Tibor Szemzo: Snapshot from the Island

Robert Spencer

CD/DVD Reviewer since 1997

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Published: December 1, 1999

Tibor Szemzo is a minimalist who specializes here in "Snapshot from the Island" in the small sounds of serenity and peace. The music seems to be credited to flute and synthesizer, but it often sounds almost vocal, in an ethereal, ancient, Gregorian Chant fashion. There is a good deal of sustaining of notes, reverb, echo, gradual building and dying away of volume. This track ever so gradually builds in momentum, and the flute becomes clearer, whirling and whirling in space . . . and the trance is thoroughly established.

The other trance-states are called "Water-Wonder" and "Let's go out and dance." The latter is ironically titled, unless the kind of dancing Tibor has in mind is something quite original, but a cloudy kind of rhythm is ultimately established. The breathing on this track recalls Disco Donna Summer's orgasmic recordings and the kind of ethereal, Gregorian-Chant inspired dance music that was popular a few years ago - although both of those had disco drum machines behind them, while this music just floats. So if you are prepared to float, don't miss a chance to grab this.

Personnel:

Tibor Szemzo, fl, drum computer, sound installation; L

Record Label: Leo Records
Style: Modern Jazz