Philip Clemo - Mesmer [CD]

'Mesmer' is composer/musician Philip Clemo's fifth album. His work draws from different traditions including jazz, classical, rock and electronica. In the mainstream and music press his work has been praised as "beautiful," "transcendent," "mesmerizing," "indefinable," "hypnotic," and "addictive." 'Mesmer' charts a deeply personal journey through significant life experiences and environments. It follows on from his critically acclaimed The Rooms (2008) and Ambiguous Dialogues (2004) and underlines his reputation as one of contemporary music's most innovative artists. 'Mesmer' could perhaps be described as a form of contemporary chamber music with improvisation, multi-level musical dialogue and sound design at its core. It began with piano improvisations recorded by Clemo and interpreted by pianist Kevin Pollard. The fifteen musicians who contributed to 'Mesmer' (including tuba player Oren Marshall, pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole and trumpeter Byron Wallen) then recorded 'blind' as Clemo gradually shaped the emerging pieces. Thomas Bloch (Radiohead, Damon Albarn) contributed ethereal tones on three extraordinary instruments: the glass harmonica, ondes Martenot and cristal Baschet. And for the first time Clemo added his own voice, often in multi-part harmonies. As with 'The Rooms', most of the sessions were recorded by legendary sound engineer Phill Brown, who has worked with Hendrix, Bob Marley, Talk Talk, Dido and many others. Clemo sees his teamwork with Brown as crucial: in building powerful creative environments and capturing a high level of sonic detail in the sessions. "Mesmeric and completely addictive." -The Wire "Startlingly original." -The Observer