http://www.freejazzblog.org/2010/07/steve-hubback-ad-
peijnenburg-arrows-fmr.html
Recreator - "Solar Sahara"
(FMR Records 2000, FMRCD79-0601)
From Aural Innovations #20 (July 2002)
A trio led by bronze and blacksmithing, wind-and-metal
musician Steve Hubback, Recreator is virtually
unclassifiable, save that elements of contemporary jazz,
electronica and tonalities of the far east are anchoring
elements on this disk. Because Hubback is also a sculpture
who creates many of his own percussion instruments, to wit:
hammer and bowed steel harps, various gongs, many of which
look like no instruments this reviewer has ever seen,
incorporating sword-and-sorcery motifs like dragons’ wings
and heraldic polygonal shields, Recreator’s music is
informed by these influences.
Read more
http://www.freejazzblog.org/2010/07/steve-hubback-ad-
peijnenburg-arrows-fmr.html
Recreator - "Solar Sahara"
(FMR Records 2000, FMRCD79-0601)
From Aural Innovations #20 (July 2002)
A trio led by bronze and blacksmithing, wind-and-metal
musician Steve Hubback, Recreator is virtually
unclassifiable, save that elements of contemporary jazz,
electronica and tonalities of the far east are anchoring
elements on this disk. Because Hubback is also a sculpture
who creates many of his own percussion instruments, to wit:
hammer and bowed steel harps, various gongs, many of which
look like no instruments this reviewer has ever seen,
incorporating sword-and-sorcery motifs like dragons’ wings
and heraldic polygonal shields, Recreator’s music is
informed by these influences.
The opening track "Ancestral Space" is anchored by wind
chimes and Nick le Beat’s sound sculptures, with the
inspired sax noodling of Nick le Beat, takes the listener in
a kind of pseudo eastern meditative space. "Beyond Fire" is
lead by le Beat, this time his synths echoing Hubback’s
improvised metal percussion grooves, while Le Beat’s sax
lends jazz in the final third of the epic twelve minute
tune. "Earth Links" has an easy, meditative new age vibe.
"Gate Keeper" ups the ante by injecting a note of electronic
menace and urgency — perhaps even troll-like energy in the
background, while the opening sax sounds are reminiscent of
the jazzy break at the end of Yes’s song "Then" from the
album "Time and a Word". Then the percussion kicks in and
we’re heading for Tantric heaven. "Listening Stone" is a
gentle transitional piece and the final (title cut) again
showcases Hubback’s fascinating soundscape, courtesy of his
collection of gongs and metallic harps, with a throbbing,
yet gentle percussive thrust. Le Beat’s flute adds an air of
mystery, entrancing the listener.
Solar Sahara is strongest in its opening shots and closing
salvos — Hubback is clearly the conceptual captain of the
team. May he lead them deeper into the far ranges of his
imagination!
For more information you can visit the FMR Records web site
at: http://www.fmr-records.com.
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