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Ray Russell: Fluid Architecture
BySeveral tracks go into fusion territory; "Turn Right At Ventura," "Endure" (which includes an especially catchy head) and "Six InSix Out" all feature powerhouse drummer Simon Phillips, a longtime collaborator. There is a similar group dynamic on "We Go Back a Short Way" and "A Room Within A Room." All of these tunes show off Russell's virtuosity; he is a bonafide British guitar hero. In addition to an especially psychedelic guitar solo, "Turn Right At Ventura" features a Chris Biscoe tenor clarinet solo and a thoughtful drum solo from Phillips.
Russell also plays some solo selections that are more reflective. "Moon Dog" finds him playing lyrical Stratocaster lines, while "The Conversation" turns a literal conversation with the late Jimi Hendrix into a spacious soundscape. "One For Geoff" is a delicate solo guitar elegy for Russell's old friend Geoff Castle.
Fluid Architecture is Russell's description of the process of musical performance: "The musicians that helped interpret the many 'moments' and helped the music 'become' are as important as the composition ... for what they play is fluid architecture." A lovely description of the creation of a remarkable album.
Track Listing
Escaping The Six String Cage; Turn Right At Ventura; Moon Dog; Endure; We Go Back a Short Way; The Conversation; One For Geoff; Six In – Six Out; A Room Within A Room.
Personnel
Ray Russell
guitar, electricEric Baldwin
synthesizerGeorge Baldwin
bassChris Biscoe
saxophoneMo Foster
bassNic France
drumsSimon Phillips
drumsRalph Salmins
drumsJim Watson
keyboardsAdditional Instrumentation
Eric Baldwin: found sounds, sequential creativity (1); George Baldwin: bass, Chapman Stick (2,5,8); Chris Biscoe: tenor clarinet, soprano saxophone (2,8,9).
Album information
Title: Fluid Architecture | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
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About Ray Russell
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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