First Light

First Light were a concoction of mid-70's jazz-rock, jazz-fusion and progressive rock with prominent and proficient interplay between the sax, electric piano and the electric guitar with the occasional moog lead similar to other Aussie bands Mackenzie Theory and Crossfire. Their music was predominantly instrumental. Their one and only album was privately released on the M.F.S. label, which had been based out of the Music Farm Studios in Coorabell, Northern NSW. First Light consisted of most notably, Ron Carpenter on drums and mellotron, who was the main composer for Australian prog-rock band Aleph, and drummed for AC/DC at one point in time. John Gray and Harry Freeman were also in the progressive rock band Aeon.

An ECM artist for his entire musical career, US guitarist Ralph Towner has built up a unique body of work in his recordings for the label. Central to his oeuvre are his solo albums, the first of which, Diary, was issued 50 years ago. At First Light extends this great tradition, drawing inspiration from a broad palette of music. “My solo recordings have always included my own compositions in which there are trace elements of the many composers and musicians that have attracted me,” writes Towner in a liner note, citing the influence of, among others, George Gershwin, John Coltrane, John Dowland and Bill Evans: “I feel that At First Light is a good example of shaping this expanse of influences into my personal music.” In addition to his own pieces, Towner also plays Hoagy Carmichael’s “Little Old Lady”, Jule Styne’s “Make Someone Happy” and the traditional tune “Danny Boy.” Recorded at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, Lugano, in February 2022, At First Light was produced by Manfred Eicher.