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South Burlington guitarist Ken Mahren recently released a CD
version of Silk Brocade, a collection of solo instrumentals
originally issued on cassette back in 1984. Although this set is
more than 20 years old, Mahren's talent is hardly dated.
Mahren describes the album as a "collection of new age, folk, jazz
and classical guitar influences." The groundbreaking acoustic guitar
work of the "Takoma Boys" -- of whom John Fahey, Leo Kottke and
Peter Lang are the most well known -- is an obvious reference point.
Open tunings and musical textures abound, but this project is more
than just a bad copy of a mid-period Windham Hill album. And unlike
other new age-y releases, contemporary or otherwise, the music on
Silk Brocade doesn't induce slumber.
The disc's 10 original compositions range from the lush tone poems,
such as the title track, to the 16th-note showers found on "Risky
Business" and "Forsythia Interlude." Mahren's unabashed use of
electronic gadgets not only adds color and character, but also helps
to set his work apart from other six-string searchers. It's rare to
hear an acoustic guitarist utilizing a flanger or phase shifter to
augment tone or increase sustain. While the effects don't detract
artistically, it's sometimes tough to hear the natural tone of his
guitar. Still, Mahren's good taste and technical excellence make the
combination work.
The artist explains that this re-release was inspired by requests
from friends who had worn out the original tapes. He also claims
that, after all these years, he stills plays guitar the same way. If
that's the case, here's to a CD release party! Robert
Resnick - VPR Vermont Public Radio
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Wonderful
Soundcape!
Truly beautiful and charming guitar soundscapes, tastefully
intertwined with synth pads and atmospheric sounds, this is at once
emotionally uplifting and musically interesting. Although the chord
structure is open and relatively simple, the mood created is serene
and all but superficial. The overall sound experience is
tremendously satisfying and works perfectly the way it is, but in my
opinion also lends itself to more complex arrangements with other
solo instruments and an orchestral arrangement. Especially if part
of a full length CD.
Overall, though, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable!
Reviewed by: Parichayaka from Salzburg, Austria
Great acoustic work...
Yeah I love your guitar sound, especially in the part where you've
inserted the reversed delay.
It's really beautiful, I love your song.
I think you really got, a great consciousness of mood, your track
it's what an ambient track it's supposed really to be: something
that make other trip into an ambient you've created.
And I wanna take it in my podcast, I really love
it...
Reviewed by: MacSrv from Italy, Italy
The Best acoustic
instrumental on Garageband
Inspiring...Makes me feel like getting my steel string out and
playing it again. I listened twice ,then played along on my
classical and I'm listening now as I review. Love the strong opening
on the E string... sets the mood wonderfully. Superlative playing.
wonderful arrangement. String dynamics are out of
sight love the way you slide into your progressions, pick work never
misses a note. Great dramatic pauses in tempo and chord work. Great
production values. What can I say this is the best acoustic
instrumental I've heard on Garageband. Stunning well done.
P.S. listened 5 times...still listening
Reviewed by: GreyDude from Canada
Delightful
This is a very full sounding recording and a deep and passionate
performance. The guitar is played delightfully and you have created
a deep wondering mood. This lovely and thoughtful music would be
great in a film.
Reviewed by: raysound from Aberdeen Scotland, United Kingdom
I enjoy the composition thoroughly.
It is insightful and complex. None of the underlying instruments dominates
the clearly important guitar. I hope the others who review this
piece give it the credit it deserves for that.
The highs of the crescendos here are their muddle. The guitar skills
are absolutely fantastic and matched by few others I have heard on
this site.
Reviewed by
mmattb
from Bellingham, Washington on 29Mar2006
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