The Up Escalator

The Detroit Escalator Co. is the project of Detroit native Neil Ollivierra. Long before he released his first album in 1996 he was part of that city's early techno scene, often hovering in the background including a stint as manager of Derrick May's iconic label Transmat which released a string of definitive club techno records in the late 80's and 90's. Both Soundtrack 313 (1996) and Black Buildings (2000) are quietly stunning works of gorgeous, haunting ambient techno. Although sparse, Ollivierra's music has great depth. Some of the clean, glistening melody lines hook you straight away, others only start to sink in with repeated listens…

It's possible to find through-lines of the new romantic strain of pop throughout this Bill Nelson release, with washes of synthesizer and dance-of-electrocution rhythms going on all over the place, but the true fascination is the mix of a post-ironic tone and a cultured sensitivity to art and beauty. While Nelson puts his guitar chops on display periodically through the album (much of it with E-bow in hand), this is far from being a guitar album - all of the disparate elements are too well-integrated for any to assume a point of focus. There is a sweetness and a lightness to a great deal of the work Nelson put into this album, and this makes it infinitely listenable. In some respects, this is also a record that will teach listeners everything they need to know about Bill Nelson - it touches on all aspects of what he does.

Carla Bley - The Very Big Carla Bley Band (1991) {ECM Records 847 942-2}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 337 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 126 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 12 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1991 WATT Works / ECM Records | WATT/23 / 847 942-2
Jazz / Post Bop / Experimental Big Band / Progressive Jazz / Piano

Five striking Bley compositions are featured here, including two extended works, 'United States' and 'All Fall Down'. The lasting impression is one of unusual voicings, adventurous soloists, unconventional arranging touches, and dissonant shadings. 'Delightfully quirky, chaotically dynamic, delicately impressionistic, buoyantly upbeat, and brashly bold.' - Downbeat