Gateway

Erik wollo (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 8, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Projekt Records
• ASIN: B003INBNN4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,638 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Stars End - Chuck van Zyl

On Gateway (70'16") Erik Wøllo continues to explore his musical imagination. Through many years of experience he has gained knowledge and a refined technique - and still seems excited about creating the vivid pieces that inhabit this album. In just a few seconds of this music one is transported to another plane. Bypassing verbal thought, connecting directly with the mind, his fluid lead melodies speak, as if in a voice, directly to the listener. Although closely associated with electronic sound, Wøllo uses guitar as the primary instrument in which to convey his message. Usually played through assorted effects, his lead lines are poignant, ethereal and elegant. The synthetic harmonies and melodies that fill out this majestic work are arranged with the skill of a seasoned composer. Gateway's more active pieces develop along a wonderful arc of crisp rhythms and layers of bounding sequencer patterns - which act to vivify the progression of Wøllo's tuneful lead lines flying above. When loosening structural plans, Wøllo also realizes compositions more in an ambient mode. Gentle and bittersweet, these beautiful slow moving sections possibly contain even more emotional content than the soaring hymns and exuberant fantasies found elsewhere on this CD. From stark simplicity to prog-influenced anthems Wøllo's spirit comes out in the precision and detail of his work - as it touches the best part of us.

Product Description

"Gateway is another great CD of heroic electronic orchestrations and meticulous guitar melodies from Erik Wollo, a Norwegian architect of atmosphere His music is pristine, but sears the air with its intensity." - John Diliberto, Echoes Radio.

Projekt is proud to announce the signing of noted Norwegian electronic / ambient guitarist, synthesist and composer Erik Wøllo. Since the mid-80s, Wøllo has released a string of mesmerizingly melodic and original albums culminating in Gateway, his 14th solo release. His recent collaboration with Steve Roach, Stream of Thought (Projekt, 2009), introduced a new audience to his personal signature of introspective atmospherics. Working over two years creating Gateway, Wøllo presents a fine-tuned collection of carefully crafted compositions; electro-symphonies morph through a wide variety of moods, guitar expositions and crescendos. With a minimalist's restrained elegance, Wøllo creates evocative passage through imaginary landscapes by blending dark and light elements. The resulting music is visual, kindling the feeling of nature inspired by the Nordic landscapes of Wøllo's homeland. These epic dimensions are reflected in the beautiful album cover images created by Polish artist Michal Karcz; dramatic, vast, and untouched landscapes symbolize purity and beauty.

Gateway is both lyrical and rhythmic, emphasizing melodic and structural formations; modern electronic music explores vast panoramas and limitless horizons. Graceful chiming themes ring out against ambient textures and delicate chord structures with a highly listenable appeal. It is a gentle musical journey through soundscapes of synthesizers and electric guitars. Orchestrated layers of sounds make this a deep listening experience where new details are discovered on each successive listening.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Erik Wollo is a genius!, June 16, 2011

By 

David A. Campbell (Springboro, OH United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway (Audio CD)

This is my first review on Amazon. I never felt moved to write a review before now.

I first learned about Erik Wollo on Music From the Hearts of Space - years ago. I rediscovered him a few years ago and I'm so glad I did. This entire collection is beautiful, soulful, relaxed and polished. I thought it was Space Music, but it really is something else that flows and carries you away. I love the way he works some of his stirring guitar into a couple of the songs.

I'm actually listening to this collection as I'm writing this. My favorite if I had to say might be First Arrival, but really, they are all great.

Thanks Erik Wollo - I hope you win some acclaim for this work of art!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Bit Of Relaxing, Ambient Music...., December 14, 2011

By 

Joe Mugsy "The Old Geezer" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway (Audio CD)

...if one has followed Mr. Wollo's career one can see how his recent collaborations with Steve Roach has influenced his music as of late. Nice ambient soundscapes but a little more melodic than Mr. Roach's compositions. A most enjoyable, relaxing cd.