|
|
LEO ABRAHAMS : scene
memory
[Bleep 33]
'Scene Memory is a step in a completely different
direction, consisting of a series of contemporary textural studies
for the electric guitar.Moody and atmospheric; broodingly melancholic
yet melodic; radical but accessible, the album is the result of
Leo’s experiments with new ways of approaching the guitar.
The tracks were constructed by playing the instrument through chains
of laptop effects in real time, rather than manipulating the sounds
after the performance. Partially improvised, it contains no edits.
Therefore, an air of tension is maintained even throughout the most
static and bucolic pieces. The extraordinary variety of sounds makes
it hard to believe that they all come from the same instrument.
Remixes have been provided by Hans Joachim Roedelius (formerly of
Cluster), J Peter Schwalm, David Holmes and Jon Hopkins. These are
available to download from the Bip_Hop website.
The record’s mood is influenced by the composer Morton Feldman,
whose intent was to isolate what he called the Abstract Experience
– in Leo’s words “...this emotion we get from
art that can’t be categorised, a bit like melancholy in a
positive and beautiful sense. In that way I like music to be suggestive
of something, but to leave a lot to the
imagination.”
Some reviews of Honeytrap:
“Subtle, imaginative and intoxicatingly lovely”
(BBC)
“A stunning guitarist” (Songlines)
“Inspired” (Music Week)
“A work of undulating genius” (Guitarist)
“Pulls you into something so deep that it becomes an experience
rather than a sound”
(Gigwise)
“Touching and majestic. Recommended” (MusicOMH.com)
“Rides on an air of anxiety, keeping the listener enthralled”
(MishMash)
“Music to become familiar with and ultimately to cherish for
its unadorned beauty”
(Whisperin’ and Hollerin’)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Leo Abrahams (b. 1977) studied composition at the Royal Academy
of Music before
embarking on a career as a guitarist, arranger and producer. He
has enjoyed long-
standing associations with Brian Eno (appearing on several albums),
Ed Harcourt with
whom he has toured and recorded for 6 years, and film composer
David Holmes (Oceans
12 and the award-winning Code 46). He has also collaborated with
artists as diverse as
Rachid Taha, Paul Simon, Grace Jones, Nick Cave and Imogen Heap
among many others.
2005 saw the release of Leo’s debut album Honeytrap on the
independent UK label Just
Music. A collection of evocative, cinematic instrumentals blending
folk, ambient and ethnic
influences, the record was critically acclaimed and interest continues
to grow, aided by
innovative live shows and tracks being licensed to film and TV.
www.leoabrahams.com
|
|
|
how to order
