Despite the rain lately, the colors outside have been steadily changing to a stirring mixture of reds, yellows, and orange. While the temperature cools, the earth’s visual aesthetic warms nicely. In light of this warmth, I recorded a new track titled “Warm Colors” that will be present on the 30-minute cassette due out from Norse label Gold Soundz. The piece is 2 layers—one is a field recording gathered in mid-October, taken in Sheboygan, and the second layer is a single-take guitar-exploration, using my new LoopStation pedal, a Dunlop Crybaby, and an electric guitar.
I hope to soon have a fully-functional mp3 player that I can use not only on the blog but also on the entire site, but until then, you can check out a sample of the new track here:
http://www.myspace.com/blackeaglechild
During a brief period in which I had plenty of time to aimlessly peruse the stock in Mimaroglu Music Sales, I stumbled upon a trove of recently re-issued experimental works from the 1970s, originally released on the Italian label Cramps Records. Apparently Cramps, with the help of the German label Edel. Among the re-issues are albums from artists like John Cage, David Tudor, and Giusto Pio. Tons of great weirdo releases, to be sure.
Anyhow, after sampling some of the sounds from all of these, I no doubt found a few gems, but specifically I set my heart upon this one by Paolo Castaldi, mysteriously titled Finale. I say ‘mysteriously’ because after scouring the web (alas, what a lazy researcher I am!), I’ve been unable to find any other recorded works that would indicate any kind of prelude to this finale. The album is comprised of four parts, all built from a common theme and expanded individually into various directions. The music is solo piano, primarily upbeat and uptempo, and there are points at which I find sheer ecstasy in listening. Castaldi makes a point to remain experimental with his composition—at times even designing the pieces to sound like the pianist is mistakenly pausing to regain composure or find his place.
I have a certain love for solo piano music, but there are a lot of variables that can serve to elevate or diminish that love. In this case, Castaldi’s compositions, performed by Giancarlo Cardini, are captured in such a way as to preserve the natural warmth that I envision as part of the general atmosphere surrounding these artists during the time of recording. I feel like piano works can often sound too polished or cheesy, projecting a kind of cold quality, but this is one of those that I can put on, turn my back to the stereo, and I feel as though the performer is there with me in the room. Excellent composition, excellent recording quality, and a real gem in the extensive history of minimalism and avant-garde flowing forward from Italy.
If anyone reading this, by some miracle, has any information about further Castaldi recordings, please contact me. I would be so grateful to hear more stuff from the man.
Here’s a sample…the first track of the CD.
Paolo Castaldi: “Finale”
Cramps Records, Edel Records (1975, 2004)
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