Tibor Szemzo': Snapshot From The Island

Hungarian “minimalist” instrumentalist/composer Tibor Szemzo is considered a genius by many although; his accomplishments as an artist are sometimes overshadowed by the likes of superstars, Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Snapshot From The Island was originally released by Leo Records in 1987 and thankfully, Leo has decided to reissue this gem on CD, which coincides with a brand new release titled, The Other Shore (see upcoming AAJ Dec ‘99 reviews) featuring compositions spanning 1992-1997. Snapshot From The Island is a wonderful excursion into ambient-electronic-acoustic dreamscapes which could also be considered an offshoot of what many call the “minimalist movement”.

The title track, “Snapshot From The Island” is a 24-minute tone poem featuring Szemzo performing on “computer drums” and flutes of various pitch. Here, Szemzo provides a soft rhythmic undercurrent to balance the somewhat ethereal and delightfully hypnotic motif as he also electronically emulates bird and animal sounds which magnifies the mood or imagery of a far away “Island” paradise. Szemzo is a true artist, a painter with a fertile imagination, as he invites the listener into his introspective world of thoughts and dreams.....Szemzo’s lush, yet subtle flute work evokes a surreal landscape on ”Water-Wonder”. On this piece, Szemzo pursues circular passages while also intelligently utilizing a dash of echo to enhance the aura of a magical or mystical place, which for all intents and purposes seems timeless or otherworldly. “Let’s Go Out And Dance” is a dream-laden piece, featuring Szemzo’s “cosmic” flute performances atop a soft pulse and Laszlo Hortobagyi’s synthesizer backwashes which conveys a sense of fulfillment or perhaps a scenario of – peaceful celebration. Again, Szemzo offers up more visions of paradise ..... which could very well have been a subtitle to this beautiful recording. The overall organic nature of Tibor Szemzo’s music makes it all seem so real or something that our imaginations can easily grasp. There are no hidden clues or underlying mysteries behind all of this as Szemzo’s artistry speaks for itself! A museum piece for the ears........* * * * ½

Web: Leo Records: www.atlas.co.uk/leorecords/

Web: Bahia Music: www.bahia.hu