Terry Riley - A Rainbow in Curved Air - Full CD (1969')

Terry Riley - A Rainbow in Curved Air - Full CD

https://www.bitchute.com/hashtag/MUSICAEXOTICA/

1. A Rainbow in Curved Air - 00:00
2. Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band - 18:46

Terry Riley is a legendary figure in multiple genres, including Electronic, New Age, Ambient and Contemporary Classical Music. Originally studying in classical conservatories, then studying Indian composition and connecting with contemporary minimalist composers like LaMonte Young, Riley was one of the original keyboardists who experimented with electronic, non-acoustic sounds given by rudimental synthesizers and electric keyboards already present at the time, including harpsichords and organs. One of his first compositions, “In C”, was written by him and introduced the world his concept of serialist, minimalist music with a core melodic foundation and progressive variations in harmony and pitch as its duration goes on. Riley had released a handful of albums before this one, but 1969’s A Rainbow in Curved Air is when he started to get more recognition in musical circles.

The title track is an example of his composition style pretty much like “In C”: it’s based over a single A drone repeated during its course over which there are overdubs of virtuoso, hyperspeed arpeggios, whirlwind sounds, bright and noisy arrangements so loud that threaten to crush the whole mix with their violent dynamics. The ensuing chords are structured exclusively through modal figures, particularly the Mixolydian, and after the sixth minute the compositions has a drop of dynamics that gives way to tempo changes and ensuing percussion that resembles a typewriting machine. “Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band” features saxophone tracks manipulated through tape loops, spectral keyboard drones and dual, mystic harmonies inspired by Free Jazz, John Coltrane in particular.

A Rainbow in Curved Air, like many contemporary Raga Rock/Indian Classical releases, achieves bizarre, uplifting moods through the use of ambiguous cascades of notes and freeform structure devoid of strict rhythm and melodic writing. To be really honest, after a while the second track turns out a bit too much repetitive, but overall the album is an interesting artifact for Progressive Rock enthusiasts, and of vital importance regarding future electronic music.