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  | ZYKLUS ~ VIRTUAL REALTIES
AMP 017 ~ UK ~ Jazz-Ambient Fusion
Recorded: 1989 - 1991 Released: 1991
This is the only album by British Ambient Jazz quartet ZyklusFind albums by this artist, formed by keyboardist / electronic music composer John L. WaltersFind albums by this artist and keyboardist / composer Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, which also included trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and guitarist / drummer Warren GrevesonFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by the quartet members and one is a re-composition of Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist’s “Round Midnight”, which is among the most touching renditions of the tune I have ever heard.
This album is one of the most obscure and forgotten British Jazz gems, and is the last recording by Ardley, before he made a career change to become a prolific writer. The music is a pioneering amalgam of Jazz and electronic music, which at the time of its recording was pretty unprecedented. The music includes an arrangement of a fragment of Ardley’s “Kaleidoscope Of RainbowsFind albums with this title” and its general ambience is quite similar to his famous works.
Although Carr did nor compose any music on this album, his brilliant trumpet parts are definitely one of the highlights and his incredible talent to use dynamic in favor of the required effect to suit the music is clearly evident herein. Since he plays the only acoustic instrument, he is in charge of the electro-acoustic balance, which this music is all about. Carr’s enthusiasts might find his playing on this album as some of his most beautiful work ever.
Overall this highly original and unusual album is a gem worth to be discovered, which offers innovative approach to create Ambient Jazz without crossing over to synthesized kitsch, and which kept its aesthetic and Artistic values completely untouched by time.
Probably not easy to find a copy but definitely worth every effort, this album is a must in every comprehensive British Jazz collection.
| | Updated: 01/08/2021Posted: 01/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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