BEGINNING TO MELT

(medium series 1)

jansen barbieri karn with various artists

Cat. No.MPCD1 RELEASE DATE 10.93

 

type:

info:

 

 

features:

 

vocal / instrumental

a compilation of collaborative works intended

as the first in a possible series of writing

collaborations

david torn, robby aceto, rob dean and suzanne

barbieri (indigo falls) with vocals by aceto, s.

barbieri


Reviews

Beginning To Melt is defiantly experimental in purely musical terms. Fluid, growling bass lines and swelling keyboards spar with Jansen's resonant percussion textures in songs and instrumentals which, however carefully layered on the multitrack, retain an improvisational air and a spontaneous beauty.
Music Technology

Beginning To Melt is the first release for Medium, a label which looks to draw it's roster from artists who live in the hinterlands where experimental rock, ambient and jazz collide. The title track is an 11 minute instrumental, gloriously stretched and spacious in it's architecture.
The Wire

Since Japan broke up all four members have left the pop arena and this latest release continues the trend. The esoteric nature of the music, exploring improvisational techniques and incorporating walls of sound with jazz-style rhythms, is a trait to be found on a lot of the members' previous works. Not always immediately accessible, most of the tracks tend to draw you in slowly, with complex sound layering and hooks that eventually stick and grow in force. Styles change enormously, from meandering, broody pieces to more conventional (dare I say?) pop. At almost 12 minutes in length, the first and title track 'Beginning To Melt' is a perfect example of the former. It builds steadily in rhythm and texture, with interest maintained by occasional analogue-synth lines. 'The Wilderness' and 'Human Age' are the most 'song-like' with vocals provided by guest artists Suzanne Barbieri and Robby Aceto. An impressive line-up on the album is completed by guitarist David Torn who has regularly worked with some of the ex-Japan members. With such a diverse and talented range of musicians, Beginning To Melt is music to be listened to at all levels.
Keyboard Magazine

So, is the ol' magic in evidence? Certainly. Though this is a compilation of sorts, even though the principles are involved in each track to varying degrees. Guitarist and tape loop enthusiast David Torn gets to cut a piece with each 'star'; 'The Orange Asylum' - mesmerising sort of astral travels in the night sky stuff with keyboardist Barbieri; 'March Of The Innocents' - a good vertigo-inducing groove with drummer Jansen (who, as on this track, is more likely to be found with keyboards and computer programming on this album); and the ghostly, atmospheric fog of 'Shipwrecks' - with virtuoso bassist Karn (who dusts off his bass clarinet, saxophone and keyboards for this haunting cut). Elsewhere Jansen helps out the delicately folky Oystercatchers and all pitch in for Robby Aceto (slightly Sylvian-like vocals, guitars) for the Japan-esque 'Human Age'. The best stuff is where the trio get to chill out by themselves; the 11 minute title track is a piece of gently rolling bliss, and for the slightly jazzy, funky 'Ego Dance' they are joined by original Japan guitarist Rob Dean. All in all, a very pleasant, often compelling aural experience.
On The Street, Australia


Credits

Beginning To Melt - S.Jansen | R.Barbieri | M.Karn - 11:50

  • Steve Jansen: Percussion / Electric Guitar / Keyboard Samples / Computer Programming
  • Richard Barbieri: Keyboards / Synthesisers / Programming
  • Mick Karn: Bass Guitar / Brass

The Wilderness - R.Barbieri | S.J.Barbieri - 4.45

  • Written and performed by The Oystercatchers
  • Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar
  • Steve Jansen: Additional Percussion

March Of The Innocents - S.Jansen | D.Torn - 4.09

  • David Torn: Electric Guitars
  • Steve Jansen: Keyboards / Percussion / Computer Programming

Human Age - R.Aceto | S.Jansen | R.Barbieri | M.Karn - 5.41

  • Robby Aceto: Vocals / Electric & Acoustic Guitars
  • Steve Jansen: Drums / Percussion / Computer Programming
  • Richard Barbieri: Keyboards / Synthesisers / Programming
  • Mick Karn: Bass Guitar

Shipwrecks - D.Torn | M.Karn - 6.21

  • David Torn: Guitar / Harmonica Loops
  • Mick Karn: Bass Guitar / Bass Clarinet / Saxophone / Keyboards

Ego Dance - S.Jansen | M.Karn - 7.39

  • Steve Jansen: Drums / Percussion / Keyboards / Additional Guitar / Computer Programming
  • Mick Karn: Bass Guitar / Saxophone
  • Rob Dean: Electric Guitar
  • Richard Barbieri: Keyboard Programming

The Orange Asylum - D.Torn | R.Barbieri - 6.11

  • David Torn: Guitar Loops
  • Richard Barbieri: Synthesiser Treatments & Tapes
 
Produced by Jansen | Barbieri | Karn

H O M E P A G E
C A T A L O G U E