Customer Reviews

Gaudi

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great CD from Rich. Track 5, Harmonic Cluds is the greatest - it should be re-done as a 60 minute piece for complete relaxation.

I've listened to electronic, tribal and world music for many many years. I have many of Robert Rich's albums in my collection. This particular album has always seemed to be my favorite for some reason, and still remains so today. Some call what he does dark, or even sinister sounding. I have always found it very mind opening....which of course naturally makes some people feel uncomfortable in itself. All I can say is check out this particular album, it truly grows on you over time slowly.

Robert Rich is an acquired taste. His music can be as erie and unsettleing as serene, with mixed results. "Gaudi" has the spellbinding, ( Sagrada Familia, Air, Harmonic Cloud ) the dull, ( Tracery, Spiral Steps, Mosaic ) and the truly creepy (Serpent). "Minaret" would've made a perfect sleep-therapy piece if it wasn't so damn short. Anyway, the album, like the rest of Rich's work, is uneven. The good being good, the weak weaker. He seems to improveing as he ages. ( Like wine, yes? ) If you find it used, it may be worth it.

Brimming with that early signature Robert Rich sound this innocent CD is a pleasant listenable project. The first four tracks are unimpressive "new age" tunes. But take note of tracks 567: ambient "seeds" that would germinate and grow into deep rooted denizens of disturbing ambient sound murals on subsequent projects (ie: Below Zero & A Troubled Resting Place). Rich employs intonation tuning ratios in his music. An interesting element which he uses without overproduction. His inspiration for this CD came from the abstract flux architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Yet one does not appreciate that spontaneous feel in these compositions. Instead this CD is conscious and regulated. He brought alot of experience to the keyboards even at this early stage in his career, but it wasn't until later that he would immerse us in his lucid dreaming states. Nonetheless Rich did capture a certain sublime emotion in his Gaudi CD.

This is a great CD from Rich. Track 5, Harmonic Cluds is the greatest - it should be re-done as a 60 minute piece for complete relaxation.