Best Sequencer

Celebrated as the European electronic music community's premier ambassador, composer Jean Michel Jarre elevated the synthesizer to new peaks of popularity during the 1970s, in the process emerging as an international superstar renowned for his dazzling concert spectacles…

John Sherwood who is responsible for the Awakenings series of concerts in Leeds has put together another compilation for us (the first being 'Awakenings 2005') featuring both known and lesser known acts. Much of the music is exclusive to this set. The opener 'Maametalli' by Chaos Research certainly covers a lot of ground. Peaceful shimmering tones develop an oriental / classical feel then we move on to a melodic sequencer line. Overall the track is gently rhythmic with many a twist and turn. Modulator ESP donate 'Gynomatik', a slowly bubbling sequencer based number mixed with metallic tones. The first of the bigger names, Skin Mechanix, are represented by a live version of 'Dimension Jump'. The sequences and Arcish rhythm burst into life along with a bass beat. As with the studio version the foot is full down on the accelerator and its impossible to keep the body still but the live setting gives it more of a fun feel. The leads, if anything, have greater bite here than on the original.

French band formed in the 70's by guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Richard Pinhas (sometimes called the 'French Fripp'), synth player Patrick Gauthier, drummer François Auger and scores of other musicians dropping in and out over the course of six albums between '74 and '79. Their sound could best be described as a mixture of Frippian guitars with the cold, icy prog of KING CRIMSON and the hypnotic drones of CAN over a harsh, aggressive electronic background…