Essence/Universe by Laraaji

Reissue of a rare 1987 album recorded for the Audion label. Consisting of two epic half hour pieces, Essence/Universe is Laraaji at his most immersive and exploratory. Heavenly tone clusters that stretch out into infinity and recall Popul Vuh’s soundtracks for Werner Herzog. Floating, dream-like music to lose yourself in.

Laraaji is a musician, mystic and laughter meditation practitioner based in New York City. He began playing music on the streets in the 1970s, improvising experimental jams on a modified autoharp processed through various electronic effects. He has since released albums for a variety of labels, often recording himself at home and selling the results as cassettes during his street performances.