RUBEN GARCIA "LAKELAND"
One of our favorite artists, Ruben Garcia, has a new CD, called "Lakeland,"
and it's his first real foray into the use of synthezisers to support his unparalleled piano musings. With an approach that is simple in structure, almost classisal in feel, Garcia manages to conjure up an old world of romantic soundscapes, where resonance and introspection are two key factors. This is a strong effort from Ruben, who now has five releases to his credit. Self taught and primarily playing by ear, Garcia is not a man to employ a lot of notes, and he is adept at finding the space between the notes, and using this silence to best effect. The opening track is one of Ruben Garcia's finest moments. A slow hypnotic piece gradually building in momentum and tension, a simple harpsichord-sounding piano, loops and electric piano in the backround, spoken word by German artist Ulrike Arnold. The music ebbs backwards and fowards, filled with a sense of resonance and romantic overtones, as it penetrates to the core of one's being. One piece "Somos Tres", has appeared previously on "Three Pianos" with Harold Budd and Daniel Lentz. With this recording Ruben Garcia has aligned himself with other great ambient explorers like Harold Budd or Tim Story, and one only wishes that more people will get to hear this beautiful recording.
BACKROADS MUSIC.
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