Robert Rich

Robert Rich. You may not have heard of him but those that have know that this California composer/musician is at or near the very peak of the list of "as good as it gets" artists.

His discography extends from 1982 to 2019 (and counting...). There are many adjectives that could be applied to his recordings, ambient, experimental, world and on and on. What you have to do is listen to his music on as good a sound system as you can get your hands on and kick up your feet. There's no need to say much more. If you need more information about Robert Rich just cruise over to wikipedia or better yet visit robertrich.com.

Below is an edit of "Ibn Sina" an outstanding track from his "Seven Veils" album.


 Listen to an excerpt from "Ibn Sina" by Robert Rich

Rain Tree Crow

Rain Tree Crow. The one-off project of former Japan members David Sylvian, Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn is arguably one of the most astonishing works ever produced in the genre of popular music. Recording begain in 1989 and the finished work was released on the 8th of April 1991.

What makes this work even more a amazing is the fact that this is largely improvised. In the approximately 8 years since last playing together as a group, these artists had each flowered into incredible writers and performers in their own right. In fact after Rain Tree Crow, each have compiled their own discographies worthy of separate discussions.  

The original intent of the project was to have it be long term, a plan which was eventually abandoned unfortunately. It would have been great to have additional Rain Tree Crow output but indirectly we do have that by way of subsequent work from each member due to regular collaboration among them. 

There's not much that needs to be said about the individual members other than if you're not already familiar with their output you should be. You are advised to begin your JBKS journey immediately.

Arve Henriksen

Arve Henriksen is a multi award winning trumpeter from Norway who has collaborated with many of the most outstanding scandinavian musicians as well as David Sylvian.

His sound is very flute-like and much of his work has been very experimental in nature such as his work with Terje Isungset on Glass and Ice Music (see below).

His work with David Sylvian includes "Before and Afterlife" from the Cartography album an exceptional piece with both a studio and live version.

Another recommended listen is "Hambopolskavalsen" from The Nature of Connections album and is a composition by Gjermund Larsen. Two more tracks which would be recommended to introduce Arve Henriksen to the newcomer would be "Lament" from the Places of Worship album and "Migration" from Cartography. If you love bass in your music you'll absolutely drown in the sub-bass of "Migration". Simply awesome!

Listen to an excerpt from "Hambopolskavalsen" by Arve Henriksen



Ice:


Glass: