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Minimalism and Its Discontents

By Jeff Morris

Minimalist music, as it came to be known, grew out of the New York downtown scene in the 60's. Its steady pulse and consonant structure offered a welcome repast from the somewhat alienating serial music which seemed to have run its course. But what influenced those cascading patterns, textured drones and shifting rhythmic landscapes? And where have others taken minimalism beyond its formalist constraints. This program will trace a dotted line from the influences to the… more »

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Cynth, Flute Medicine

Label: Cynth / CD Baby

While this disc does not specifically tout its healing qualities, the way it's produced and played gives it a natural healing vibration. Cynth is a flautist based out of Los Angeles who plays a combination of bamboo, Native American and brindle flutes. (She also acquits herself quite well on the panpipes.) The thing I love about this disc is how the flutes are overdubbed, often to the accompaniment of Tibetan bowls and bells, blowing like a clear breeze through the cathedral of the mind. But it's heart-centered music as well, especially on "Pyramid" and "Dream Lodge Dancer." Seven-time Grammy winner Roger Nichols helped out on production and it shows — even on a simple flute solo. The album, especially on… more »

Adrian Legg, Guitar Bones

Label: Favored Nations

A masterful exponent of the Celtic-styled hammer-on/pull-off technique, Legg's sheer command is astounding here on fingerstyle ditties like "Uncle Adrian," "The Ederly Jig" and "Short Story." But it's Legg's renegade streak that we've really come to admire over the years, and his playfully irreverent side manifests on the Kottke-esque slide vehicle "The One-Eyed Turk, his countrified Albert Lee-meets-Joe Pass turn on "Jam Today" and his knucklebusting closer "Een Kleijne Komedye." Few possess the chops (and sense of humor) of this uncommon acoustic guitarist. more »

OMFO, We Are The Shepherds

2006 | Label: Essay Recordings / Zebralution

OMFO is space-age Russian disco music that somehow simultaneously sounds like it belongs in 1950 and 2050. The samples, melodies, and texture are all quaint, dusty things that wouldn't be out of place soundtracking a Soviet-era sci-fi film. But the mode of production (i.e., the fact that they're using samples at all) is pure 21st century. If Kraftwerk had been East German, consider this the Eastern European folk music that would've followed. “Shepherd Disco,” anyone? more »

Parijat, Buddha Garden

2004 | Label: New Earth

Buddha Garden features exquisite acoustic guitar and sitar playing by Parijat, a virtuoso from Germany who was deeply influenced by his travels to India. His music showcases his supple fretwork over the occasional sound of rushing water and atmospheric synth. But even though the music is light, it is not lightweight: Parijat is quite adept at composing songs that uplift, broaden and deepen, making the sum total both enervating yet calming. more »

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eMusic’s Best of 2011

By eMusic Editorial Staff

Want to get a snapshot of last year's best music? In our Best of 2011 radio station, you'll hear songs from the artists who provided our 2011 soundtrack. No matter what your taste -- indie rock, jazz, doom metal or avant-folk, you'll find it here in eMusic's Best of 2011 Radio. more »

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