working title for the cd was "Texas Travel Guide" but was changed because Rooster Kiev thought that "...Planetarium Operators" was more appropriate. Although many tunes are distinctly original, there are obvious influences including Brian Eno, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, and Ali Farka Toure. The two ragtime pieces were inspired by one of Rooster Kiev's favorite guitarists Blind Blake, and Blind Arthur's Ragtime Rag is a re-working of Blind Arthur's Breakdown. The electric guitar exploration of Wilderness Ridge is the last of the material from the Curable Interns era. It was recorded live at an art gallery in Baton Rouge in 1987. Rooster Kiev hopes that this music is both pleasant enough to be used as background music as well as technically interesting for the guitarist and casual listener.

Rooster Kiev was born in Baton Rouge in 1951. He grew up in a rural area north of Baton Rouge. His parents had a record collection of mostly big band, novelty, and r&b tunes, and hearing these types of music at an early age was a big influence. As a teenager he became interested in Motown, blues, and rock bands like the Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Captain Beefheart, and Iggy and the Stooges. However, it was the old Delta Blues -- especially John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters that he was fascinated by. Rooster Kiev began collecting records, and began a lifelong dedication to learning about the blues of Louisiana and Mississippi. When he was 27 he began learning to play guitar. He performed with a few local bands in the 1980's (some roots music, mostly punk and old rock and roll) as well as performing "ambient music and prepared guitar" in art galleries.. His prepared guitar contributions to the Curable Interns and Zenobia Marsh projects are available at CD Baby and have received positive reviews and radioplay overseas. He has also recorded material under the pseudonym Kenneth Johnston.